Entry Level Cognitive Science Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary
The Institute of Cognitive Science (ICS) at the University of Colorado Boulder invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in the area of AI and the Mind, with an anticipated start date of Fall 2027. Highly qualified candidates who have been recently promoted to Associate Professor level may also be considered.
We seek applicants advancing research at the intersection of artificial intelligence, broadly construed, and human cognition. Candidates may bridge artificial and natural intelligence through modeling, experimentation, or theory; candidates pursuing interdisciplinary and innovative approaches are encouraged to apply. The ideal candidate will have an outstanding track record of research, as evidenced by a notable publication history and a demonstrated record of seeking and securing funding as a Principal Investigator, as appropriate to their current academic rank.
Areas of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Computational Models of Cognition: using AI methods to model perception, memory, learning, decision-making, or language, including their neural bases.
• AI Tools for Cognitive Neuroscience: leveraging machine learning to analyze brain/behavioral data or to explore neural mechanisms.
• Human-AI Interaction: understanding how humans perceive, collaborate with, and may be enhanced or augmented by AI systems.
• Brain-Computer Interfaces: connecting neural processes to computational systems for communication, control, or rehabilitation.
• Algorithmic Bias & Cognitive Bias: studying parallels between human biases and AI decision-making; ensuring fair and ethical systems.
• Philosophy of Mind & AI: investigating conceptual questions about consciousness, representation, and machine intelligence.

A successful candidate will be expected to build a widely recognized research program, provide high-quality instruction and advising to a diverse group of graduate and undergraduate students, and actively engage with colleagues from a wide range of disciplines.
CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Who We Are
About the Institute of Cognitive Science
ICS is a highly interdisciplinary research and training environment that brings together faculty and students from psychology, neuroscience, linguistics, computer science, philosophy, education, and speech, language & hearing sciences. The Institute is home to graduate and undergraduate programs in Cognitive Science, and is affiliated with numerous centers and initiatives across campus, including the NSF National AI Institute for Student-AI Teaming (NSF iSAT), Intermountain Neuroimaging Consortium, the Center for Research and Education on Cannabis and Health, and campus-wide initiatives in AI and data science. We embrace responsible innovation and community-engaged initiatives in the design and development of AI science, models, and tools.
The mission of the Institute of Cognitive Science (http://ICS.colorado.edu) is to identify and address key questions in Cognitive Science through interdisciplinary research and education. We explore the nexus of humans and machines as we seek to understand and extend human cognition, emotion, machine intelligence, and fruitful collaborations between the two. Our research builds on artificial intelligence, cognitive neuroscience, and human learning to tackle some of society's most pressing challenges: understanding brain health and wellness, developing personalized therapies and interventions, enhancing and deepening human learning and education, and optimizing complex cognitive processes to improve human performance and human-agent collaboration. ICS spans and connects researchers from nine units - Computer Science; Education; Psychology and Neuroscience; Information Science; Integrative Physiology; Linguistics; Philosophy; Architecture and Planning; and Speech, Language and Hearing - and offers two interdisciplinary Ph.D. programs as well as certificate programs in Cognitive Science. ICS houses the NSF National AI Research Institute for Student-AI Teaming ( www.iSAT.ai ), which aims to develop AI technologies to facilitate rich socio-collaborative learning experiences for all students.
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
Successful applicants will have a tenure home in a department most appropriate to their research program and background. Possible tenure home departments include Computer Science, Information Science, the School of Education, Psychology and Neuroscience, and Linguistics. Responsibilities will include teaching, service and research duties of a Tenure Track Faculty at the Institute of Cognitive Science as well as the tenure home department.
What You Should Know
Candidates must be currently authorized to work in the United States. New visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
What We Can Offer
Appointment rank and starting salary, within the range of $85,000 - $140,000, will be determined based on the candidate's education, experience, and academic home department.
Benefits
At the University of Colorado Boulder , we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County's largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.
Be Statements
Be ambitious. Be groundbreaking. Be Boulder.
What We Require

• A Ph.D. in Computer Science, Information Science, Cognitive Science, Learning Sciences, Psychology and Neuroscience, Linguistics, or a related field.

What You Will Need

• Outstanding track record of research, as evidenced by a notable publication history and a demonstrated record of seeking and securing funding as a Principal Investigator, as appropriate to their current academic rank.
• A clear and compelling research plan with strong potential for external funding.
• Commitment to excellence in teaching and mentoring at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

What We Would Like You to Have

• The candidate will have an outstanding track record of interdisciplinary research in Artificial Intelligence or related fields, as evidenced by productive collaborations and partnerships.

Special Instructions
To apply, please submit the following materials:

1. Curriculum vitae
2. Cover Letter specifically addressing the applicant's match to the criteria described above.
3. Statement of Research describing current activities and future plans
4. Statement of Teaching Philosophy and Experience
5. Three publications demonstrating a focus on one or more of the research areas listed above (combined into one PDF)
6. At least three references, including names and contact information. If advanced, we will request letters of recommendation from your references.

(Optional) Transcripts/Proof of Degree: If you are selected as the finalist, your degree will be verified by the CU Boulder Campus Human Resources Department using an approved online vendor. However, if your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit an English-translated version as an Optional document.
Please apply by 6/30/26 for full consideration. Job will remain open until filled.
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs.
In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.