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Cognitive Science Phd Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Indiana University

Research Scientist

Bloomington, IN · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

... The Cognitive Development Lab at Indiana University-Bloomington (PI: Linda Smith) invites ... in behavioral science, ideally in development, language, or visual cognition. The successful ...

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Cognitive Science Phd information

See Indiana salary details

$22.4K

$54.6K

$72.8K

How much do cognitive science phd jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for cognitive science phd in Indiana is $54,632.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,700.00 and $59,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is a PhD in cognitive science worth it?

A PhD in cognitive science can lead to careers in research, academia, and industry, often requiring strong analytical and programming skills. While it offers advanced knowledge and specialization, it typically involves several years of study and may result in competitive job markets, so its value depends on individual career goals and the field's demand.

What is the difference between Cognitive Science Phd vs Data Scientist?

AspectCognitive Science PhdData Scientist
Required CredentialsPhD in Cognitive Science or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Data Science, Computer Science, or related field; some roles prefer PhD
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academia, industry R&DTech companies, finance, healthcare, consulting
Industry UsageResearch, academia, AI development, cognitive modelingData analysis, predictive modeling, machine learning applications

While both roles involve analytical skills and data handling, a Cognitive Science Phd focuses on understanding human cognition, often in research or AI development, whereas a Data Scientist applies statistical and machine learning techniques to solve business problems across various industries.

What kind of jobs can I get with a cognitive science degree?

A cognitive science PhD prepares individuals for research, academia, and roles in human-computer interaction, user experience design, artificial intelligence, and data analysis. These positions often require strong analytical, programming, and experimental skills, and may involve working in tech companies, research institutions, or healthcare settings.

What is the highest paying job for a neuroscience PhD?

The highest paying jobs for neuroscience PhDs are often in industry roles such as pharmaceutical or biotech research directors, medical science liaisons, or executive positions in biotech companies, with salaries exceeding $150,000 annually. These roles typically require advanced research skills, knowledge of drug development, and strong communication abilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cognitive Science PhD, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cognitive Science PhD, you need a strong interdisciplinary background in psychology, neuroscience, computer science, linguistics, and philosophy, typically supported by advanced research experience and a doctoral degree. Proficiency with data analysis tools (such as Python, MATLAB, or R), neuroimaging software, and statistical modeling is commonly required. Exceptional critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills help you collaborate across disciplines and convey complex ideas clearly. These skills are vital for driving innovative research, publishing impactful work, and contributing to advancements in understanding human cognition.

Does cognitive science pay well?

Cognitive science PhDs can earn competitive salaries, especially when working in research, industry, or applied settings such as technology or healthcare. Salaries vary based on experience, location, and the specific role, with advanced positions often offering higher compensation. Skills in data analysis, programming, and experimental design can also influence earning potential.

What are some common interdisciplinary collaborations for Cognitive Science PhD students, and how do they impact research projects?

Cognitive Science PhD students frequently collaborate with researchers in fields such as psychology, neuroscience, computer science, linguistics, and philosophy. These interdisciplinary teams enhance research by providing access to diverse methodologies, data sources, and theoretical perspectives. Collaborating across disciplines can lead to innovative approaches and more comprehensive findings, though it also requires strong communication and adaptability to integrate different research traditions. Such experiences are highly valued in both academia and industry, as they build versatile problem-solving skills and foster a collaborative mindset.

What is a Cognitive Science PhD?

A Cognitive Science PhD is a doctoral degree focused on the interdisciplinary study of the mind and intelligence. This field combines elements from psychology, neuroscience, linguistics, computer science, philosophy, and anthropology to understand how humans and other intelligent systems perceive, think, learn, and behave. Students in a Cognitive Science PhD program typically conduct original research, develop expertise across multiple disciplines, and prepare for careers in academia, industry, or government. The degree usually takes between 4 to 6 years to complete and culminates in a dissertation that contributes new knowledge to the field.
What are popular job titles related to Cognitive Science Phd jobs in Indiana? For Cognitive Science Phd jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cognitive Science Phd jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Cognitive Science Phd jobs in Indiana are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Cognitive Science Phd jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Cognitive Science Phd job openings:
Cognitive Science Phd jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cognitive Science Phd job openings in Indiana as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,632 per year, or $26.3 per hour.

Research Scientist

Indiana University Academic Positions

Bloomington, IN

$70/hr

Other

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Position Details
Title Research Scientist Appointment Status Non-Tenure Track Department IU Bloomington Psychological & Brain Sciences Location Bloomington Position Summary
Research Scientist for Indiana University Cognitive Development Lab

The Cognitive Development Lab at Indiana University-Bloomington (PI: Linda Smith) invites applications for a Research Scientist to assist in the creation and analysis of a shareable data set (of already collected data) from nearly 10,000 children ages 15 to 36 months. There is both a scientific premise and a methodological premise underlying the project.
The scientific premise is that developmental changes in visual cognition and early vocabulary development interact, with advances in visual cognition supporting early language learning and also being changed by language learning. The literature indicates multiple causal factors and inflection points that can disrupt this early stage of vocabulary growth- limitations in audition, or vision, in phonological representations, in visual attention, in the composition of early vocabularies, and in the quality and composition of language input.
The methodological premise concerns how to leverage all the data that has been already collected on these issues; experiments with many of the same overlapping measures designed with specific hypotheses in mind. The methodological premise for this project is that given some overlapping measures in the individual data sets and through the use of advanced analytic tools including machine learning and graph theoretics, one can discover multiple developmental pathways in cross-sectional data and the factors that underlie the trajectories of those pathways. These inferred pathways then can be empirically tested in longitudinal studies.
Strong applicants will have quantitative and computational training as well as experience in behavioral science, ideally in development, language, or visual cognition.
The successful applicant will have:
Excellent research track record.
Excellent programming skills.
Experience in computational and statistical methods and analyses including either graph theoretic of machine learning approaches (or both).
A track record of initiative, ability to lead a team (of undergraduates/masters students) and effective teamwork.
Fit of this project with their own career trajectory/goals
PhD in Psychology or related field


How to Apply: Interested candidates should apply at
https://indiana.peopleadmin.com/postings/26344 by submitting a cover letter describing your interests and prior experiences, CV, and contact information for three references. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Application review will start December 1, 2024. Anticipated start date is February 1, 2025. Start date is negotiable.

Questions regarding the position or application process can be directed to: Dr. Linda Smith (smith4@iu.edu).
Basic Qualifications
Excellent research track record.
Excellent programming skills.
Experience in computational and statistical methods and analyses including either graph theoretic of machine learning approaches (or both).
A track record of initiative, ability to lead a team (of undergraduates/masters students) and effective teamwork.
Fit of this project with their own career trajectory/goals
PhD in Psychology or related field
Department Contact for Questions
Dr. Linda Smith (smith4@iu.edu)
Additional Qualifications Salary and Rank $70-75,000, RS3 Special Instructions For Best Consideration Date 12/01/2024 Expected Start Date 02/01/2025 Posting Number IU-101078-2024

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