Research assistant in Cognitive Science - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Research assistant with the Cognitive Zoology Group

65%

Period: 1/2-2022-31/12-2022 or according to agreement

Research assistant in Cognitive Science with the Cognitive Zoology Group

The Cognitive Zoology Group strives to answer the fundamental questions of a) how cognition evolves, b) when and where specific forms of cognition evolved, c) and whether cognition has evolved in similar ways repeatedly. The advertised research assistant position is part of a new project on “the evolution of executive functions”. It will involve cognitive experiments with a range of crocodylian and bird species at research stations and zoological institutions. The experiments aim to tease apart different cognitive skills, which are classically summarized as “executive functions” and then compare how the species perform. This project is funded by a grant from the Swedish Research Council.

Background

Executive functions are cognitive processes which control behaviour, e.g. working memory. They are governed by two different brain regions in mammals (prefrontal cortex) and birds (nidopallium caudolaterale, NCL). At a neuronal level, these processes function in the same way. Recent studies found that 1) the NCL differs considerably in size between bird lineages, with the corvids (considered cognitively complex birds) having the biggest; and 2) crocodylians, the closest living relatives of birds, have a small version of the NCL.

In this three-year project, we will run a task battery testing different executive functions in Crocodylians (American alligators) and representatives of the Palaeognathae (emus, nandus), Galloanserae (red junglefowl), Columbidae (pigeons), Estrildidae (zebra finches), and Corvidae (crows, ravens). We will compare their performance with the size of their NCL. Executive functions for which the performance scales with the NCL, might have contributed to the enlargement of this structure. Executive functions without this relationship, might either only require a rudimentary version of the NCL or are not solely governed by it.

The experiments are all non-invasive behavioural observations with captive animals. This project will elucidate how executive functions evolve and which ones lead to an enlargement of the associated brain region. This will also advance our understanding of the evolution of the large human prefrontal cortex, a defining characteristic of our own species.

Job description

The successful applicant will initially be introduced to the specific tasks and animals by the PI, but is expected to conduct the experimental work independently within the first two months of the employment. The applicant will also have to set up experiments, document the procedures, and analyze the collected data. Therefore, the applicant must have extensive experience in animal cognition research. The applicant should have a strong background in animal behaviour, including excellent knowledge of experimental design and data analysis. A Master’s degree in cognitive science, biology, psychology or a contextually related field is required. Several of the study species are particularly challenging to work with (e.g. American alligators, emus, nandus). Hence, the applicant must have experience working with crocodylians and palaeognaths; this should be confirmed by certificates or at least one reference letter. Previous hands-on work experience with adult American alligators, emus, nandus, junglefowl, pigeons, finches, and corvids would be considered strong merits. Fluency in spoken and written English is a requirement.

To submit (in addition to general requirements from Lund University)

CV (including list of publications) and documentation on having worked with both crocodylians and palaeognaths