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Animal Cognition Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Columbus Humane

Animal Behavior Associate

Hilliard, OH · On-site

$22/hr

High school diploma or equivalent required, BS/BA in animal-related field, behavior/cognition preferred. * 2+ years working with animals in a professional capacity, 2+ years working in an animal ...

Columbus Humane

Animal Behavior Associate

Hilliard, OH · On-site

$22/hr

High school diploma or equivalent required, BS/BA in animal-related field, behavior/cognition preferred. * 2+ years working with animals in a professional capacity, 2+ years working in an animal ...

Columbus Humane

Animal Behavior Associate

Hilliard, OH · On-site

High school diploma or equivalent required, BS/BA in animal-related field, behavior/cognition preferred. * 2+ years working with animals in a professional capacity, 2+ years working in an animal ...

Heartshare

Canine Handler

Queens, NY · On-site

$24.72 - $27.47/hr

... cognition, social functioning, personal growth etc. Primary Responsibilities and Essential Functions of Position: Have training specific to animal-assisted intervention on topics including, but not ...

Heartshare

Canine Handler

Brooklyn, NY · On-site

$24.72 - $27.47/hr

... cognition, social functioning, personal growth etc. Primary Responsibilities and Essential Functions of Position: Have training specific to animal-assisted intervention on topics including, but not ...

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How much do animal cognition jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal cognition in the United States is $17.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.70 and $19.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an animal cognition?

An Animal Cognition job involves studying the mental capabilities of animals, including their learning, memory, problem-solving, and communication skills. Professionals in this field may work in academic research, animal behavior consulting, conservation, or artificial intelligence by comparing human and animal cognition. They often conduct experiments, analyze data, and publish findings to advance our understanding of animal minds. Roles can be found in universities, zoos, research institutions, and government agencies.

What does an animal cognition do?

Professionals in Animal Cognition typically spend their days designing and conducting experiments, observing animal behavior, and collecting or analyzing data both in laboratory and field settings. They often collaborate closely with veterinarians, animal caretakers, and other researchers to ensure ethical study practices and accurate results. Administrative duties like writing research papers, applying for grants, and presenting findings at conferences are also common. This role frequently requires adaptability and teamwork, as priorities may shift with new research developments or project needs.

What skills and qualifications are needed for animal cognition?

To thrive in Animal Cognition research, you need a strong background in psychology, biology, or neuroscience, often supported by an advanced degree (e.g., MSc or PhD). Experience with behavioral data analysis software, neuroimaging tools, and relevant laboratory techniques is typically required. Strong observational skills, analytical thinking, patience, and effective communication are key soft skills in this field. These abilities are crucial for conducting complex experiments, interpreting animal behavior, and collaborating with multidisciplinary research teams.

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What states have the most Animal Cognition jobs?

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animal cognition jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Cognition job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,796 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

Postdoctoral Fellowship in Comparative Cognition

Villanova University

Villanova, PA • On-site

$62K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Villanova University rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

313th of 620 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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Villanova, PA, US

Year founded

1842

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