Postdoctoral Fellowship in Comparative Cognition

Job title: Postdoctoral Fellowship in Comparative Cognition

About the Role 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 appointment is for two years with a possible third year by mutual agreement. The Fellow will pursue 50:50 research and teaching, collaborate with a faculty mentor, supervise graduate and undergraduate students, and participate in interdisciplinary projects.

What You'll Do

• Conduct research in collaboration with the faculty mentor and work with graduate students and supervise undergraduate researchers in the lab.
• Gain formal teaching experience and contribute to the teaching mission of the department.
• Participate in ongoing interdisciplinary collaborative projects across a range of topics.
• Manage a research budget ($4,000/year) to supplement resources available in the lab and the Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences.
• The Mendel Science Fellows program is designed to advance the professional development of recent Ph.D. recipients on a trajectory leading to faculty positions and to enhance the College’s teaching of science to non-science majors through the Mendel Science Experience.

What We're Looking For

• Ph.D. in psychology, neuroscience, cognitive science, or a related field by the start date of the fellowship.
• Demonstrated research experience in comparative cognition or animal behavior.
• Evidence of potential to develop an independent research program and to collaborate with a faculty mentor.
• Experience mentoring undergraduate students and coordinating undergraduate research projects.
• Ability to contribute to teaching and effective communication in a collaborative lab environment.

Compensation & Benefits

• Two-year appointment with the possibility of a third year by mutual agreement with the faculty mentor.
• 50:50 allocation of time for research and teaching.
• Research budget of $4,000 per year to support laboratory and project resources.
• Opportunity to participate in interdisciplinary projects and advance toward a faculty career path.