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Cognitive Science Phd Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SRI International

Intern, Sleep Lab

Menlo Park, CA · On-site

$17.55 - $23/hr

Current Bachelors/Masters/PhD student in psychology, neuroscience, biology, cognitive science, or a related field. * Candidates must be a US Citizen * Interest in sleep research a plus * Detail ...

Gap International

Linguist

Springfield, PA · On-site

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 ...

Apple

Senior Human Factors Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

Minimum Qualifications MS or PhD in Human Factors Engineering, Design Research, Human-Computer Interaction, Cognitive Science, or related field 7+ years of industry experience applying design ...

Gap International

Linguist

Philadelphia, PA

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 ...

SRI International

Intern, Sleep Lab

Menlo Park, CA

$17.55 - $23/hr

Current Bachelors/Masters/PhD student in psychology, neuroscience, biology, cognitive science, or a related field. * Candidates must be a US Citizen * Interest in sleep research a plus * Detail ...

Gap International

Linguist

Springfield, PA

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

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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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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:

What job categories do people searching Cognitive Science Phd jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Cognitive Science Phd jobs are:

Cognitive Science Phd jobs near you
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.

Senior Ontologist

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Laurel, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Work with software engineers and data scientists to build ontologies and capabilities for national security mission needs.

  • Provide expert evaluation and review of ontology content.

  • Engage stakeholders to determine ontology requirements and work with subject matter experts to craft ontology content.

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 75 rated research

Job description

Description
Are you passionate about building solutions for our greatest national security challenges?
Are you searching for engaging work with an employer that prioritizes impact, innovation, and personal development?
Do you value working in a creative and collaborative environment?
If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.
The Threat Analytic Systems (QAI) Group wants talented staff who can work as part of a team to provide our nation with ground-breaking capabilities that bridge the gaps between data, real-world events and people, and prediction of events of national importance. We need talented engineers, scientists, and ontologists with curiosity and a drive for learning!
As a member of our team...
  • You will work on a team with software engineers and data scientists to build ontologies and capabilities for applied national security mission needs.
  • You will provide expert evaluation and review of ontology content.
  • You will engage stakeholders to determine ontology requirements.
  • You will work with subject matter experts to craft ontology content.
  • You will contribute to and implement quality assurance and validation practices.

Qualifications
You'll meet our minimum requirements if you...
  • Have a Master's degree in a field relevant to Ontology. Relevant degree fields may include Philosophy, Computer Science, Cognitive Science, Public / Social Policy, Mathematics, Logic, or Linguistics.
  • Are proficient with any of the following: Ontology Web Language (OWL), Resource Description Framework Schema (RDFs), and Resource Description Framework (RDF)
  • Are proficient with SPARQL
  • Have experience building domain ontologies based on a top-level ontology
  • Are able to weigh tradeoffs between semantic expressivity and project-specific implementation strategies
  • Have experience with Python
  • Are familiar with ontology editors (e.g., TopBraid Composer, Protégé, ROBOT), or ontology editing software packages (e.g. rdflib, Apache Jena, Sesame, RDF4J)
  • Have experience with formal representations of logical reasoning and inference
  • Can work with loosely defined or high-level requirements
  • Can work on multiple dynamic projects to support evolving national security requirements
  • Have strong problem solving, analytical, and organizational skills
  • Have demonstrated initiative
  • Have experience working successfully independently or within a team environment
  • Have excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Have the ability to obtain a TS/SCI level security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you have...
  • A PhD in a field relevant to Ontology. Relevant degree fields may include Philosophy, Computer Science, Cognitive Science, Public / Social Policy, Mathematics, Logic, or Linguistics
  • Experience working with a software engineering team to deliver ontology-driven software features
  • Experience with any of the following: Basic Formal Ontology (BFO); The Common Core Ontologies (CCO); W3C standards such as SOSA/SSN and the Time Ontology; ontologies in the Open Biological and Biomedical (OBO) Foundry; as well as other semantic web standards, such as Dublin Core, SKOS, QUDT, and GeoSPARQL
  • Experience with triple stores or graph databases (e.g., GraphDB, Stardog, Jena Fuseki)
  • Experience using AI tools to generate high quality ontology content
  • Experience developing AI tools that use ontologies or knowledge graphs
  • Experience with semantic validation languages (e.g. SHACL, SPIN)
  • Experience with software version management using GIT
  • Experience with machine learning, natural language processing, or in the normalization/integration of heterogeneous data sources
  • Coursework in data structures, databases, metaphysics, knowledge representation, algorithms, mathematical logic, mereotopology, or software programming
  • Experience with project management and/or leading technical teams

About Us
Why Work at APL?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accessibility@jhuapl.edu.
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$100,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$245,000 Annually

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