Entry Level Cognitive Science Research Jobs in California

Position overview
Salary range: The posted UC academic salary scales set the minimum pay at appointment. See the following table for the salary scale for this position: https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/2025-26/represented-july-2025-scales/t15.pdf . A reasonable estimate for this position is $70,977- $101,198.
Percent time: Positions may range from 8% to 100% time during the academic year, while summer appointments are handled on a by-agreement basis.
Anticipated start: Positions usually start at the beginning of the semester (in mid-January for Spring Semester; in mid-August for Fall Semester). Summer appointments begin in late May and run into early August. UC Berkeley's academic calendar can be viewed at http://registrar.berkeley.edu/calendar .
Review timeline: Appointments for fall semester are usually reviewed in April and May, and in October and November for spring course needs, and summer course needs in March and April. Applicants are considered for positions as needs arise; the existence of this pool does not guarantee that a position is available.
Position duration: Semesters or Summer Sessions Please note: These positions are temporary appointments with no guarantee of reappointment at the end of the term. The use of a lecturer pool does not guarantee that an open position exists. See the review date specified in AP Recruit to learn whether the department is currently reviewing applications for a specific position. If there is no future review date specified, your application may not be considered at this time.
Application Window
Open date: October 10, 2025
Most recent review date: Friday, Feb 20, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.
Final date: Saturday, Oct 10, 2026 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 Cognitive Science Program at the University of California, Berkeley invites applicants to enter a pool of qualified temporary instructors to teach Cognitive Science 1 (Introduction to Cognitive Science), upper division courses on Cognitive Psychology, Computational Modeling, Language and Cognition, Cognitive Neuroscience, and cognition-related social sciences, and possibly other undergraduate courses in the Cognitive Science Program should an opening arise.
The position's duties include: undergraduate and graduate teaching. In addition to teaching responsibilities, general duties may include holding office hours, assigning grades, advising students, preparing course materials (e.g. syllabus), writing exams, and managing GSIs.
Qualifications
Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
PhD (or equivalent international degree), or enrolled in PhD or equivalent international degree-granting program at the time of application.
Additional qualifications (required at time of start)
By position start date: A PhD (or equivalent international degree)
Preferred qualifications
A commitment to, and experience with, undergraduate teaching, preferably in the areas of Cognitive Science, Linguistics, Computer Science, Philosophy, Psychology or Neuroscience. Must demonstrate ability to teach effectively in a dynamic learning environment. Must demonstrate experience with, and deep knowledge of, interdisciplinary inquiry and research as connected to the study of the mind.
Application Requirements
Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter
• Statement of Teaching
• Teaching Evaluations - Please provide teaching evaluations for most recent two semesters of non-Summer, non-Teaching Assistant positions (if available, otherwise include any evaluations).
  (Optional)

Reference requirements

• 3-4 required (contact information only)

Apply link: https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF05171
Help contact: ap-issp@berkeley.edu
About UC Berkeley
UC Berkeley is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in our public mission of research, teaching, and service, consistent with UC Regents Policy 4400 and University of California Academic Personnel policy ( APM 210 1-d ). These values are embedded in our Principles of Community , which reflect our passion for critical inquiry, debate, discovery and innovation, and our deep commitment to contributing to a better world. Every member of the UC Berkeley community has a role in sustaining a safe, caring and humane environment in which these values can thrive.
The University of California, Berkeley 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, or protected veteran status.
For more information, please refer to the University of California's Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment Policy and the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy .
In searches when letters of reference are required all letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. Please refer potential referees, including when letters are provided via a third party (i.e., dossier service or career center), to the UC Berkeley statement of confidentiality prior to submitting their letter.
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.
Unless stated otherwise, unambiguously, in the position description, this position does not include sponsorship of a new consular H-1B visa petition that would require payment of the $100,000 supplemental fee.
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.

• "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 or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

Job location
Berkeley, CA