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Cognitive Science Phd Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Data Scientist

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$142K - $263K/yr

... PhD in EE, ECE, CS, Statistics, HCI, Cognitive Science, or a related field Strong understanding of ML and sensing system behavior, with the ability to reason about failure modes, edge cases, and the ...

... Cognitive Science, Electrical Engineering, Perception, Experimental Psychology, Audio Engineering ... PhD degree or equivalent experience - Experience with science outreach programs Apply online for ...

Psychologist

Phoenix, AZ ยท On-site

$43.10 - $64.11/hr

Reviews patient records to determine the need for evaluation of cognitive, learning, attention ... Doctorate of Science PhD in clinical psychology and pre-doctoral internship from an APA approved ...

Currently enrolled student pursuing a PhD (2nd-4th year preferred) in Computer Science, Machine ... Cognitive Science, or a related field * Available to work onsite, 40 hours per week in Los Gatos ...

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How much do cognitive science phd jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for cognitive science phd in the United States is $57,413.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,000.00 and $62,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

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.

Is a cognitive science PhD worth it?

A cognitive science PhD can be valuable for careers in research, academia, or specialized industry roles such as AI development or human-computer interaction. However, it requires significant time and financial investment, and job prospects often depend on research experience, interdisciplinary skills, and the ability to publish or present findings.

What careers with a cognitive science PhD?

A cognitive science PhD prepares individuals for careers in research, academia, human-computer interaction, user experience design, artificial intelligence, and data analysis. Graduates often work as university professors, research scientists, UX researchers, or in roles involving cognitive modeling and machine learning, utilizing skills in experimental design, programming, and statistical analysis.

What do you do with a PhD in cognitive science?

A PhD in cognitive science prepares individuals for research, teaching, and applied roles in academia, industry, or government. Graduates often work as researchers, data analysts, user experience designers, or in artificial intelligence development, utilizing skills in experimental design, programming, and data analysis. Career paths may also include consulting, policy advising, or roles in technology companies that focus on human cognition and behavior.
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What cities are hiring for Cognitive Science Phd jobs?

Cities with the most Cognitive Science Phd job openings:

What states have the most Cognitive Science Phd jobs?

States with the most job openings for Cognitive Science Phd jobs include:

Infographic showing various Cognitive Science Phd job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,413 per year, or $27.6 per hour.

Postdoctoral Fellow, MARA (Modeling, Abstraction and Reasoning Agents)

Basis Research Institute

Ithaca, NY โ€ข On-site

$47K - $64K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Job Summary:
Basis Research Institute is a nonprofit applied AI research organization, and they are seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow to contribute to the MARA project, which focuses on developing foundational AI technologies. The role involves conducting independent and collaborative research, developing new methods for modeling and reasoning in AI systems, and disseminating findings through publications and presentations.
Responsibilities:
โ€ข Conduct independent and collaborative research focused on the MARA project.
โ€ข Develop new methods and algorithms for modeling, abstraction, and reasoning in AI systems.
โ€ข Apply these methods to concrete challenges such as the Abstract Reasoning Corpus (ARC) and other domains.
โ€ข Disseminate research findings through academic publications and presentations at leading conferences.
โ€ข Actively engage in knowledge transfer within Basis and Cornell University, converting research into actionable insights and algorithms.
โ€ข Provide mentorship to junior team members and contribute to the scientific discourse through seminars, workshops, and collaborative projects.
Qualifications:
Required:
โ€ข Researchers holding a PhD in computer science, artificial intelligence, machine learning, cognitive science, or related fields.
โ€ข Strong background in areas such as program synthesis, probabilistic programming, machine learning, AI reasoning systems, and cognitive modeling.
โ€ข Experience in developing AI systems that combine neural and symbolic methods is highly valued.
โ€ข Interest in foundational AI research and its applications to modeling, abstraction, and reasoning.
โ€ข Individuals with a demonstrated track record in scientific research, evidenced through publications, technical reports, or impactful software projects.
Company:
Basis is a nonprofit applied research organization with two mutually reinforcing goals. The first is to understand and build intelligence. Founded in 2022, the company is headquartered in New York, USA, with a team of 11-50 employees. The company is currently Early Stage.