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Brain Science Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Principal Microbiome Scientist

Germantown, MD ยท Hybrid

$100K - $140K/yr

A relevant PhD degree in bioinformatics, microbiome science, or a similar field. * Minimum 4 years ... brain interaction, skin microbiome, or oral microbiome) * Experience working in Linux-based ...

Faculty Specialist

College Park, MD ยท On-site

$24K - $27K/mo

Ball's lab is interested in the interrelation of hormones, brain, and behavior. The lab studies a ... MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS A Bachelor's Degree of Science in Neuroscience, Animal Science, Biology ...

Faculty Specialist

College Park, MD ยท On-site

$24K - $27K/mo

Ball's lab is interested in the interrelation of hormones, brain, and behavior. The lab studies a ... MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS A Bachelor's Degree of Science in Neuroscience, Animal Science, Biology ...

Our private training centers focus on the brain, physical and character development for ages walking through 11 years old. KidStrong is a science-based curriculum that is parent-focused and taught by ...

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Brain Science information

See Washington salary details

$27.7K

$54.8K

$89.5K

How much do brain science jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for brain science in Washington is $54,807.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,600.00 and $58,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a brain scientist do?

A brain scientist researches the structure and function of the brain and nervous system to understand how they influence behavior, cognition, and health. They often conduct experiments, analyze data, and use tools like MRI or EEG, typically working in laboratories or research institutions. Their work may involve studying neurological disorders, developing treatments, or advancing knowledge of brain processes.

What are some common interdisciplinary collaborations for professionals in brain science roles?

Professionals in brain science frequently collaborate with experts from fields such as psychology, computer science, biomedical engineering, and clinical medicine. These interdisciplinary partnerships are essential for conducting comprehensive research, developing advanced neuroimaging techniques, and translating discoveries into clinical applications. Team members often work together on projects that require integrating diverse perspectives, which can lead to more innovative solutions but also demands effective communication and adaptability. Such collaborations provide valuable opportunities for learning and career growth within the field.

Is neuroscience a high paying job?

Neuroscience careers, such as research scientists or clinical neuropsychologists, tend to have moderate to high salaries depending on experience, education, and location. Advanced roles in academia or industry can offer higher compensation, especially with specialized skills and advanced degrees like a Ph.D. or M.D. in the field.

What is the difference between Brain Science vs Neuroscience?

AspectBrain ScienceNeuroscience
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Psychology, Neuroscience, or related fieldsBachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in Neuroscience or related disciplines
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academic institutions, healthcare settingsResearch labs, hospitals, academic institutions, biotech companies
Industry UsageAcademic research, healthcare, cognitive studiesMedical research, drug development, clinical applications

Brain Science focuses on understanding the brain's functions and processes, often from a psychological or cognitive perspective. Neuroscience encompasses a broader study of the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves, often with a stronger emphasis on biological and medical research. While overlapping, Brain Science tends to be more psychology-oriented, whereas Neuroscience covers a wider biological scope.

What is brain science?

Brain science, also known as neuroscience, is the study of the structure and function of the brain and nervous system. Researchers in this field aim to understand how the brain works, how it controls behavior, and how it is affected by diseases or injuries. Brain science combines knowledge from biology, psychology, medicine, and other disciplines to explore topics like memory, learning, emotions, and neurological disorders. The insights gained from brain science contribute to advancements in treating brain-related conditions and improving mental health.

What can you do with a brain science degree?

A brain science degree prepares individuals for careers in research, healthcare, and education related to neuroscience, psychology, and cognitive science. Graduates can work as neuroscientists, clinical researchers, neuropsychologists, or in roles involving data analysis, laboratory work, and patient care, often requiring strong analytical skills and familiarity with scientific tools and methods.

What careers work with the brain?

