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Cognitive Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Master's degree in human performance, Kinesiology, Exercise Science, Cognitive Science, Cognitive Neuroscience, Sport Sciences, Performance Psychology, Psychology, or mental health discipline with a ...

Cognitive Neurologist

Burlington, MA · On-site

$245K - $325K/yr

Pursue your interest in clinical research within the cognitive sciences. * Teach and Mentor: Supervise and teach medical students and neurology residents from UMass Chan Medical School. About Lahey:

AI Evaluation Scientist

Mclean, VA · On-site

$105K - $145K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Statistics, Machine Learning, Cognitive Science, Human-Computer Interaction, Data Science, or a related field and 5+ years of experience. * Master's degree in ...

Showing results 21-40

Cognitive Scientist information

See salary details

$50.5K

$111.3K

$137.5K

How much do cognitive scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for cognitive scientist in the United States is $111,343.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,500.00 and $137,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cognitive scientist?

Cognitive scientists are professionals who study how the mind works, including processes like perception, memory, reasoning, language, and decision-making. They use interdisciplinary approaches, drawing from psychology, neuroscience, computer science, linguistics, philosophy, and anthropology to understand mental functions. Cognitive scientists conduct research, develop theories, and may also create models or simulations to explore how humans and other animals think and learn. Their work helps improve educational methods, artificial intelligence, user experience design, and treatment of cognitive disorders.

What does a cognitive scientist do?

As a cognitive scientist, your responsibilities are to study the brain and research how to apply neuroscience in practical ways. Your duties may include observing how external factors affect cognition, examining the effects of a process on human behavior, or determining the best way to teach a particular skill. Cognitive scientists frequently use artificial intelligence and cognitive modeling techniques to test theories, analyze problems, and develop algorithms. Most jobs in this field focus on objectives, such as when a company has a goal and wants to use cognitive science to help accomplish that goal.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cognitive scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cognitive Scientist, you need a strong background in psychology, neuroscience, computer science, or linguistics, often supported by an advanced degree such as a PhD. Familiarity with experimental design, statistical analysis tools (like R or SPSS), and programming languages (such as Python or MATLAB) is typically required. Critical thinking, creativity, and effective communication are valuable soft skills to excel in research and collaborative environments. These competencies are essential for designing rigorous studies, analyzing complex data, and advancing our understanding of human cognition.

How do cognitive scientists typically collaborate with professionals from other disciplines in their daily work?

Cognitive scientists often work in interdisciplinary teams, collaborating closely with psychologists, neuroscientists, computer scientists, linguists, and even designers depending on the project. This collaboration may involve joint research studies, developing computational models, or designing experiments to better understand human cognition. Effective communication and a willingness to integrate diverse perspectives are essential, as projects frequently require combining methods and insights from multiple fields to solve complex problems. Regular meetings and shared project management tools are common practices to keep cross-disciplinary teams aligned and productive.

What is the difference between Cognitive Scientist vs Cognitive Psychologist?

AspectCognitive ScientistCognitive Psychologist
Required CredentialsMaster's or PhD in cognitive science, psychology, neuroscience, or related fieldsMaster's or PhD in psychology, cognitive psychology, or neuroscience
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, tech companies, interdisciplinary teamsAcademic settings, research institutions, clinical environments
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, tech firms, government agenciesUniversities, healthcare, research organizations, clinics

While both roles focus on understanding mental processes, Cognitive Scientists often work across disciplines, including computer science and neuroscience, and may develop models or algorithms. Cognitive Psychologists typically focus on experimental research and clinical applications within psychology. Both roles require advanced degrees and involve research, but their work environments and specific focus areas differ.

How much money does a cognitive scientist make?

The average salary for a cognitive scientist in the United States ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions typically start around $60,000, while experienced professionals or those in senior roles can earn over $130,000. Skills in research, data analysis, and programming can influence earning potential.

Is cognitive science a good career?

