The School of Psychology and Neuroscience at St. Andrews is seeking a Research Fellow for 36 months. The position is available from 1st September 2016, or as soon as possible thereafter, for an interdisciplinary project in the areas of Cognitive, Developmental and Comparative psychology. 

The project —“Constructing Social Minds: Coordination, Communication and Cultural Transmission”— is a multi-disciplinary collaboration between the School of Psychology and Neuroscience and the Department of Cognitive Science, Central European University, funded by the ERC Synergy program. It aims to combine new theoretical insights and innovative empirical research on nonhuman primates, children, and adult humans to provide a new perspective on the emergence and transmission of human culture and its evolutionary underpinnings.

The post will involve designing, programming and implementing computerized experiments with nonhuman apes, as well as participating in advanced, cross disciplinary conceptual discussions with the core research team and visiting scientists. The post holder will also collaborate in preparing presentations at international conferences and organizing and participating in cross disciplinary seminars.


Candidates should have a good first degree in a relevant discipline, and a PhD, ideally in comparative/evolutionary psychology or similar. Experience of programming and administering computerized social tasks with nonhuman primates is essential. Knowledge of theoretical and conceptual controversies in the field will be highly desirable.

We welcome applications from candidates that have recently completed their PhDs, as well as those with some postdoctoral experience.


Informal enquiries can be directed to Prof. Josep Call (jc276@st-andrews.ac.uk). 

This is a fixed term post for 3 years.

Applications are particularly welcome from women, who are under-represented in Research posts at the University.  You can find out more about Equality & Diversity at https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/hr/edi/. 

The University of St Andrews is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all, which is further demonstrated through its working on the Gender and Race Equality Charters and being awarded the Athena SWAN award for women in science, HR Excellence in Research Award and the LGBT Charter;  http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/hr/edi/diversityawards/. 

Please quote ref:  AR1816SB 

Closing Date:  19 August 2016

Further Particulars:  AR1816SB FPs.pdf

School of Psychology and Neuroscience
Salary: £31,656 - £37,768 per annum
Start: As soon as possible
Fixed term for 3 years