Postdoctoral Fellowship in Comparative Cognition

Postdoctoral Fellowship in Comparative Cognition

Villanova University invites applications for a Mendel Science Experience Postdoctoral Fellowship within the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, in the area of comparative cognition/animal behavior. The position has a starting date of August 2026. Review of applications will begin at the begin March 16, 2026, and the search will remain open until the position is filled. The Fellow position is 50:50 research and teaching and is designed to foster the professional development of recent Ph.D. recipients on a career path leading to faculty positions.

The Fellow will conduct research in collaboration with a faculty mentor, work with graduate students, supervise undergraduate research assistants, and gain formal teaching experience. The appointment is for two years, with a third year possible by mutual agreement between the fellow and faculty mentor. Villanova is a Catholic university sponsored by the Augustinian Order. The University is an equal opportunity employer and seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to the University's mission and values.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The Fellow will conduct research in collaboration with the faculty mentor and will work with graduate students and supervise undergraduate students in the lab. The Fellow will also have opportunities to participate in ongoing interdisciplinary collaborative projects across a range of topics. The Fellow will also be provided with a research budget ($4,000/year) to supplement resources available in the lab and the Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences.

The Fellow will teach a laboratory science course for non-science-majors on "Animal Minds" and develop undergraduate courses in psychological science and/or animal cognition and behavior.

Minimum Qualifications:

Ph.D. in Psychology, Anthropology, Ethology, Zoology, or a related field is required. Applicants who are ABD are welcome to apply but must complete the Ph.D. prior to August 2026.

Preferred Qualifications:

Applicants with expertise in non-human animal cognition and behavior (especially with avian models) will be particularly well suited for this position. We are especially interested in candidates with experience in examining cognition and behavior in the field or zoological settings. Previous teaching experience preferred.

Materials required:
1. Cover letter that includes a statement of career goals
2. Curriculum vitae 3. A research statement that summarizes the applicant's current work, future plans, and potential for collaboration with faculty mentor 4. A teaching statement that summarizes the applicant's teaching and mentoring experience and general approach to teaching 5. Two sample publications 6. Two letters of recommendation

Salary Posting Information: $62,500 for 12-months