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Affective Computing Jobs in Pittsburgh, PA (NOW HIRING)

Affective Computing information

See Pittsburgh, PA salary details

$12

$33

$65

How much do affective computing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for affective computing in Pittsburgh, PA is $33.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.05 and $40.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is affective computing?

Affective computing is a field within computer science and artificial intelligence that focuses on developing systems and devices capable of detecting, interpreting, and responding to human emotions. It combines knowledge from psychology, cognitive science, and engineering to enable computers to recognize emotional cues such as facial expressions, voice tone, and physiological signals. The goal of affective computing is to create more natural and effective interactions between humans and machines, improving user experience in areas like healthcare, education, and customer service.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an affective computing specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Affective Computing Specialist, you need a strong foundation in computer science, machine learning, psychology, and data analysis, often supported by advanced degrees in related fields. Familiarity with programming languages (such as Python or R), emotion recognition APIs, signal processing tools, and relevant certifications is common. Exceptional problem-solving, interdisciplinary collaboration, and communication skills set top professionals apart in this role. These skills and qualities are essential for accurately interpreting human emotions through technology and developing systems that effectively respond to users’ affective states.

How does an affective computing professional typically collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to integrate emotion recognition technologies into products?

Affective Computing professionals often work closely with interdisciplinary teams that include software engineers, UX designers, psychologists, and data scientists. Their main responsibility is to bridge the gap between emotional intelligence algorithms and practical applications, ensuring that emotion recognition features are both accurate and user-friendly. Collaboration involves frequent meetings to discuss user needs, data collection protocols, and ethical considerations, as well as iterative testing and refinement of models within the product development cycle. This teamwork fosters innovative solutions but also requires strong communication skills and adaptability to balance technical possibilities with user experience.

What is the difference between Affective Computing vs Human-Computer Interaction Specialist?

AspectAffective ComputingHuman-Computer Interaction Specialist
Required CredentialsComputer science, psychology, AI certificationsComputer science, design, psychology degrees
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, tech companies, AI startupsDesign firms, tech companies, research institutions
Industry UsageAI development, emotion recognition systemsUser experience design, interface development

While both roles involve understanding human behavior and technology, Affective Computing focuses on developing systems that recognize and respond to human emotions, often using AI and sensor data. Human-Computer Interaction Specialists design and improve user interfaces to enhance usability and user experience. The two fields overlap in understanding user needs but differ in their primary goals and technical focus.

What are popular job titles related to Affective Computing jobs in Pittsburgh, PA?

For Affective Computing jobs in Pittsburgh, PA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Affective Computing jobs in Pittsburgh, PA look for?

The top searched job categories for Affective Computing jobs in Pittsburgh, PA are:

Infographic showing various Affective Computing job openings in Pittsburgh, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,720 per year, or $33.5 per hour.

Postdoctoral Fellow - Robotics Institute

Pittsburgh, PA • On-site


Carnegie Mellon University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 1 - 10 employees

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 24 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

70th of 625 rated colleges and universities

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer


$45K - $62K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Pittsburgh, PA

Full time

2023679

We are seeking creative and energetic candidates with strong experience in multimodal machine learning and human behavior analysis and modeling for a one-year Postdoctoral position. Using recent progress in machine learning and artificial intelligence, the successful candidate will have primary responsibility to develop, implement, and test multimodal machine learning algorithms to analyze and recognize multimodal human behavior in real world settings (e.g., Affective Computing, AI for Healthcare: pain measurement, monitoring mental health disorders). The successful candidate will have primary responsibility for all facets of the project, including papers writing and students mentoring. Preference will be given to candidates with a proven track record, demonstrating relevant skills and extensive experience in multimodal machine learning and human behavior analysis (e.g., facial and gesture analysis and acoustic signal processing). The candidate should be enthusiastic about collaborating with partners from multiple disciplines and institutions.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Write code and develop novel theoretical and practical state of the art artificial intelligence/machine learning algorithms that are focused on human behavior modeling related to video classification using deep learning networks for end-users.
  • Work with other team members to develop and maintain software for maximum efficiency and usability.
  • Designs, develops, tests and maintains applications or system programs.
  • Gathers and provides input on functional specifications and requirements.
  • Perform approved research project tasks according to defined protocols and procedures including appropriate collection, recording, storage, and analysis of data, and reporting of results.
  • Follow appropriate research policies and procedures and maintains scientific integrity including accurate data storage.
  • Communicate the daily progress of research projects via meetings with, and written reports to the research director.
  • Responsible for following the mandatory reporting procedures for any incident or event that did affect or potentially could affect the project goals and workflow.
  • Optimize protocols and improve methods currently employed.
  • Coordinates work consistently to achieve maximum productivity.
  • Demonstrates ability to deal with changes in priorities to provide smooth and consistent workflow.
  • Interacts with interdisciplinary professional partners.
  • Other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

REQUIRED:

  • PhD in in computer vision, machine learning, artificial intelligence, or a closely related field.
  • Strong programming skills.
  • Strong background in machine learning / computer vision/ human behavior modeling, with specialization in one or more of the following areas:, supervised/unsupervised/self-supervised learning, large vision models, multimodal foundation models, transfer learning,
  • Research experience in multimodal human behavior analysis, affective computing, AI for Healthcare, and multimodal machine learning.
  • Very good presentation, communication, and organization skills.

