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Animal Cognition Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Massgeneralbrigham

Research Assistant 1

Belmont, MA · On-site

$21.53 - $29.08/hr

... cognition; c) physiological assays to determine how drugs and/or environmental stressors alter ... of animal care and husbandry. Bachelor's degree in behavioral neuroscience, pharmacology ...

Janelia Research Campus

... research team. The Sarvestani lab focuses on identifying fundamental mechanism by which visual and ... Our work is deeply engaged with theories of embodied cognition that consider the body as an ...

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How much do animal cognition research jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal cognition research in the United States is $22.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $23.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Animal Cognition Research vs Animal Behavior Specialist?

AspectAnimal Cognition ResearchAnimal Behavior Specialist
Required CredentialsMaster's or PhD in Psychology, Neuroscience, or Animal ScienceBachelor's or Master's in Animal Science, Biology, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, field studiesZoological parks, wildlife centers, consulting firms
Industry UsageAcademic research, scientific publicationsWildlife management, conservation, animal training
Common Search IntentResearch methods, cognitive testing, scientific studiesBehavior modification, training techniques, animal welfare

Animal Cognition Research focuses on understanding the mental processes of animals through scientific studies, often in academic settings. In contrast, Animal Behavior Specialists apply knowledge to manage, train, or improve animal welfare in practical environments. While both roles require a background in animal sciences, their work environments and objectives differ significantly.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in animal cognition research?

Professionals in animal cognition research often encounter challenges such as designing experiments that accurately measure cognitive abilities without introducing bias or anthropomorphism. Securing adequate funding and access to suitable research subjects can also be difficult, especially for studies involving rare or protected species. Additionally, researchers must navigate ethical considerations and ensure that all studies comply with animal welfare regulations. Collaboration with veterinarians, animal caretakers, and interdisciplinary teams is essential for successful research outcomes.

What is animal cognition research?

Animal cognition research is the scientific study of the mental capacities and processes of non-human animals. Researchers in this field investigate how animals perceive, think, learn, and solve problems, often using experiments and observational studies. The goal is to understand the nature and evolution of intelligence, memory, communication, and decision-making across different species. This research helps us better appreciate animal behavior and can inform conservation, animal welfare, and our understanding of the human mind.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animal cognition researcher?

To thrive as an Animal Cognition Researcher, you need a strong background in animal behavior, psychology, and scientific research methods, usually supported by an advanced degree in biology, psychology, or a related field. Experience with statistical analysis software, laboratory equipment, and sometimes behavioral coding tools is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for designing experiments and sharing findings. These skills ensure accurate data collection, insightful analysis, and impactful contributions to the understanding of animal cognition.
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What job categories do people searching Animal Cognition Research jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Cognition Research jobs are:
Animal Cognition Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Cognition Research job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,222 per year, or $22.2 per hour.

Postdoctoral Fellowship in Comparative Cognition

Villanova University

Villanova, PA • On-site

$62K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Villanova University rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

310th of 618 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Posting Details
Do you have questions about the application process? If so, please refer to the Applicant FAQ's.
Posting Details (Default Section)
Posting Number:
20260008F
Position Title:
Postdoctoral Fellowship in Comparative Cognition
Position Type:
Faculty
Location:
Villanova, PA
Recruitment Type:
Internal/External Applicants
Work Schedule:
full-time/12-months
Department:
143-Psychological and Brain Sciences
Position Summary:
Villanova University invites applications for a Mendel Science Experience Postdoctoral Fellowship within the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, in the area of comparative cognition/animal behavior. The position has a starting date of August 2026. Review of applications will begin at the begin March 16, 2026, and the search will remain open until the position is filled.
The Fellow position is 50:50 research and teaching and is designed to foster the professional development of recent Ph.D. recipients on a career path leading to faculty positions. The Fellow will conduct research in collaboration with a faculty mentor, work with graduate students, supervise undergraduate research assistants, and gain formal teaching experience. The appointment is for two years, with a third year possible by mutual agreement between the fellow and faculty mentor
Villanova is a Catholic university sponsored by the Augustinian Order. The University is an equal opportunity employer and seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to the University's mission and values.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The Fellow will conduct research in collaboration with the faculty mentor (Dr. Suzanne Gray) and will work with graduate students and supervise undergraduate students in the lab. The Fellow will also have opportunities to participate in ongoing interdisciplinary collaborative projects across a range of topics. The Fellow will also be provided with a research budget ($4,000/year) to supplement resources available in the lab and the Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences.
The Mendel Science Fellows program is designed to advance the professional development of recent Ph.D. recipients on a trajectory leading to faculty positions and to enhance the College's teaching of science to non-science majors through the Mendel Science Experience program. The Fellow will teach a laboratory science course for non-science-majors on "Animal Minds" and develop undergraduate courses in psychological science and/or animal cognition and behavior.
Minimum Qualifications:
Ph.D. in Psychology, Anthropology, Ethology, Zoology, or a related field is required. Applicants who are ABD are welcome to apply but must complete the Ph.D. prior to August 2026.
Preferred Qualifications:
Applicants with expertise in non-human animal cognition and behavior (especially with avian models) will be particularly well suited for this position. We are especially interested in candidates with experience in examining cognition and behavior in the field or zoological settings. Previous teaching experience preferred.
Physical Requirements and/or Unusual Work Hours:
Special Message to Applicants:
Materials required:
1. Cover letter that includes a statement of career goals
2. Curriculum vitae
3. A research statement that summarizes the applicant's current work, future plans, and potential for collaboration with faculty mentor
4. A teaching statement that summarizes the applicant's teaching and mentoring experience and general approach to teaching
5. Two sample publications
6. Two letters of recommendation
Posting Date:
01/30/2026
Closing Date (11:59pm ET):
Salary Posting Information:
$62,500 for 12-months
Salary Band:
Job Classification:
faculty

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About Villanova University

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Villanova University, located in Villanova, Pennsylvania, United States, operates within the higher education industry. Its establishment traces back to 1842 by the Augustinians, a Catholic religious order. The university offers a wide range of academic programs in various disciplines, including Liberal Arts and Sciences, Engineering, Nursing, Business, and Law, serving over 10,000 undergraduate, graduate, and law students. Guided by its Augustinian Catholic intellectual tradition, it is committed to community service, and it seeks to cultivate knowledgeable, thoughtful, and ethical leaders. The university’s mission is to empower students to ignite change, with a vision for a just and peaceful world.

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