Mendel Science Experience Post-Doctoral Fellow

VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY; Villanova (Delaware County); On-site; USD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Modest research/travel stipend

Relocation expenses

Job summary

A renowned educational institution is seeking a Mendel Science Experience Post-Doctoral Fellow to enhance science teaching for non-majors and develop professional skills. The role includes co-teaching courses on climate change and watershed science and conducting research on biogeochemistry. Candidates must have a Ph.D. by appointment start and a background in related fields. The position offers a full-time, one-year commitment with potential for renewal, competitive salary, and a supportive academic environment.

Qualifications

• Completed Ph.D. in relevant fields before appointment starts.
• Research interests in watershed biogeochemistry, limnology, ecohydrology, or hydrology.
• Experience in teaching and mentoring undergraduate students.
• Experience with statistical and/or GIS analysis is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Assist in co-teaching climate change and laboratory courses.
• Co-design and teach new course on watershed science and sustainability.
• Conduct research on watershed biogeochemistry.
• Mentor undergraduate research students.
• Participate in departmental faculty meetings.

Skills

Background in biology

Background in geology

Experience with statistical analysis

Experience with GIS analysis

Education

Ph.D. completed before appointment

Job description

Mendel Science Experience Post-Doctoral Fellow

Villanova University’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences invites applications for a Mendel Science Experience Post-doctoral Fellow within the Department of Geography & the Environment. The Fellows program is designed to enhance the College’s teaching of science to non-science majors through the Mendel Science Experience program and to foster the professional development of recent Ph.D. recipients on a career path leading to faculty positions. The appointment is for a 12‑month term, renewable up to a total of three years at the University’s sole discretion, beginning in August 2026. A modest research/travel stipend and relocation expenses are available.

Responsibilities

• Assist faculty in the Department of Geography and the Environment by co‑teaching a Mendel Science Experience lecture and laboratory course on climate change in the fall of 2026 and a upper‑level laboratory course on watershed biogeochemistry in the spring of 2027.
• Co‑design a new Mendel Science Experience course on watershed science and sustainability in 2026 and teach it in the fall of 2027.
• Conduct research on watershed biogeochemistry in the laboratory of Dr. Steven Goldsmith, with potential focus areas including road salts, microplastics/litter, and natural gas extraction in the Marcellus Shale.
• Mentor undergraduate research students.
• Participate as a member of the Department’s faculty, attend faculty meetings, receive annual evaluations, and engage in professional development activities.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. completed before the appointment starts.
• Background in biology, geology, environmental science, or related fields.
• Research interests in watershed biogeochemistry, limnology, ecohydrology, or hydrology.
• Experience with statistical and/or GIS analysis is desirable.

Required Documents

• Curriculum vitae
• Transcripts of all graduate work
• Cover letter that includes a statement of career goals and research interests
• Teaching statement
• Statement on the applicant’s potential contribution to the Department’s and University’s mission, including enduring commitments
• Names and contact information of three professional references (references will be contacted via email to submit confidential letters of recommendation)

Application Deadline

Applications will be reviewed by January 15, 2026.

Posting Details

• Position Title: Mendel Science Experience Post‑Doctoral Fellow
• Position Type: Faculty
• Location: Villanova, PA
• Recruitment Type: Internal/External
• Work Schedule: Full‑time, 12‑month appointment
• Department: 181 – Geography and the Environment
• Salary: Competitive (salary band available upon request)

Equal Opportunity Statement

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.