Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Artificial intelligence applied to Animal Cognition

A Postdoctoral Research Assistant position is available in the Department of Biological and Experimental Psychology to work with Dr Versace on a Leverhulme funded project in behavioural neuroscience with domestic chicks, entitled “Generalisation from limited experience: how to solve the problem of induction”.

The post holder will provide research support in the area of animal behaviour and cognition, participate in regular monitoring of animal resources maintained by Dr Versace in the Biological Services Unit, provide support to staff and students in the general housekeeping of the research laboratory, support staff with particular non-scientific tasks, including ordering of materials, stock-taking of reagents, organising sample shipping, archiving samples, and updating and maintaining documents relating to health and safety in Dr Versace’s laboratory. General housekeeping of the research laboratory activities will be also performed.


The role involves expertise in animal behaviour with chicks. You should have the ability work both independently and in collaboration with other researchers, to produce innovative research, maintain good records and to produce excellent oral and written reports/papers.


Applicants should hold a relevant PHD (or close to completion), general experience with research in animal behaviour and laboratory techniques, specific experience with domestic chicks and automated tracking, ability to maintain good laboratory records, follow research protocols and to produce clear oral and written reports. Experience of monitoring the behaviour and welfare of experimental animals is desirable. The post holder will work closely with the PI, researchers, and students in the Versace group.


The School of Biological & Behavioural Sciences is one of the largest Schools within Queen Mary University of London and is committed to excellence in research and teaching. The Department of Biological and Experimental Psychology offers a lively and stimulating environment for both staff and students, well integrated in the school.

At Queen Mary University of London, we believe that a diversity of ideas helps us achieve the previously unthinkable. Throughout our history, we have fostered social justice and improved lives through academic excellence, and we continue to live and breathe this spirit today, not because it’s simply ‘the right thing to do’ but for what it helps us achieve and the intellectual brilliance it delivers.

We offer competitive salaries, access to a generous pension scheme, 30 days’ leave per annum (pro-rata for part-time/fixed-term), a season ticket loan scheme and access to a comprehensive range of personal and professional development opportunities. In addition, we offer a range of work life balance and family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements, and campus facilities including an on-site nursery at the Mile End campus.

The post is full-time, fixed term for 12 months with the possibility of an extension.

Queen Mary’s commitment to our diverse and inclusive community is embedded in our appointments processes. Reasonable adjustments will be made at each stage of the recruitment process for any candidate with a disability. We are open to considering applications from candidates wishing to work flexibly.