Applications are sought for a committed Post-doctoral Research Fellow to work with Drs Anna Stefaniak, Sam Pehrson and Manon Schweinfurth conducting research for a Templeton World Charity Foundation funded project entitled ‘Bridging the human-animal divide: Applying intergroup relations theory to animal behaviour communication.'
What happens when we see animals as more similar to us and how do different ways of communicating about animals shape how people feel towards them? This project explores together with up to two Master by Research students whether sharing stories and videos of rats showing intelligence, emotions, and social behaviours can change how people think about animals. Drawing on both animal behaviour science and social psychology, our research will test whether seeing animals express emotions, play, or interact positively with humans can increase empathy and concern for their welfare. By focusing on rats, an often misunderstood species, the project aims to challenge assumptions about what makes humans unique and encourage a more compassionate understanding of the many forms of intelligence found across the animal world.
The primary duties will be to obtain ethical permits, prepare testing materials on animals, test human participants via online platforms, such as Qualtrics and Prolific, analyse and interpret sometimes large datasets, using appropriate statistical and computational approaches. The successful candidate will be expected to lead the preparation of manuscripts for publication in peer reviewed journals, and to contribute to the dissemination of findings through presentations at national and international conferences, as well as through public engagement and outreach activities where appropriate. They will attend and actively contribute to laboratory meetings and wider departmental research activities and support a collaborative and inclusive research culture.
The successful applicant will have (or be near to completion of), a PhD in Social Psychology, Animal Behaviour, Cognition or Ecology, Comparative Psychology, Animal Welfare, or a closely related discipline, with demonstrated expertise in the quantification and analysis of behavioural data, advanced statistical skills, and a strong track record of publishing research findings in peer reviewed journals.
The post is available starting August 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter until July 2027.
Employees of the University have access to a wide range of staff benefits including:
- Annual leave of 34 days, plus 5 public holidays pro rata
- Membership of the USS Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions
- A hybrid working environment, including partial homeworking where appropriate and a range of family friendly policies
- Staff discount scheme for local and national goods and services
- Free staff parking, employee Carshare and Cycle to Work Schemes and subsidised local bus travel
- Subsidised sports membership, reduced tuition fees on degree programmes for staff, access to training and development opportunities including LinkedIn Learning, access to library facilities, salary sacrifice scheme
Informal enquiries are encouraged and can be addressed to Manon Schweinfurth, email: [email protected]
We particularly welcome applications from people from Black, Asian, minority ethnic and minority religions
At St Andrews, equality, diversity, and inclusion are central to who we are and form a core pillar of our University Strategy. We are committed to creating a fair, inclusive and supportive workplace, reflected in our participation in national diversity charters and awards, including Athena Swan, Carer Positive and the Race Equality Charter.
Closing Date: 31 July 2026
Please quote ref: AR3308DD
School of Psychology and Neuroscience
Salary: £38,784 per annum pro rata
Start Date: August 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter
Hours: 18.125 hours per week
Fixed Term: 12 months
