Postdoctoral Fellowship in Experimental Humanities, Cognitive Science, and Storytelling at University of Pennsylvania University of Pennsylvania in United States

The Experimental Humanities Lab at the University of Pennsylvania is seeking applications for a postdoctoral fellowship beginning in fall 2026. The lab, led by Professor Fritz Breithaupt, explores the cognitive and cultural functions of narrative, focusing on how storytelling shapes thinking, memory, communication, empathy, fiction, emotion, and the intersection of AI and storytelling. The position offers an opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary research at the crossroads of cognitive science, psychology, and literature.

The postdoc will collaborate closely with the PI and contribute to the lab’s projects, with an initial focus on establishing the lab at Penn and integrating with the MindCORE program. Responsibilities include proposing and leading new research directions, collaborating on grant proposals, and expanding the lab’s public impact by advocating for storytelling as a tool for human connection and well-being.

Applicants should hold a PhD in a relevant field and demonstrate experience in interdisciplinary research, narrative studies, and collaborative work. The position is ideal for candidates interested in the cognitive and cultural aspects of storytelling and its applications in both academic and public contexts. The application deadline is April 22, 2026, and applications should be submitted via Interfolio.