Villanova University
Postdoctoral Fellowship in Comparative Cognition

Posting Details

Do you have questions about the application process? If so, please refer to the Applicant FAQ’s.

Posting Details (Default Section) Posting Number:20260008FPosition Title:Postdoctoral Fellowship in Comparative CognitionPosition Type:FacultyLocation:Villanova, PARecruitment Type:Internal/External ApplicantsWork Schedule:full-time/12-monthsDepartment:143-Psychological and Brain SciencesPosition Summary: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 (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.Physical Requirements and/or Unusual Work Hours: Special Message to Applicants:Materials required:1. Cover letter that includes a statement of career goals2. Curriculum vitae3. A research statement that summarizes the applicant’s current work, future plans, and potential for collaboration with faculty mentor4. A teaching statement that summarizes the applicant’s teaching and mentoring experience and general approach to teaching5. Two sample publications6. Two letters of recommendationPosting Date:01/30/2026Closing Date (11:59pm ET):Salary Posting Information: $62,500 for 12-monthsSalary Band:Job Classification:facultyReferences Needed References Needed Minimum Number of References Needed2Maximum Number of References Needed2Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * How did you first hear of this employment opportunity?
   • Indeed.com
   • Higheredjobs.com
   • LinkedIn
   • Glassdoor
   • Chronicle Vitae
   • Academic Keys
   • PA CareerLink/JobGateway
   • Professional Affiliation/Trade Website
   • Diversity Association/Publication Website
   • Advertisement in Academic or Professional Publication
   • Referred by a current employee
   • Referred by a friend, family member, or former employee
   • Heard about it at a conference or career fair
   • Browsing the Villanova website
   • Cabrini University employee
   • Other
2. * If your answer to the above question is "Other", please specify the source below. If this question does not apply to you, enter N/A.

   (Open Ended Question)

Documents needed to complete your application:Required Documents

1. Cover Letter / Letter of Interest
2. Letters of Reference (uploaded by applicant)
3. Resume / Curriculum Vitae
4. Statement of Teaching Philosophy
5. Writing Sample/Publications
6. Statement of Research Interests

Optional Documents

1. Transcripts
2. Statement of Contribution to Mission