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Phd Vision Science Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Computer Vision Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$115K - $135K/yr

Required : • Bachelors, Masters or PhD in Computer Science or related quantitative field • ... of computer vision concepts (multiview geometry, bundle adjustment, SLAM etc) • Hands-on ...

Medical Science Liaison

Chicago, IL · On-site

$190 - $210/hr

Advanced degree preferred (e.g., PharmD, PhD, MD, DNP, PA, or equivalent) * 2+ years' experience ... medical, dental and vision), company match 401k, flexible paid time off (PTO) and sick time.

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Phd Vision Science information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$82.9K

$115.2K

$148.3K

How much do phd vision science jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for phd vision science in Chicago, IL is $115,248.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $101,000.00 and $128,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a PhD in Vision Science?

A PhD in Vision Science is an advanced research degree focused on the study of visual systems, including how vision works and how visual disorders are diagnosed and treated. Students in these programs explore topics such as ocular anatomy, visual perception, neuroscience, and eye diseases. Graduates often pursue careers in academia, clinical research, optometry, or the development of new vision technologies. The program typically involves both coursework and original research leading to a dissertation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a PhD in Vision Science?

To thrive as a PhD in Vision Science, you need advanced knowledge of ocular anatomy, physiology, optics, research methodology, and often experience in clinical or laboratory settings. Proficiency with data analysis tools (such as MATLAB or Python), imaging systems, and scientific publishing platforms is typically required. Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication skills distinguish successful professionals in this field. These skills are essential for conducting high-quality research, driving innovation, and effectively sharing findings with both scientific and clinical communities.

What are some typical research collaborations for someone in a PhD Vision Science role?

PhD Vision Science professionals often work closely with interdisciplinary teams that include optometrists, ophthalmologists, neuroscientists, and engineers. Collaborations frequently involve designing and conducting experiments, sharing data, and co-authoring publications to advance understanding of visual processes and eye diseases. These partnerships can extend to industry settings—such as developing vision correction technologies or diagnostic tools—offering diverse opportunities to broaden your research impact and professional network.

What is the difference between Phd Vision Science vs Optometrist?

AspectPhd Vision ScienceOptometrist
Required CredentialsPhD in Vision Science or related fieldDoctor of Optometry (OD) license
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academia, industryClinical settings, private practices, clinics
Industry UsageResearch, product development, academiaPatient eye care, vision testing, prescriptions

While both roles focus on vision, a Phd Vision Science primarily involves research and development in vision-related fields, whereas an Optometrist provides clinical eye care and prescriptions. The PhD is research-oriented, often in labs or academia, while optometrists work directly with patients in clinical settings.

What can I do with a Phd vision science degree?

A PhD in vision science prepares individuals for research, academia, and advanced roles in vision-related industries such as ophthalmology, optometry, and biomedical device development. Graduates often work as university professors, research scientists, or in industry roles involving vision technology, requiring skills in data analysis, experimental design, and scientific communication.

What job categories do people searching Phd Vision Science jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Phd Vision Science jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Phd Vision Science jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Phd Vision Science job openings:

Infographic showing various Phd Vision Science job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,248 per year, or $55.4 per hour.

Machine Learning PhD Student Contributor

Cobalt

Mundelein, IL • On-site

Other

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

About the role:

Cobalt is seeking PhD-qualified machine learning researchers with direct experience designing, running, and evaluating original ML research. This opportunity is suited to researchers who have worked in academic ML labs, industry research groups, or frontier lab environments, and who understand how technical claims are established, tested, and supported by evidence.

You may currently work, or have previously worked, as a PhD candidate, Postdoctoral Researcher, Research Scientist, Research Engineer, Applied Scientist, Member of Technical Staff, or in a related role.

You do not need prior experience in data annotation or model evaluation. You must, however, have contributed meaningfully to at least one substantive ML research output, and you must be comfortable reading papers, interpreting experimental results, and judging whether stated conclusions follow from the underlying evidence.


What you'll do:

Depending on the project, you may:

  • Produce written reasoning traces on hard ML problems, capturing how you reach a solution rather than only the solution itself, and draft expert reference answers to technical questions
  • Author novel problems in your subfield that have verifiable or defensible correct answers
  • Evaluate model-generated technical content: compare and rank responses, articulate what makes the stronger one stronger, and identify the specific step at which a chain of reasoning breaks down
  • Assess whether stated conclusions are supported by the underlying derivation, code, or experimental evidence
  • Design rubrics and partial-credit criteria for scoring multistep technical tasks, and contribute subject-matter expertise to benchmark and dataset development

Projects follow their own annotation guidelines and quality standards, and you will work with feedback from reviewers and lab research teams.


Required qualifications:

  • PhD, completed or in progress, in machine learning, computer science, statistics, mathematics, physics, or a closely related quantitative discipline, with research that is substantially ML focused
  • Direct experience authoring, co-authoring, or substantively contributing to at least one ML research output, such as a peer-reviewed paper, preprint, thesis chapter, or comparable technical artifact
  • Demonstrated depth in at least one area, for example optimization, reinforcement learning, language model training and post-training, learning theory, probabilistic methods, computer vision, natural language processing, or systems for ML
  • Ability to interpret papers, derivations, code and experimental results, and to explain your reasoning clearly in writing
  • Strong attention to detail, a commitment to factual accuracy, and the ability to work independently to agreed timelines


Why join Cobalt AI:

  • Advance frontier AI where it counts. Apply your research expertise to the data that frontier labs cannot obtain any other way, where your reasoning directly shapes how the next generation of models works through technical problems.
  • Grow professionally. Expand your influence through evaluation projects, advisory roles, and research collaborations, while deepening your understanding of how frontier models are trained and assessed.
  • Work with a top-tier network. Collaborate with researchers from leading institutions and labs on high-impact, flexible work.
  • Set your own schedule. Flexible 10 to 40 hour weeks that fit around your research position and your life.
  • Competitive pay. Rates vary by project and are determined by a number of factors, including scope, skillset, and experience.