Research Specialist

The Cognitive Origins Lab headed by Dr. Stephen Ferrigno at the University of Wisconsin, Madison is now accepting applications for a full-time research specialist for non-invasive primate cognitive and child development research beginning June 2026. The initial term of this appointment is 2 years, with the possibility of being extended.

The goal of our lab is to understand the evolutionary and developmental origins of human and non-human cognition. The laboratory tests the cognitive abilities (e.g., number representations, logical reasoning abilities, sequencing/grammar, and metacognition) of rhesus macaques, children, and adults. We will also be running studies looking at the cognitive developmental trajectory of infant and juvenile monkeys and human children. The broad goal of our lab is to understand the evolutionary and developmental origins of human and non-human cognition.

The duties of this job entail developing, designing, and conducting multiple research projects and organizing daily operation of projects to ensure work meets established objectives under moderate supervision, including:

-Training rhesus macaques on a variety of cognitive tasks with minimal supervision.

-Conducting cognitive testing with children in-lab and at the local children's museum. Leads participant recruitment efforts.

-Providing supervision and training to undergraduate team members

In addition to administrative and testing duties (computerized and real object cognitive testing with primates, programming cognitive experiments, supervising undergraduate RAs, etc.), the position will include opportunities to develop new studies in collaboration with the PI and the possibility of becoming a co-author on manuscripts submitted for publication.

• Conducts research experiments according to established research protocols with moderate impact to the project(s). Collects data and monitors test results

• Participates in the development, interpretation, and implementation of research methodology and materials

• Operates, cleans, and maintains organization of research equipment and research area. Tracks inventory levels and places replenishment orders

• Provides operational guidance on day-to-day activities of unit or program staff and/or student workers

• Reviews, analyzes, and interprets data and/or documents results for presentations and/or reporting to internal and external audiences

• Performs literature reviews and writes reports

College of Letters & Science | Department of Psychology

The starting salary for this position is $44,543 - $63,697 depending on qualifications and experience. Employees in this position can expect to
receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays and paid time off; competitive insurance and saving accounts; and retirement benefits.

• Experience working with non-human animals in a research or behavioral/cognitive testing setting, preferably with non-human primates

• Strong interest in cognitive psychology and comparative cognition research

• Fluency with the Windows/Mac OS and Microsoft office (including excel)

• Experience with data management, wrangling, and/or analysis

• Ability to work independently using initiative and good judgment

• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills

• Experience working with children in a research or behavioral/cognitive testing setting strongly preferred

• Experience programming in any language

• Experience documenting procedures, events, or data

• Background/experience in statistics (preferably in R or Python)

• Experience with Qualtrics, MTurk, and/or JavaScript

• Previous experience or skills in navigating bureaucratic, IACUC/IRB, and other formal documentation and permission systems is highly desired

Bachelor's Degree in psychology, animal behavior, or related field

Stephen Ferrigno, sferrigno@wisc.edu

Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. SeeRELAY_SERVICEfor further information.

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