PhD Position in Comparative Psychology

About the Project

The Animal Minds Lab investigates intelligence, emotions, and welfare across species. A central question driving our research is whether the human mind is an evolutionary one-off—or if similar cognitive mechanisms evolve repeatedly across species through convergent evolution. We compare performance on shared tasks between rats and humans, with a separate group also investigating birds, looking particularly at the types of errors and biases that emerge, to uncover potential universal cognitive mechanisms.

We are looking for a motivated PhD student to join our team. You will contribute to the design and programming of behavioural experiments using PsychoPy/Python, and help manage our automated touchscreen operant chambers—the ‘Rat Villages’. This is a unique opportunity to gain in-depth training in comparative cognition, behavioural science, and cross-species experimental design.

Key Responsibilities:

• Help design and program behavioural experiments for rats and online human participants
• Learn to maintain and use fully automated testing systems for rats (based on the Training Village design)
• Collect and analyse behavioural data across species
• Work closely with a supportive, interdisciplinary team

Essential Requirements

• A strong academic background (e.g. undergraduate or Master’s degree) in psychology, biology, neuroscience, or a related field
• Interest in comparative cognition and behavioural research
• Some experience with coding (especially Python or PsychoPy), or willingness to learn
• Strong communication and collaboration skills

Desirable (but not essential):

• Experience doing research with animals, especially rats
• Familiarity with behavioural experiment design
• Exposure to automated systems or online platforms (e.g., Pavlovia)

This PhD is an excellent fit for someone excited by the science of animal minds and who wants to build skills in experimental psychology, data analysis, and cross-species research.

The position is not currently funded, but we are actively seeking excellent applicants to collaborate on funding applications (e.g., FPI – Formación del Personal Investigador, FI – Joan Oró (AGAUR), La Caixa – INPhINIT Incoming, MSCA Doctoral Networks).

Email Enquiries:

Emails should be sent to Alexander Taylor - alexanderharwood.taylor@uab.cat

Animal Minds Lab Website:

https://www.uab.cat/en/incuab/fx-animalmindslab-en