The Presidential Scholars in Society and Neuroscience (PSSN) program at Columbia University invites applications for interdisciplinary postdoctoral positions to begin on July 1, 2022. Selected applicants will join our existing Presidential Scholars and a large group of mentors and affiliated faculty from the arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.

PSSN is an innovative program pioneering interdisciplinary research between neuroscience and the arts, social sciences, and humanities. Each Scholar in this highly selective program has proposed a novel cross-disciplinary research project at the intersection of neuroscience and at least one other field, which they will conduct over the course of the three-year fellowship. Presidential Scholars join a vibrant community of postdoctoral researchers and faculty mentors and affiliates from across Columbia University.

For this application season, PSSN recognizes that there is a growing need for Presidential Scholars who have experience examining questions about diversity, equity, inclusion, anti-racism, and decolonization broadly defined. The future of science depends on scholars who can foster new collaborations among neuroscientists and other discipline experts, practitioners, and policymakers around these compelling and urgent societal issues that connect to mind, brain, behavior, and mental health. Priority will be given to applications that align with the goal of supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the program. This can be considered in three overarching ways:

  • Applications include current research and/or research proposals that involve empirical research, the collection of data, or the study of history, evidence, or policy aimed to better understand or combat racism, bias, and inequality, or that are designed to benefit marginalized groups in the U.S. or abroad;
  • Applicants may come from communities which are historically underrepresented or marginalized in neuroscience or in the field or discipline in which they specialize;
  • Applicants have demonstrated commitment and contributions towards promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion at their current institutions or within their community.

Candidates must hold a doctoral-level degree (PhD, EdD, JD, MD, etc.) in any field by July 1, 2022, and must have received this degree after July 1, 2017. For more information and application instructions please visit the PSSN website. Applications must be submitted by Monday, December 13, 2021, to be included in the first round of reviews.