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Research Assistant in Primate Cognition
£27,246 - £28,608 per annum pro rata
Full time/Fixed term - 12 month contract
About the Role
This post will support research related to a Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) research fellowship (to Dr Yuri Kawaguchi). The primary task is to conduct eye-tracking studies in macaques, which will involve training, experimental design and data collection. The research will be conducted at the Medical Research Council Centre for Macaques (CFM), which is a breeding facility of rhesus macaques located in Salisbury, UK. The post will also provide support for other small or pilot projects in need of research support.
You will be investigating how primates perceive and respond to infants, combining cutting-edge cognitive testing with real-world behavioural data. The findings will be used to develop non-invasive tools that can predict how individuals will interact with infants, ultimately informing breeding management and enhancing welfare standards in captive colonies. The aim of the project is to understand the mechanisms of individual differences in parenting as fundamental rules of life and also as a means to improve animal welfare.
You will need to have experience working with animals in a captive setting, ideally using experimental, cognitive and/or behavioural research techniques and quantitative observational methods. You will be based in Salisbury but will need to travel to Nottingham to meet with the team regularly (travel costs will be provided).
For more details, please take a look at the role profile. We'll still consider applications even if you don't meet every single one of the requirements, so don't be put off if you don't match them perfectly. For any informal queries about the role or the team, please contact Dr Yuri Kawaguchi (BBSRC Research Fellow: yuri.kawaguchi@ntu.ac.uk) or Professor Bridget Waller (BBSRC mentor: bridget.waller@ntu.ac.uk)
Interview date: W/C 18th May 2026
This role is subject to the successful candidate meeting the required level of security clearance. Eligibility will depend on individual circumstances and vetting outcomes.
About Us
NTU Psychology is recognised nationally and internationally for delivering theoretically informed and applied research. Within the UK we are the largest provider of full-time undergraduate degrees in psychology. Our pre-covid NSS scores for overall satisfaction was above 90% for eight years and since covid have been ahead of the sector average and sector benchmarks. We provide a learning experience of the highest quality to our students and pride ourselves as being at the forefront of sector innovations in teaching and learning. As a department we have co-written the introductory Essential Psychology textbook for SAGE, recently completing the 4th edition.
Our excellence is recognised internationally, with the recent QS 2023 World University rankings, putting us in the top 150 departments for psychology worldwide. At NTU Psychology we are committed to quality, diversity and inclusion and have achieved Athena SWAN recognition at the department level. You will be joining a very large, lively, diverse, collegiate and ambitious team. Colleagues in the department have a range of backgrounds, spanning most areas of psychology, which is reflected in the range of our research groups and our course portfolio.
You will be part of a well funded and research active ream, and be based within the Centre for Interdisciplinary Research on Social Interaction (CROS) and the Evolution and Social Interaction Research Group.
Join Us
- 30 - 35 days annual leave per year plus statutory bank holidays and 5 university closure days pro rata
- Hybrid working - we encourage and offer a mixture of office working and working from home. You're empowered to define how you work best for the benefits of your stakeholders.
- Flexibility - take ownership over how you get your work done. We're open to different working patterns and approaches.
- Salary Sacrifice Retirement Savings Plan with life assurance and income protection. Available to colleagues who choose to opt out of the contractual pension scheme. Minimum colleague contributions of 0% matched with minimum NTU contributions of 8%.
- Access to a wealth of formal and informal professional development opportunities to develop your skills and advance your career.
- Range of health and wellbeing services, including a Health Cash Plan, voluntary benefits, discounts, and savings for all colleagues.
- And a whole lot more…Find out more about the range of benefits we offer.
Come and be part of our success. Apply today.
Safe and Inclusive
At NTU, we continue to build an inclusive culture that encourages, supports and celebrates the diverse voices and experiences of our students and colleagues. By championing positive wellbeing, we promote an environment where all can thrive and reach their full potential. We welcome the unique contributions that you can bring and we encourage people from underrepresented communities and backgrounds to apply to join our team.
Please note that unfortunately, this role has been assessed as ineligible for sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration points-based immigration system however, we recommend that you assess your eligibility before applying for this position. For more information visit the Government Skilled Worker visa support page. However, applications are welcome from candidates who do not currently have the right to work in the UK, but who would be eligible to obtain a valid visa via another route. Please consult the Home Office website for further information.
Please note that this role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974) and successful applicants will be asked to declare any unspent criminal convictions.
