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Cognitive Science Phd Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... 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 ...

... 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 ...

Data Scientist

San Diego, CA · On-site

$171.60 - $302.20/hr

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 ...

Psychologist

Phoenix, AZ

$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 ...

PhD in Linguistics, Cognitive Science, Psycholinguistics, or a closely related field (completed or near completion) from a leading academic institution with a strong scholarly record * Demonstrated ...

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Cognitive Science Phd information

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$23.5K

$57.4K

$76.5K

How much do cognitive science phd jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 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 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.

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 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 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 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.

Is cognitive science in demand?

Cognitive science PhDs are increasingly in demand in fields such as artificial intelligence, human-computer interaction, and data analysis. Employers value skills in research, programming, and understanding of human cognition, leading to opportunities in academia, industry, and research institutions.

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.
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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% Internship, 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,413 per year, or $27.6 per hour.

Temporary Lecturer - Human Developmental Sciences

University of California, San Diego

San Diego, CA • On-site

$73K - $96K/yr

Other

Posted 14 days ago


University Of California San Diego rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

162nd of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position overview
Position title: Lecturer
Salary range: A reasonable salary range estimate for this position is $73,817 - $96,314. The posted UC academic salary scales (https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/2026-27/ix-august-2026-scales/t15.pdf) set the minimum pay determined
by rank and/or step at appointment. See the UC salary scale for this position (https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/2026-27/ix-august-2026-scales/t15.pdf)
Application Window
Open date: August 1, 2026
Next review date: Monday, Aug 31, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: Wednesday, Jun 30, 2027 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.
Position description
The Human Developmental Sciences (HDS) program at the University of California, San Diego is committed to building an excellent and diverse faculty, staff, and student body. We are currently accepting applications from candidates whose experience has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to teach as temporary non-tenure track lecturers (Unit 18).
Responsibilities include effective instruction, teaching classes in accord with the course description and objectives, following the academic and administrative policies of the department and program, and advising students on academic matters.
HDS is an interdisciplinary program, examining systematic and organized change from birth through adolescence into older ages of life. It views development over time as crucial for understanding all aspects of human behavior. The analytic orientation of developmental science focuses on how the dynamic mutual relations between multiple different types of information (biological, cognitive and socio-cultural) can be integrated to explain life-span development. This emphasis is on understanding life-development holistically as a complex system. The program offers three (3) areas of concentration:
Biological Development, which emphasizes the biological bases of lifespan development, including the sensory and perceptual processes that are basic to our cognitive and social functioning.
Cognitive & Linguistic Development, which focuses on intellectual and emotional development across the lifespan. It examines the development of both linguistic and cognitive processes, and the affective and temperamental factors that shape our interaction with others.
Socio-Cultural Development, which focuses on the influences of culture and context in the field of lifespan development. It examines topics such as family relations, peer interaction, the effects of schooling and literacy and the activities of play, theories of child development, differing cultural perspectives, and social and health policy issues.
The HDS program also has a full research methodology curriculum that provides advanced-level study on subfields of human development. To learn more about our program and courses we may offer, please visit : https://catalog.ucsd.edu/courses/HDS.html .
Appointments may vary from part time to full time with a duration of one quarter to one year with the possibility of extension in accordance with programmatic needs.
The posting will remain open to accommodate upcoming course needs or until the positions are filled.
Program: http://hdsciences.ucsd.edu/
Qualifications
Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
Master's degree in a related field (e.g . human development, psychology, sociology, linguistics , biology, communication, anthropology, cognitive science, education studies , ethnic studies , history, literature, urban studies )
1 year of teaching experience. May include experience as teaching assistant and associate in.
Preferred qualifications
PhD in a related field (e.g . human development, psychology, sociology, linguistics , biology, communication, anthropology, cognitive science, education studies , ethnic studies , history, literature, urban studies )
Application Requirements
Document requirements
  • Cover Letter (Optional)
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
  • Statement of Teaching
  • Teaching Evaluations

Reference requirements
  • 3 required (contact information only)
Apply link: https://apol-recruit.ucsd.edu/JPF04588
Help contact: jlau@ucsd.edu
About UC San Diego
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
As a university employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.
The University of California prohibits smoking and tobacco use at all of its university-controlled properties.
The UC San Diego Annual Security & Fire Safety Report is available online at: https://www.police.ucsd.edu/docs/annualclery.pdf . This report provides crime and fire statistics, as well as institutional policy statements & procedures. Contact the UC San Diego Police Department at (858) 534-4361 if you want to obtain paper copies of this report.
As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.
Click for more information on Assembly Bill-810
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• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy: [ https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000385/SVSH ]
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties: [ https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination ]
Job location
San Diego, CA

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