Postdoctoral Research Associate

Indianapolis Zoo; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking team at an esteemed zoo as a Postdoctoral Research Associate. This role offers a unique chance to conduct cognitive studies with great apes, focusing on memory and decision-making through innovative, non-invasive methods. Collaborate with dedicated professionals, contribute to public education, and publish your findings to advance scientific knowledge. Enjoy a fulfilling career that not only enhances animal welfare but also supports global conservation efforts. With excellent benefits and a commitment to your professional growth, this opportunity is perfect for passionate researchers eager to make a real-world impact.

Benefits

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Short-Term Disability

403(b) Retirement Plan

Generous Paid Time Off

Immediate Paid Holidays

Complimentary Zoo Membership

Reciprocal Benefits

Qualifications

• PhD in a related field required by start date.
• Experience in behavioral or cognitive research preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct behavioral studies on great apes using touchscreen tasks.
• Publish research findings and present at scientific conferences.

Skills

Behavioral Research

Cognitive Research

Statistical Analysis (R, SPSS)

Scientific Writing

Collaboration Skills

Grant Writing

Education

PhD in Psychology

PhD in Anthropology

PhD in Biology

PhD in Zoology

Tools

R

SPSS

Job description

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Indianapolis Zoo

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Employment Type: Full-time (40 hours/week), 1-year term with potential for extension

TheIndianapolis Zoois seeking a highly motivatedPostdoctoral Research Associateto join our forward-thinking Scientific Research team. This is a rare opportunity to conduct cognitive studies with up to21 chimpanzees and 12 orangutansin a zoo setting, usingvoluntary, non-invasive, enrichment-based methodsthat benefit both animals and our visitors.

The Indianapolis Zoo features state-of-the-art facilities for enriching cognitive studies with great apes. This includes a dedicated Learning Studio with touchscreen equipment visited daily by multiple apes at the Simon Skjodt International Orangutan Center, and the newly built Harlan-Shriver Families Chimpanzee Cognition Center, which features multiple touchscreen stations, enabling groups of chimpanzees to simultaneously engage in computerized tasks.

As a Postdoctoral Research Associate, you'll help to design, manage, and conduct studies on great ape cognition, collaborate with a passionate team of zookeepers and veterinarians, contribute to public education, and publish findings in peer-reviewed journals. Your work will play a vital role in expanding scientific knowledge while advancing The Indianapolis Zoo's mission to protect nature and inspire people to care for our world.

What You'll Do:

· Conduct behavioral studies with a focus on daily touchscreen tasks that examine memory, decision-making, and social learning in great apes.

· Collect, analyze, and manage behavioral and cognitive data.

· Publish research findings and present at scientific conferences.

· Collaborate with animal care teams to ensure ethical research and enrichment alignment.

· Support educational outreach and conservation messaging.

· Assist with grant proposals and departmental projects as assigned.

What We're Looking For:

· A PhD in psychology, anthropology, biology, zoology, or a related field (must be completed by start date).

· Experience conducting behavioral or cognitive research-preferably with primates.

· Proficiency in statistical tools such as R or SPSS.

· Excellent scientific writing and presentation skills.

· Strong collaboration skills and a commitment to animal welfare.

· Familiarity with non-invasive research and ethical standards (e.g., IACUC).

· Experience in grant writing is a plus.

Working Conditions:

· Full-time, 40 hours per week.

· Must be able to work in a zoo environment and follow safety protocols including those related to biohazard exposure.

Why Join Us?

At the Indianapolis Zoo, you'll be part of a team dedicated to scientific excellence and real-world impact. Our research not only enhances animal welfare but also fuels public understanding and global conservation efforts.

Work for the wildest employer in Indianapolis! Some perks include: Medical (Health Savings Account with employer contribution included), Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability paid through the Zoo for eligible employees; 403(b) Retirement Plan, generous Paid Time Off (PTO), Immediate Paid Holidays, complimentary Zoo Membership, Reciprocal Benefits to other local institutions, and many, many more!

Indianapolis Zoo
1200 West Washington Street
Indianapolis, IN 46222
Phone: [phone]

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