Postbaccalaureate Fellow in Behavioral Neuroscience

The Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at Dartmouth College invites applications for a Postbaccalaureate Fellow (PBF), at the rank of postgraduate research associate, in the area of Behavioral Neuroscience. The Fellow will perform research focused on the neuroscience of motivation and reward learning in rodent models. They will work with three faculty mentors (Drs. Shelley Warlow, Katherine Nautiyal, and Kyle Smith) to contribute to collaborative projects across the three labs aimed at understanding the neural pathways and modulators underlying reward pursuit.

Responsibilities include:

• Perform experiments in rodent models, including but not limited to: stereotaxic surgery, behavioral assays, recording of neural signals, histology
• Collect and analyze data from performed experiments
• Prepare graphs and presentations to display analyzed results
• Process collected data using established analysis pipelines
• Identify, troubleshoot, and recommend solutions to problems associated with methods, procedures, and techniques; or equipment and facilities
• Assist in maintaining mouse and rat colonies including mating, weaning, and genotyping
• Adhere to laboratory biosafety and animal requirements
• Assist in maintaining laboratory records of procedures

Postbaccalaureate Fellows (PBFs) work with faculty supporting and conducting scholarly research and teaching in anticipation of advancing their skills and experience to prepare for the next stage of their careers. PBFs are expected to contribute to all stages of research - including research design, literature searches, conducting experiments, collecting and analyzing data and writing reports and papers. PBFs may also have the opportunity to contribute in the classroom or in laboratory sections of courses, helping undergraduate students with labs, review sessions, paper editing and grading certain assignments.

This position is full-time, non-remote, in-residence at Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH, with a flexible start date as early as May 2026. Appointments are typically for a 1-year period and have a salary of $55,000 plus benefits. Fellows who are working in residence in Hanover, NH are eligible for Graduate Special Student status and the ability to take certain Dartmouth courses with the tuition paid by Dartmouth as a working condition fringe benefit. The benefit covers a maximum of 1 course per academic term the fellow is employed and in residence at Dartmouth.

Dartmouth is committed to academic excellence and encourages the open exchange of ideas within a culture of mutual respect. Dartmouth welcomes people with different backgrounds, life experiences, and perspectives and believes that diversity in all its forms enhances academic excellence. Applicants should address in their application letter how their research, teaching, service, and/or life experiences prepare them to serve Dartmouth's commitment to academic excellence in an environment that is welcoming to all.

• Education: Bachelor's in Neuroscience, Psychology, or a related field, completed by the start of the appointment;
• Experience: laboratory/research experience in neuroscience or a related field;
• Skills and Knowledge:
  
  
  
  • Excellent communication skills and ability to work well with others in a team setting
  • Ability to learn quickly from direct mentoring, observation, and self-reflection
  • Competent in some laboratory methods, procedures and techniques related to behavioral and/or molecular neuroscience
  • Some experience with MATLAB or Python preferred
  • Good time management skills
  • Intends to pursue graduate studies in Behavioral Neuroscience or a related field preferred.
  
  
  
  

This position is eligible for J-1 visa sponsorship for eligible candidates. Employment is contingent on authorization to work in the United States.

Please submit the following electronically via Interfolio:

1. Application letter that addresses:
   
   
   
   • relevant research-related experience,
   • any teaching or mentoring experience,
   • preparation to serve Dartmouth's commitment to academic excellence in an environment that is welcoming to all,
   • educational and career goals and how this position would advance them,
   • names and contact information of 2-3 people who may be contacted as references.
   
   
   
   
2. CV/Resume
   
   
   
   • Name
   • Email and phone/text contact
   • Current position, or academic affiliation
   • Date of (expected) undergraduate degree
   • Academic concentration(s)
   • List all academic classes (and final grades) you have completed that focus primarily on Behavioral Neuroscience, Psychology, or Neuroscience.
   • Include programming languages and/or software and levels of proficiency.
   
   
   
   
3. Most recent academic transcript

Review of applications will begin April 1, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled. Recommendation letters will be requested only for finalists. For questions about the position, please contact Dr. Shelley Warlow at shelley.m.warlow@dartmouth.edu.