Program Overview
MindCORE, the University of Pennsylvania’s interdisciplinary effort to understand human intelligence and behavior, is seeking outstanding postdoctoral researchers for its Research Fellowship. Housed within the School of Arts and Sciences, this fellowship serves as a springboard for early-career researchers to establish independent research programs consistent with MindCORE’s mission.
| Designation | MindCORE Research Fellow |
| Research Area | Interdisciplinary (Neuroscience, Psychology, Linguistics, etc.) |
| Location | Philadelphia, PA (On-campus) |
| Application Deadline | December 1, 2026 |
| Start Date | As early as July 1, 2027 |
Research Areas
The fellowship encourages applications from various disciplines, including but not limited to:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Linguistics
- Philosophy
- Computer Science
- Cognitive Science
- Connections to Mathematics and Physics
Eligibility and Qualifications
- Applicants must have formally completed all requirements for a PhD degree by the time of appointment (typically between July 1, 2027, and January 15, 2028).
- Candidates should ideally have 0-2 years of previous postdoctoral experience, as Penn maintains a five-year term limit for postdocs.
- Demonstrated potential for scientific excellence and leadership within a diverse academic community.
Job Description
Fellows are expected to pursue collaborative relationships with faculty across various disciplines at the University of Pennsylvania. Responsibilities include:
- Developing and leading an independent research program.
- Engaging in research projects with multiple faculty members.
- Contributing to interdisciplinary discussion groups and reading circles.
- Participating in regular working group meetings and career development workshops.
Benefits
- Competitive salary and health insurance.
- Relocation allowance.
- Research budget of $20,000.
- Access to leading research facilities and cutting-edge instrumentation.
- Mentoring committee support.
- Funding provided in one-year terms, renewable for up to three years.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit their application documents in a single PDF file named Lastname_Firstname.pdf. The documents should be arranged in the following order:
- Cover Letter: Addressing the applicant’s strengths relative to the selection criteria.
- Research Statement: A 1-2 page proposal identifying at least three MindCORE faculty members at Penn for potential collaboration.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Referee Contact Information: Names and email addresses for two referees (letters are only required if invited for an interview).
Applications should be submitted via the official form on the MindCORE website. Proposals should be written clearly for an interdisciplinary audience of reviewers.
Last Date to Apply
Applications must be submitted by December 1, 2026.
Apply Link
For full details and to access the application form, please visit the official MindCORE website: University of Pennsylvania MindCORE Fellowship Portal.