Careers that work with the brain include neurologists, neuroscientists, neuropsychologists, and cognitive scientists. These roles involve studying brain function, diagnosing neurological conditions, or developing treatments, often requiring advanced degrees and knowledge of neuroanatomy, neuroimaging tools, and research methods.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Brain Scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Brain Scientist, you need a strong background in neuroscience, experimental design, and data analysis, typically supported by an advanced degree such as a Ph.D. in neuroscience or a related field. Familiarity with neuroimaging tools (like fMRI or EEG), programming languages (such as Python or MATLAB), and statistical analysis software is essential. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are vital soft skills for interpreting complex data and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These skills enable rigorous research, innovative discoveries, and clear dissemination of findings crucial to advancing brain science.
What are popular job titles related to Brain Science jobs in Washington? For Brain Science jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Brain Science jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Brain Science jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Brain Science jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Brain Science job openings:
Senior Director, Applied Science and Technology Policy

Senior Director, Applied Science and Technology Policy

APA

Washington, DC โ€ข On-site

$68.97 - $105.64/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Note: APA operates on a 37.5-hour work week with one-hour lunch breaks each day. APA sets salaries based on several considerations, including years of relevant experience, level of education, and previous staff and/or governance experience at APA.
In collaboration with the Chief Advocacy Officer (CAO) and the Deputy Chief for Education and Science Policy, the Senior Director provides leadership, strategic direction, and oversight of APA's applied science and technology advocacy portfolio-advancing legislative, regulatory, and appropriations strategies that drive evidence-informed federal policy on emerging issues related to human-technology interaction, workplace well-being, and the future of work.
As part of the Education and Science Policy team, the Senior Director serves as the principal representative to Congress, federal agencies, employers, labor and industry stakeholders, coalitions, and partner organizations on technology policy-translating psychological science into actionable policy, guidance, and communications for diverse audiences.
Designs and leads advocacy campaigns that advance the application of psychological science in high-impact, fast-evolving areas, including AI governance and algorithmic discrimination; AI's impacts on workers, job quality, and organizational decision-making; online safety; social isolation and connection; mis/disinformation; disaster preparedness, response, and community resilience; neuroscience ethics and neurotechnology policy; workplace performance, mental health and well-being; and other future-of-work issues such as automation, surveillance, privacy, and responsible data use.
To advance APA's strategic priorities, builds and sustains relationships with executive-branch and congressional stakeholders, coalition partners, and private-sector and employer organizations; and convenes and leverages subject-matter experts to inform policy positions.
Education and Experience Required
  • This position requires a sound working knowledge of the legislative and regulatory processes gained through 10 or more years of previous experience in a responsible position working with government, Congress, or in the private sector. A master's degree or other advanced degree is required. A doctoral degree is preferred. Will consider an equivalent combination of relevant education and professional experience.
  • The successful applicant must have direct experience in legislative and regulatory processes; sophisticated multi-pronged advocacy campaigns; and lobbying and/or issue advocacy.
  • Must have demonstrated expertise in science and emerging technology policy, including AI governance and AI's impacts on the workforce and workplace decision-making; online safety; workplace mental health and well-being; disaster preparedness, response, and resilience; neuroscience ethics/neurotechnology policy; and future-of-work issues.
  • Experience drafting and working with employers and other stakeholders is required. This includes producing employer- and stakeholder-facing materials (e.g., guidance, toolkits, model policies, comment letters, testimony, briefs) and building durable partnerships with industry, labor, and cross-sector coalitions to advance evidence-informed policy and practice.
  • This is a visible and demanding position that requires deep knowledge and skills in science and emerging technology public policy, confidence and initiative, and the ability to translate psychological science into practical policy solutions.
  • The incumbent must have excellent communication skills (verbal and written), refined persuasive skills, strong interpersonal skills; be a highly competent and effective public speaker; and work effectively with individuals who hold diverse viewpoints.

Computer Skills Required
  • Advanced skills with Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
  • Advanced skills with advocacy platforms (CQ Engage)
  • Basic skills with social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc.)
  • Working knowledge of frontier AI platforms and their applications as tools.