DESIRED:

  • Publications in top machine learning and/or computer vision conferences and journals.
  • Research experience involving clinical applications (e.g., depression, pain).
  • Experience and/or enthusiasm for mentoring students.
  • Experience analyzing questionnaires and surveys.
  • Experience with grant proposal preparation and coordination.

How to Apply:

Important Note: Applications missing any 3 of the mandatory document listed below will be REJECTED and not considered for the role.

Applications should be sent to https://cmu.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/CMU

Applications MUST contain the 3 mandatory files listed below:

1 . Cover Letter: letter of application, describing your qualifications and relevant experience to the position of interest (with expected date of availability).

2 . A detailed CV (including full publications citation if applicable)

3 . Three reference letters (sent separately by the referees to me at adehart@andrew.cmu.edu (mlemarie@andrew.cmu.edu)

Incomplete applications that are missing any of the 3 files listed above will not be considered and dispositioned.

******* If you are an international student on an F-1 visa, please check with your Designated School Official (DSO) or academic counselor at your current institution about the right time to apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) before applying to a role with CMU. *******

"Applicants for this position must be currently legally authorized to work for CMU in the United States. CMU will not sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity."

Are you interested in this exciting opportunity?! Apply today!

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.

Benefits eligible (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/eligibility/index.html) employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/health-welfare/index.html) as well as a generous retirement savings program (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/retirement-savings/index.html) with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/tuition/index.html) , take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/time-away/pto.html) and observed holidays (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/time-away/holidays.html) , and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance.

Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/work-life/support/family-child-care-resources/index.html) to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access (https://athletics.cmu.edu/recreation/facilities) , and much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/index.html) .

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it's about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!

Location

Pittsburgh, PA

Job Function

Pre/Post-Doctoral Associates & Fellows

Position Type

Postdoctoral Associate / Fellow (Fixed Term)

Full Time/Part time

Full time

Pay Basis

Salary

More Information:

  • Please visit "Why Carnegie Mellon (http://www.cmu.edu/jobs/why-cmu/index.html) " to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world.
  • Click here (https://www.cmu.edu/jobs/benefits-at-a-glance/) to view a listing of employee benefits
  • Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran .
  • Statement of Assurance (https://www.cmu.edu/policies/administrative-and-governance/statement-of-assurance.html)

Interested in a career with Carnegie Mellon University but not finding anything that currently aligns with your interests, background, or experience? Learn how to sign up for Job Alerts (https://www.cmu.edu/jobs/external-applicants.html#job-alerts) through your candidate profile.

If your heart is in your work, come work with us. Carnegie Mellon University isn't just one of the world's most renowned educational institutions - it's also a hotspot for some of the most talented doers, dreamers, and difference-makers on the planet. When you join our staff, you'll become an important part of our mission to create a healthier, safer, and more just life for all. No matter what your role or location, you'll connect and collaborate with dedicated, passionate colleagues - and you'll have the satisfaction of delivering work that truly matters.

We cultivate a vibrant, welcoming environment where everyone is valued and encouraged to contribute and achieve. In addition to competitive benefits and a robust support network, you'll have access to many tools and resources to sharpen your abilities and professional skills, as well as opportunities to engage and share perspectives with a dynamic and inspiring community of uniquely talented staff, faculty, students, and alumni.

The future is awaiting your expertise and intellect. Come join the architects of what's next. Apply now.

Learn more about Student Employment (https://www.cmu.edu/sfs/student-employment/index.html) .

Please see Faculty Careers. (https://www.cmu.edu/faculty-office/faculty-recruitment/faculty-careers.html)

For technical assistance, email HR Services (hr-help@andrew.cmu.edu) or call 412-268-4600.

We are committed to providing an accessible experience throughout our recruitment process. If you need assistance or a reasonable accommodation at any stage of the application, interview, or hiring process, please contact Equal Opportunity Services by email at employeeaccess@andrew.cmu.edu or by phone at 412-268-5072.

Prospective Employee Disclosures (https://www.cmu.edu/jobs/disclosures/index.html)



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