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How much do assistant professor cognitive psychology jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant professor cognitive psychology in the United States is $71,657.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,000.00 and $75,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an assistant professor of cognitive psychology do?

An Assistant Professor of Cognitive Psychology is an early-career faculty member at a college or university who teaches courses, conducts research, and mentors students in the field of cognitive psychology. Their work often includes developing and delivering lectures, designing experiments to study mental processes such as memory, perception, and language, and publishing their findings in academic journals. They may also serve on academic committees, apply for research grants, and supervise undergraduate or graduate student research. The role is typically a tenure-track position, meaning the professor may eventually be considered for a permanent faculty appointment based on their teaching, research, and service.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant professor of cognitive psychology?

To thrive as an Assistant Professor of Cognitive Psychology, you need a doctorate in psychology or a related field, a strong research background, and teaching experience at the university level. Familiarity with statistical analysis software (e.g., SPSS, R), experimental design tools, and current cognitive psychology literature is essential. Excellent communication, mentorship, and critical thinking skills help foster student engagement and effective collaboration with colleagues. These skills are crucial for advancing research, inspiring students, and contributing to the academic community.

What are some typical challenges faced by assistant professors of cognitive psychology during their first years in academia?

New Assistant Professors in Cognitive Psychology often face the challenge of balancing teaching, research, and service responsibilities. Establishing an independent research agenda while designing engaging courses and mentoring students can be demanding, especially when seeking publication and grant funding. Additionally, building collaborations with colleagues and integrating into departmental culture are important for long-term success. Time management and setting clear priorities are essential skills to navigate these early career challenges effectively.

What is the difference between Assistant Professor Cognitive Psychology vs Research Scientist Cognitive Psychology?

AspectAssistant Professor Cognitive PsychologyResearch Scientist Cognitive Psychology
Required CredentialsDoctoral degree in Psychology or related field; academic credentialsDoctoral degree; research experience; often requires publications
Work EnvironmentAcademic institution, teaching, research, student mentorshipResearch labs, corporate or government research settings
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, colleges, academic researchResearch institutes, private companies, government agencies
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding academic roles, career path, qualificationsResearch focus, job responsibilities, industry applications

Assistant Professor Cognitive Psychology primarily involves teaching, research, and academic responsibilities within universities. In contrast, Research Scientist Cognitive Psychology focuses on conducting research in labs or industry settings, often emphasizing applied or experimental work. Both roles require a doctoral degree and research experience, but their work environments and career paths differ significantly.

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What job categories do people searching Assistant Professor Cognitive Psychology jobs look for?

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Assistant Professor Cognitive Psychology jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Professor Cognitive Psychology job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,657 per year, or $34.5 per hour.