Responsibilities
Core Responsibilities
The incumbent's responsibilities are organized into three primary pillars:
  1. Strategic & Policy Leadership
    • Lead federal advocacy, policy analysis, and strategic guidance on priority science and technology issues, with emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI) governance, online safety, brain science and neurotechnology, and psychological well-being across the lifespan-including implications for workforce practices and public well-being.
    • Shape and advance policy positions on AI's impacts on the workforce, including worker performance, well-being, job quality, equity, bias and discrimination, worker surveillance and data governance, algorithmic management, and responsible deployment of AI-enabled decision systems in employment contexts.
    • Lead advocacy to improve workplace well-being, including psychosocial risk prevention, job quality, productivity, and evidence-based organizational practices-working directly with employers and other stakeholders to promote scalable, science-backed approaches in a changing world of work.
    • Lead advocacy on disaster preparedness, response, and recovery, translating psychological science into policy recommendations for federal agencies and partners to strengthen community resilience and protect psychological well-being during and after crises.
    • Advance neuroscience ethics and neurotechnology policy, including issues related to privacy, consent, equitable access, safety, and responsible innovation in brain science and related technologies.
    • Advance federal policy that applies a population health framework to mental and behavioral health, including prevention, upstream determinants, and health equity.
    • Draft and negotiate high-stakes advocacy materials for diverse stakeholders-including employers, industry associations, labor, and coalition partners-such as comment letters, guidance, testimony, briefing documents, talking points, and model policy language.
    • Maintain relationships with members of Congress, executive branch officials, and coalition partners to advance APA's strategic priorities.
    • As needed, present issues within assigned policy portfolio to APA governance groups and external stakeholders and speak on behalf of APA/APA Services at events and coalition convenings.
    • Provide policy input and support for cross-cutting association priorities (e.g., presidential task forces and Council New Business Items) and other initiatives as assigned.
    • Monitor and analyze federal legislation and regulations for impact on psychology, with emphasis on applied science and technology policy.
  2. Cross-Organizational Integration & Collaboration
    • Serve as the primary advocacy partner to members of the Psychology Team working on the application of psychological science, representing advocacy on Future of Work initiatives and task forces, representing advocacy on initiatives related to disaster preparedness, response, and community resilience, supporting the APA Committee for the Advancement of General Applied Psychology, and monitoring policy implications of the Model Licensure Act, particularly as they relate to the application of psychological science.
    • Coordinate with communications, membership, and practice colleagues to engage employers, industry associations, and other external stakeholders-developing employer-facing policy guidance and outreach that advances APA priorities on AI, online safety, worker well-being, disaster resilience, and neuroethics.
  3. Collaboration & Operations
    • Collaborate across portfolios on the education and science team, as needed (e.g., federal science funding).
    • Contribute to team deliverables, including official correspondence, member updates (e.g., Washington Update), and internal reporting to leadership and the Board.
    • With the CAO, Deputy Chief for Education and Science Policy, and Executive Lead Psychologist, Applied Psychology, implement an integrated advocacy model.
    • Other duties as assigned

About APA:
The American Psychological Association (APA) represents 146,000 psychologists, students, and affiliates, primarily in the U.S. and Canada but also in other countries around the world. APA is a scientific and professional organization with about 500 employees and is categorized as a 501(c)(3) along with its 501(c)(6) companion organization, APA Services, Inc.
APA offers a generous employee benefits program, including Remote Work/Flexible Scheduling; a 401(k) option with employer match of up to 4%; medical, dental, and vision insurance options and an outpatient mental health benefit; paid personal/vacation time plus 12 paid holidays; Family/Medical Leave; tuition assistance; an Employee Assistance Program (EAP); short- and long-term disability insurance; and more.
Job Location: Remote: APA jobs may be considered for remote work eligibility as defined in APA's Flexible Work Policy and are subject to approval. Remote work employees may not work from the following states or U.S. territories: Alaska, California, Colorado, Guam, Hawaii, Iowa, Louisiana, Montana, Nebraska, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, U.S. Virgin Islands, Washington, Wyoming.
Application Instructions:
Qualified candidates must apply online through APA's applicant system and attach a resume and cover letter specifying your salary expectations. Applications that are submitted without both documents are considered incomplete and will not be reviewed for consideration. Once your application is submitted, you will receive a confirmation email. Please make sure to check your Spam folder if you do not receive an email from us.
The American Psychological Association is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected categories covered under local law. #LIremote
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.