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Cognitive Neuroscience Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Wisconsin

Research Specialist

Madison, WI · On-site

The Research Specialist will work closely with PhD-level scientists to recruit healthy young-adults to serve as research subjects for cognitive neuroscience experiments, and to collect data for these ...

Rutgers University

Postdoctoral Associate

Piscataway, NJ · On-site

$20K/wk

... research aligned with the aims of the Addiction & Decision Neuroscience Lab (ADN). Current work focuses on cognitive modeling of decision-making in both laboratory tasks and real-world settings, as ...

Boystown

Postdoctoral Research Fellow- DiCON

Omaha, NE

$46K - $63K/yr

Within the two projects noted above, the area of research focus is flexible, but demonstrated expertise in neuroimaging, statistical modeling, and/or cognitive neuroscience is essential. Applicants ...

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How much do cognitive neuroscience research jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for cognitive neuroscience research in the United States is $62,885.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,500.00 and $67,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to Get a Job in Cognitive Neuroscience Research

Most people who specialize in cognitive neuroscience research start by completing a bachelor’s degree in psychology, neurology, or a related field, and then earning advanced qualifications, such as a master's degree or doctorate. As a researcher, you focus on enhancing our understanding how physical structures of the brain, such as the neuron, influence behavior, emotion, and memory, so you need extremely strong research and analytical skills. Some roles prefer candidates with experience in administering neurobehavioral assessments. Research assistants typically start with a bachelor's degree, but need to finish high-level degrees to be able to take the lead on a research project.

What jobs can you do with a cognitive neuroscience degree?

A degree in cognitive neuroscience prepares individuals for roles such as research scientist, neuropsychologist, or cognitive analyst, often requiring skills in data analysis, experimental design, and neuroimaging tools. Graduates can work in academia, healthcare, or technology sectors, applying knowledge of brain function and behavior. Additional certifications or advanced degrees may be needed for clinical or specialized positions.

What is a cognitive neuroscience researcher?

A cognitive neuroscience researcher studies how brain processes relate to mental functions such as perception, memory, and decision-making. They often use tools like brain imaging and neuropsychological tests and typically hold advanced degrees in neuroscience, psychology, or related fields. Their work involves designing experiments, analyzing data, and contributing to understanding brain-behavior relationships.

How much does a cognitive neuroscience researcher make?

The average salary for a cognitive neuroscience researcher varies depending on experience, education, and location, but typically ranges from $50,000 to $90,000 annually. Advanced roles or those with postdoctoral experience can earn higher salaries, especially in research institutions or universities. Skills in neuroimaging, data analysis, and programming can also influence compensation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Cognitive Neuroscience Research, and why are they important?

To thrive in Cognitive Neuroscience Research, you need a strong background in neuroscience, psychology, or a related field, typically supported by a relevant graduate degree (e.g., Ph.D. or M.Sc.). Proficiency with neuroimaging techniques (such as fMRI or EEG), statistical analysis software (like SPSS, MATLAB, or Python), and research methodologies is essential. Critical thinking, attention to detail, and effective collaboration are crucial soft skills for producing reliable results and advancing knowledge. These competencies are vital for designing robust experiments, analyzing complex data, and contributing meaningful insights to the scientific community.

What are some common challenges faced in cognitive neuroscience research and how can new researchers overcome them?

Cognitive neuroscience research often involves working with complex experimental designs, advanced neuroimaging techniques, and large datasets, which can be challenging for newcomers. Additionally, interpreting results and drawing meaningful conclusions requires a strong understanding of both neuroscience and statistical analysis. New researchers can overcome these challenges by seeking mentorship from experienced colleagues, participating in collaborative projects, and making use of training resources and workshops. Regularly attending lab meetings and conferences also helps in building both technical skills and a professional network.

What is cognitive neuroscience research?

Cognitive neuroscience research is a scientific field focused on understanding how the brain enables mental processes such as perception, memory, language, and decision-making. Researchers investigate the neural mechanisms underlying cognition using techniques like brain imaging (fMRI, EEG), behavioral experiments, and computational modeling. This research helps bridge the gap between brain function and behavior, contributing to advances in psychology, medicine, and artificial intelligence.

What is the difference between Cognitive Neuroscience Research vs Cognitive Psychologist?

AspectCognitive Neuroscience ResearchCognitive Psychologist
Required CredentialsPhD in Neuroscience, Psychology, or related fieldPhD or PsyD in Psychology with specialization in cognition
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, hospitalsClinics, academic settings, research institutions
Employer & IndustryUniversities, research institutes, healthcareUniversities, mental health clinics, research centers

While both roles focus on understanding mental processes, Cognitive Neuroscience Research emphasizes studying brain mechanisms using neuroimaging and experimental methods. Cognitive Psychologists often focus on behavioral assessments and cognitive theories, sometimes applying their findings in clinical or educational settings. The roles overlap in understanding cognition but differ mainly in methods and application focus.

How to become a cognitive neuroscience researcher?

To become a cognitive neuroscience researcher, typically a candidate needs a bachelor's degree in psychology, neuroscience, or a related field, followed by a master's or Ph.D. in cognitive neuroscience or a similar discipline. Gaining experience through research assistant positions, developing skills in neuroimaging tools like MRI or EEG, and publishing research are important steps in building a career in this field.
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Cognitive Neuroscience Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cognitive Neuroscience Research job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,885 per year, or $30.2 per hour.
Tenured/Tenure-track position in Cognitive Neuroscience

Tenured/Tenure-track position in Cognitive Neuroscience

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD • On-site

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago

Johns Hopkins Medicine rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 205 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

230th of 890 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Description
The Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at Johns Hopkins University invites applications for a full-time tenured or tenure-track faculty member, open rank, with a focus on cognitive neuroscience. The successful candidate will have a cutting-edge research program in any area of cognitive neuroscience, broadly construed. Areas of research could include (but are not limited to) perception, concepts, memory, learning, language, action, reasoning, metacognition, social cognition, moral cognition, cognitive development, comparative/animal cognition, and decision-making.Cognitive neuroscience research includes research with human participants using methods such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), magnetoencephalography (MEG) or EEG (Electroencephalography). The Department invites applications from outstanding candidates at the Associate and Full Professor ranks. Exceptional candidates at the Assistant Professor stage, especially those nearing their tenure review, will also be considered.
The department is also conducting open rank searches in Cognitive Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience. Candidates conducting research with animal models are invited to apply to the Behavioral Neuroscience position. Candidates using primarily behavioral and/ or computational measures are invited to apply to the Cognitive Psychology position. For information about these other two searches please go to please go to: https://pbs.jhu.edu/about/jobs/ . Candidates are invited to apply to multiple searches when appropriate.
The Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences is located on the Homewood Campus of Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, and maintains close ties and collaborative relationships with the Departments of Cognitive Science, Neuroscience, and Philosophy, as well as the Mind/Brain Institute and the SNF Agora Institute.
Review of applications will begin December 1, 2025, and will continue on a rolling basis. Preference will be given to applications received on or before January 15, 2026. Applicants may write to Dr. Marina Bedny (marina.bedny@jhu.edu) with subject "PBS Cognitive Neuroscience Search" with questions about this search.
Qualifications
Candidates must have a Ph.D. in Psychology, Cognitive Science, Neuroscience or related field by the start of the position.
Application Instructions
Applicants should submit a CV, cover letter, research and teaching statements, and three representative publications. For applicants applying at the level of Assistant Professor, three letters of reference are also required.

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