Postdoctoral Research Associate

Indianapolis Zoo; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The Indianapolis Zoo is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to conduct cognitive studies with great apes using non-invasive methods. This role involves designing and managing research, collaborating with animal care teams, and contributing to public education and scientific publications.

Qualifications

• Experience conducting behavioral or cognitive research-preferably with primates.
• Familiarity with non-invasive research and ethical standards (e.g., IACUC).

Responsibilities

• Conduct behavioral studies with a focus on touchscreen tasks.
• Collect, analyze, and manage behavioral and cognitive data.
• Publish research findings and present at scientific conferences.

Skills

Statistical tools

Scientific writing

Collaboration

Education

PhD in psychology, anthropology, biology, zoology

Tools

R

SPSS

Job description

1 week ago Be among the first 25 applicants

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

The Indianapolis Zoo is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join our forward-thinking Scientific Research team. This is a rare opportunity to conduct cognitive studies with up to 21 chimpanzees and 12 orangutans in a zoo setting, using voluntary, non-invasive, enrichment-based methods that 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.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Internship

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Research, Analyst, and Information Technology

• Industries

  Museums, Historical Sites, and Zoos

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