Cognitive science is a multidisciplinary field that offers careers in research, academia, technology, and healthcare, often requiring strong skills in psychology, neuroscience, and computer science. Job prospects depend on education level, specialization, and experience, with opportunities in data analysis, artificial intelligence, and human-computer interaction. The field typically involves research, collaboration, and continuous learning, making it suitable for those interested in understanding the mind and behavior.

What jobs can you get with cognitive scientist?

A cognitive scientist can work in roles such as research scientist, user experience designer, data analyst, or cognitive engineer. These positions often require skills in research methods, data analysis, programming, and understanding human cognition, and may be found in academia, technology companies, healthcare, or government agencies.

What cities are hiring for Cognitive Scientist jobs?

Cities with the most Cognitive Scientist job openings:

What states have the most Cognitive Scientist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Cognitive Scientist jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Cognitive Scientist jobs?

For Cognitive Scientist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Cognitive Scientist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 44% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 54% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,343 per year, or $53.5 per hour.

Cognitive Performance Specialist

Fort Liberty, NC

GDIT
IT Services • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


General Dynamics Information Technology rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 63 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Type of Requisition:

Pipeline

Clearance Level Must Currently Possess:

Secret

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain:

Top Secret

Public Trust/Other Required:

None

Job Family:

Healthcare Services

Job Qualifications:

Skills:

Adaptive Thinking, Human Performance, Performance Improvements, Researching, Training and Education

Certifications:

None

Experience:

3 + years of related experience

US Citizenship Required:

Yes

Job Description:

We are GDIT. The people supporting and securingsome of the most complex government, defense, andintelligence projects across the country. We ensuretoday is safe and tomorrow is smarter. Our work hasmeaning and impact on the world aroundus, but also on us, andthat'simportant.

GDIT is your place. You make it your own by embracingautonomy, seizing opportunity, and being rusted todeliver your best every day.

We think. We act. We deliver. There is no challenge wecan'tturn into opportunity. And our work depends on aCognitive Performance Specialist joining our team to supportcustomer activities.

At GDIT, people are our differentiator.As aCognitive Performance Specialist supportingour customer, you will be trusted toprovide mental performance and readiness support.

The Cognitive Performance Specialist provides evidencebased cognitive, psychological, and behavioral skills training to enhance mental performance and readiness. The CPS develops, implements, and evaluates cognitive performance programs that strengthen attention, adaptability, learning, emotional regulation, and decisionmaking under pressure. This role collaborates across the Human Performance team to improve overall performance, readiness, and resilience.

HOW A COGNITIVE PERFORMANCE SPECIALIST WILL MAKE AN IMPACT:

  • Utilize on evidence-based and/or peer-reviewed literature to train and educate SOF personnel, in individual and group settings, in specific cognitive, mental, behavioral, psychosocial, perceptual, learning, adaptive thinking, human engagements, and emotional control skills, and strategies - including understanding, acquisition, and retention - performance improvement and maintenance with documentation of work performed, implemented, and provided to SOF personnel.
  • Assist and advise the POTFF Program Manager/Coordinator or Government Lead in matters relating to mental performance, and sport psychology.
  • Provide information, education, and training about cognitive performance related to exercise and sports psychology factors in sports and physical activity.
  • Provide education and training on executive function, sleep, self-regulation, attention, and other cognitive functions as needed. This could include areas such as memory, skill acquisition, goal setting, performance profiling, visualization, performance development, and planning.
  • As a subject matter expert for this labor category, the primary role is for the purpose of enhance and preservation of the cognitive, physical, psychological, social, and spiritual well-being of Service Members, which includes the documentation of those services offered in the HP Enterprise-wide platforms (i.e., HPDMS, etc.) as directed by the USSOCOM Directive 10-12. Adjustments to the productivity level for this labor category may vary due to client population, local mission set, or additional administrative taskings. Additional duties as assigned through local leadership must be documented and approved through local POTFF leadership.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED TO SUCCEED:

EDUCATION:

  • Master's degree in human performance, Kinesiology, Exercise Science, Cognitive Science, Cognitive Neuroscience, Sport Sciences, Performance Psychology, Psychology, or mental health discipline with a specialization in Performance Psychology. Doctoral degree preferred.
  • Minimum of three (3) years or more post-graduate degree of demonstrable accumulated experience (continuous and sustained experience preferred) as a cognitive performance practitioner or Sport Psychologist with military members, athletes, groups of athletes at the levels of NCAA Collegiate, Olympic, professional sports, tactical setting, or with individuals or groups requiring high levels of mental and physical performance (experience with Special Operations personnel preferred).
  • Certification of training for heart rate variability (HRV) through the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance (BCIA) or a relevant certification through BCIA or at least one (1) year of demonstrable experience delivering HRV training in a high- performance setting and be willing to obtain the BCIA HRV certificate of completion for HRV within one (1) year of hire.
  • May be required to receive and maintain certifications relevant to cognitive enhancement as required by hiring Unit, such as BCIA biofeedback certification.

CLEARANCE: Secret or Top-Secret Clearance, or the ability to obtain clearance.

LOCATION: Various OCONUS & CONUS SITES

This is a contingent posting, expected to start in 2027.

GDIT IS YOUR PLACE:

  • 401K with company match
  • Comprehensive health and wellness packages
  • Internal mobility team dedicated to helping you own your career
  • Professional growth opportunities including paid education and certifications
  • Cutting-edge technology you can learn from
  • Rest and recharge with paid vacation and holidays

#MilitaryHealthGDITJobs

The likely salary range for this position is $83,927 - $113,549. This is not, however, a guarantee of compensation or salary. Rather, salary will be set based on experience, geographic location and possibly contractual requirements and could fall outside of this range.

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Travel Required:

Less than 10%

Telecommuting Options:

Onsite

Work Location:

USA NC Fort Bragg

Additional Work Locations:

USA GA Fort Benning - Customer Proprietary (GAC101), USA GA Hunter AAF, USA KY Fort Campbell, USA VA Dam Neck

Total Rewards at GDIT:

Our benefits package for all US-based employees includes a variety of medical plan options, some with Health Savings Accounts, dental plan options, a vision plan, and a 401(k) plan offering the ability to contribute both pre and post-tax dollars up to the IRS annual limits and receive a company match. To encourage work/life balance, GDIT offers employees full flex work weeks where possible and a variety of paid time off plans, including vacation, sick and personal time, holidays, paid parental, military, bereavement and jury duty leave. To ensure our employees are able to protect their income, other offerings such as short and long-term disability benefits, life, accidental death and dismemberment, personal accident, critical illness and business travel and accident insurance are provided or available. We regularly review our Total Rewards package to ensure our offerings are competitive and reflect what our employees have told us they value most.

Our Identity Verification Process:

As part of the hiring process, we will ask you to complete an identity verification process that leverages advanced biometrics and artificial intelligence to ensure authenticity and protect against identity fraud. You are expected to be on camera during virtual interviews. We reserve the right to take your picture to verify your identity and prevent fraud. By proceeding, you authorize the collection, processing, and use of your biometric data for identity verification and security purposes.

About Our Work:

We are GDIT. A global technology and professional services company that delivers technology solutions and mission services to every major agency across the U.S. government, defense and intelligence community. Our 26,000 experts extract the power of technology to create immediate value and deliver solutions at the edge of innovation. We operate across 50+ countries worldwide, offering leading mission-ready capabilities in AI, cloud, cyber and software development.Join our Talent Community to stay up to date on our career opportunities and events at

gdit.com/tc.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans

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About General Dynamics Information Technology

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

GDIT is a global technology and professional services company that delivers technology solutions and mission services to every major agency across the U.S. government, defense, and intelligence community. Its 30,000 experts extract the power of technology to create immediate value and deliver solutions at the edge of innovation. The company operates across 50+ countries worldwide, offering leading capabilities in digital modernization, AI/ML, cloud, cyber, and application development.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US