Postdoctoral Fellowship in Comparative Cognition

Posting Details

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.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Fellow will conduct research in collaboration with the faculty mentor (Dr. Suzanne Gray) 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 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 program. 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.

Salary Posting Information

$62,500 for 12-months

References Needed

Minimum Number of References Needed: 2
Maximum Number of References Needed: 2

Required Documents

• Cover Letter / Letter of Interest
• Letters of Reference (uploaded by applicant)
• Resume / Curriculum Vitae
• Statement of Teaching Philosophy
• Writing Sample/Publications
• Statement of Research Interests
• Transcripts
• Statement of Contribution to Mission