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Cognitive Neuroscience Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$100 - $180/hr

The Mind Research Network (MRN), in partnership with Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute (LBRI ... Cognitive Science, Public Health, or a related field and 12+ years of experience or an equivalent ...

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Cognitive Neuroscience Research information

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How much do cognitive neuroscience research jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 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.

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.

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in cognitive neuroscience research?

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 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.

Do cognitive neuroscience researchers get paid well?

Cognitive neuroscience researchers typically earn competitive salaries that vary based on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, but experienced researchers with advanced degrees and specialized skills can earn higher salaries, especially in academic or industry settings. Funding sources and research grants can also influence compensation levels.

What can I do with a PhD in cognitive neuroscience?

A PhD in cognitive neuroscience prepares individuals for research, academia, and applied roles in healthcare, technology, and neuropsychology. Graduates often work as university professors, research scientists, clinical neuropsychologists, or in industries developing brain-computer interfaces and cognitive assessment tools, utilizing skills in experimental design, data analysis, and neuroimaging techniques.

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.

What cities are hiring for Cognitive Neuroscience Research jobs?

Cities with the most Cognitive Neuroscience Research job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Cognitive Neuroscience Research jobs?

The most popular types of Cognitive Neuroscience Research jobs are:

What states have the most Cognitive Neuroscience Research jobs?

States with the most job openings for Cognitive Neuroscience Research jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Cognitive Neuroscience Research jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Cognitive Neuroscience Research jobs are:

Infographic showing various Cognitive Neuroscience Research job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,885 per year, or $30.2 per hour.

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Job description

Overview
The Mind Research Network (MRN), in partnership with Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute (LBRI), invites applications for a faculty position in translational neuroscience. The successful candidate will join a team of outstanding investigators who are eager to shape the future of translational neuroscience through collaborative, high-impact research that advances the understanding, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of brain and behavioral disorders.
Recruitment is focused on exceptional investigators at the advanced assistant professor or associate professor level, although appointment and rank will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
This recruitment coincides with the installation of a new MEGIN TRIUX™ neo magnetoencephalography (MEG) system, further expanding MRN's world-class neuroimaging capabilities. The TRIUX™ neo complements MRN's research-dedicated Siemens Prisma 3T MRI, research-dedicated mobile MRI program, and advanced neuro-informatics resources, creating an exceptional environment for innovative, multimodal translational neuroscience research.
We seek an innovative, collaborative investigator with an established or emerging independent research program who will leverage MRN's advanced neuroimaging infrastructure, multidisciplinary research community, and strategic partnerships to build a nationally recognized translational neuroscience program.
The successful candidate will join a highly collaborative scientific community where research spans advanced neuroimaging, computational neuroscience, biomarker discovery, mechanistic neuroscience, clinical investigation, and nonclinical model systems. Close collaborations across MRN, Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute, and the University of New Mexico create unique opportunities to integrate human neuroimaging with mechanistic studies, biomarker discovery, and clinical research while developing innovative, high-impact collaborative programs.
Research Areas of Interest
Candidates research should use multimodal neuroimaging-including MEG and/or MRI to investigate:
  • Neurodevelopment and brain maturation
  • Sleep, circadian rhythms, and brain health
  • Psychiatric and behavioral neuroscience
  • Translational neuroscience, including human neuroimaging, clinical investigation, and mechanistic or nonclinical model systems
  • Predictive biomarkers and precision neuroscience
  • Computational neuroscience, neuro-informatics, and machine learning

Researchers working in related areas that leverage advanced neuroimaging, computational methods, mobile MRI, or multidisciplinary collaborations are also encouraged to apply.
A Unique Research Setting
Albuquerque offers access to diverse urban, rural, tribal, and underserved populations, supporting innovative community-engaged, longitudinal, and translational neuroscience research while providing an exceptional quality of life.
Qualifications
  • Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent doctoral degree in Neuroscience, Psychology, Psychiatry, Neurology, Developmental Neurobiology, Biomedical Engineering, Cognitive Science, Public Health, or a related field and 12+ years of experience or an equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been attained. Must have 4 to 7 years of experience at the Associate Professor level as well as experience with external grant funding, publishing and national recognition.
  • Demonstrated success obtaining competitive extramural funding with a strong trajectory toward sustained federal support. Active federal funding is preferred.

Preferred/Additional Qualifications
  • Experience conducting multimodal neuroimaging research utilizing MRI, MEG, EEG, or related methodologies
  • Experience with longitudinal cohorts, developmental or clinical populations, community-based research, or large-scale datasets
  • Expertise in computational modeling, machine learning, predictive analytics, biomarker development, or translational neuroscience

Physical Requirements
Work is performed in a dry laboratory environment. Will operate standard office equipment and will frequently stand, walk, sit, perform desk-based computer tasks, use a telephone, perform repetitive motions and occasionally lift objects that weigh up to 20 pounds. May interact with research participants.
The above is intended to describe the general requirements for the position and should not be interpreted as an exhaustive statement of physical requirements. The Institute will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires an accommodation to perform the essential functions of the position.
Salary
Salary is commensurate with experience.
Lovelace Biomedical is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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