Entry Level Cognitive Science Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary:
The Post-Doctoral Associate will join an interdisciplinary research program focused on understanding the neural circuit mechanisms underlying cognition and psychiatric illness. The successful candidate will lead analyses of human intracranial electrophysiology, behavioral, and brain stimulation datasets; develop computational models of neural and behavioral processes; contribute to experimental design; and disseminate findings through publications and conference presentations. This position provides a unique opportunity to work with rare human intracranial datasets and advanced neuromodulation approaches while developing an independent research trajectory in systems, cognitive, or clinical neuroscience.
Work Schedule: In-person (Hybrid flexibility possible), M-F and weekends.

Duties/Responsibilities: 
40% - Research and Data Analysis:

• Analyze human behavioral, electrophysiological, neuroimaging, and brain stimulation datasets.
• Develop computational models of cognition, behavior, and neural activity.

25% - Experimental Design and Study Execution:

• Design, implement, and oversee cognitive neuroscience and neuromodulation experiments.
• Contribute to protocol development and data collection efforts.

20% - Manuscript and Grant Preparation:

• Lead and contribute to scientific publications.
• Assist with grant writing and development of new research initiatives.

10% - Mentorship and Collaboration:

• Mentor graduate students, research staff, and trainees.
• Collaborate with investigators across psychiatry, neurosurgery, neuroscience, engineering, and psychology.

5% - Scientific Dissemination:

• Present research findings at conferences, seminars, and collaborative meetings.
   

Required Qualifications:

• PhD, MD/PhD, or equivalent doctoral degree in neuroscience, psychology, cognitive science, biomedical engineering, computer science, psychiatry, neurology, statistics, or a related field.
• Strong quantitative and programming skills.
• Experience analyzing human behavioral, electrophysiological, neuroimaging, or other complex biological datasets.
• Demonstrated scholarly productivity through publications, preprints, or equivalent research outputs.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience with intracranial EEG, ECoG, stereo-EEG, DBS recordings, or neural stimulation studies.
• Expertise in computational modeling, including reinforcement learning, Bayesian methods, drift-diffusion models, or state-space approaches.
• Experience with Python, MATLAB, R, Julia, or related scientific computing tools.
• Familiarity with human cognitive neuroscience experiments and task design.
• Experience with neuromodulation methods including TMS, tACS, DBS, or responsive neurostimulation.
• Interest in computational psychiatry, addiction, depression, chronic pain, or related translational neuroscience research.

The Herman Darrow Lab at the University of Minnesota conducts interdisciplinary research at the intersection of human cognitive neuroscience, computational psychiatry, intracranial electrophysiology, and brain stimulation. The lab investigates how distributed neural circuits support cognition, decision-making, working memory, cognitive control, and psychiatric symptoms. Research combines human intracranial recordings, computational modeling, behavioral experimentation, and neuromodulation approaches to develop circuit-based interventions for psychiatric and neurological disorders.

To learn more about the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, please visit https://med.umn.edu/psychiatry. 

Pay Range: $63,480 - $74,424 annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Please visit the Benefits for Postdoctoral Candidates website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Applications must be submitted online.  To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions.  You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission.  The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.  To learn more about diversity at the U:  http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.