Assistant Professor, Cognitive Psychology

University of San Diego

San Diego, CA • On-site

$6.9K - $7.9K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 23 days ago

University Of San Diego rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

462nd of 622 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Assistant Professor, Cognitive Psychology
Posting #: 5666
Position Status: Faculty, Full-time regular
Location: San Diego
Position Type: Faculty, College of Arts and Sciences
Position Title & Department:
Assistant Professor, Cognitive Psychology
Posting #
5666
Department Description:
The Department of Psychological Sciences is housed within the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of San Diego. Our faculty are dedicated teacher-scholars with a commitment to offering the highest quality teaching and learning environment for students as well as mentoring undergraduates in meaningful research experiences. We embrace our responsibility to create a welcoming and inclusive campus culture and seek candidates who are motivated to contribute to the life of the department, College, and University. The department offers robust mentoring of new faculty to support their success. The Department of Psychological Sciences offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology.
The College of Arts and Sciences is at the heart of the University of San Diego. Our philosophy is built on the enduring values of the Catholic intellectual tradition, immersing students in the concepts of free inquiry, diversity and inclusion, ethical conduct and compassionate service. The College aims to establish an academic foundation for students to thrive and gain a comprehensive education, which spans the sciences, arts and social sciences. Through our exemplary liberal arts education and rigorous scholarship, we aspire to not only educate the mind but also develop the whole person.
University Description:
The University of San Diego, an engaged and contemporary Catholic institution, was founded by the Diocese of San Diego and the Society of the Sacred Heart in 1949. Governed by an independent board of trustees since 1972, USD remains committed to a liberal arts education grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition and the pursuit of truth, goodness and beauty. Inspired by this centuries old tradition of Catholic higher education, the University welcomes people of all faith traditions and any, or no, religious background. The future success of USD relies on the contributions of those who seek to foster the development of engaged global citizens and an earnest confrontation of humanity's urgent challenges.
Detailed Description:
The Department of Psychological Sciences at the University of San Diego invites applicants for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Cognitive Psychology to start in Fall 2027. Our faculty are dedicated teacher-scholars with a commitment to offering the highest quality teaching and learning environment for students as well as mentoring undergraduates in meaningful research experiences. We embrace our responsibility to create a welcoming and inclusive campus culture and seek candidates who are motivated to contribute to the life of the department, College, and University. The department offers robust mentoring of new faculty to support their success. The Department of Psychological Sciences offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, with the opportunity for students to select an emphasis in Clinical Mental Health, Child/Human Development, Health and Wellness, or Social and Cultural Processes (please visit https://www.sandiego.edu/cas/psychological-sciences/ for more information).
Job Requirements:
The successful candidates will
  • Hold an advanced degree, preferably a doctorate (Ph.D.) in cognitive psychology or a related field. ABD candidates will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
  • Have demonstrated a commitment to teaching and research, mentoring undergraduates, and fostering a climate of inclusion and diversity.

The successful candidate will have expertise in cognitive psychology. The teaching load for faculty is three courses per semester and may include introductory psychology, research methods, statistics, an advanced research methods capstone or seminar seminar in cognitive psychology, and upper-division courses in their area of expertise (e.g., attention, perception, decision-making, language, memory, misinformation, problem-solving, cognitive performance, technology). The successful candidate will have demonstrated potential for an independent research program with human subjects and involving undergraduate research students. We welcome candidates who are interested in teaching courses involving community engagement within diverse communities. Faculty participate in department and University service and will serve as academic advisor for undergraduate students. Candidates with postdoctoral research experience are especially encouraged to apply.
Background check: Successful completion of a pre-employment background check.
Degree Verification Requirement: Persons offered employment in this position will be required to provide official education transcripts for degree verification purposes.
Posting Salary:
$6,931.25-$7,917 monthly: Excellent Benefits
The University of San Diego offers a very competitive benefits package including; medical, dental, vision, a retirement contribution given to you by the University, and access to on-campus Fitness Centers. Please visit the benefits section of our website to view all of the perks and benefits that USD has to offer. USD: Human Resources: Benefits
The salary range provided in this posting reflects what we reasonably expect to pay for this position. Actual compensation offered or earned is dependent on experience, education and other factors including departmental budget.
Special Application Instructions:
For full consideration, applications should be completed and submitted by September 15, 2026.
Applicants are asked to submit the following materials.
  1. Letter of application or cover letter (limit 1 page)
  2. Curriculum vitae
  3. Teaching Statement including evidence of inclusive pedagogy (limit 2 pages) and a sample syllabus
  4. Research Statement highlighting past research and articulating a plan for future research (limit 2 pages) and a sample of scholarly work
  5. Contact information for three references who will be sent a link to upload letters.

For questions, please contact the department chair, Dr. Jennifer Zwolinski (jzwolinski@sandiego.edu).
If you have any technical difficulties please contact the Employment Services Team at jobs@sandiego.edu.
Additional Details:
The University of San Diego is a smoking and tobacco-free campus. For more information, visit www.sandiego.edu/smokefree.
Advertised: July 31, 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close:
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