This professional panda hugger has the best job in the world

A Chinese panda research centre offers their employees what is arguably the best job in the world.

The Giant Panda Protection and Research Centre in Chengdu hires professional panda caretakers, China Daily reports.

The caretakers are hired to cuddle with pandas of all ages and sizes on a full-time basis.

In previous job advertisements, the research centre said the caretakers were paid approximately AU$45,000 per year.

The lucky employees also have use of an SUV and receive free meals and accommodation.

The job’s only requirements are that applicants be at least 22 years old and have a basic knowledge of pandas.