Assistant Professor - Cognitive Sciences

Position overview

Salary range :

The salary range for this position is $89,900-$116,700. The posted UC salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and / or step at appointment. See Professor and Professor of Teaching (LSOE) Series - Regular Salary Scales. "Off-scale salaries" and other components of pay, i.e., a salary that is higher than the published system-wide salary at the designated rank and step, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions.

Review timeline :

For full consideration, applications must be completed by November 15, 2025. Priority will be given to applications received by this date, but we will continue reviewing qualified candidates until the position is filled.

Application Window

Open date : September 11, 2025

Next review date : Saturday, Nov 15, 2025 at 11 : 59pm (Pacific Time)

Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date : Friday, Jun 5, 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 Department of Cognitive Sciences at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) seeks an innovative researcher for a tenure-track assistant professor position with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2026.

We seek a researcher whose work combines the following two elements. First, the research is empirical and addresses substantive questions in human cognition (e.g., perception, memory, decision making). Second, the lens of analysis is informed by computational modeling including cognitive modeling, computational neuroscience or data science. We are particularly interested in candidates whose research uses behavioral experiments and AI approaches. This can include : (1) using AI as a model of human cognition to advance cognitive theory; (2) using cognitive tools and theories to scientifically understand neural networks; and (3) empirical work on human-AI interaction. AI models can include deep neural networks of vision or language, reinforcement learning systems, or others. UCI offers strong interdisciplinary collaborations across cognitive science, neuroscience, computer science, statistics, and engineering and is well-positioned to support research in areas such as robotics, neuroscience, and human-AI interaction.

The successful candidate will build an independent research program while contributing to teaching, mentoring, and service. Learn more about our department and the university at : https : / / www.cogsci.uci.edu / .

For full consideration, applications must be completed by November 15, 2025. Priority will be given to applications received by this date, but we will continue reviewing qualified candidates until the position is filled.

Department : https : / / www.cogsci.uci.edu / employment.php

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

Ph.D. by date of employment.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

Cover Letter - Candidates are welcome to explain how they have contributed to inclusive excellence in their teaching, research, and service.

Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

Research Statement - Describe your research interests, the type of data used, and the research methods used.

Teaching Statement - Specify prior courses taught (if any) and your teaching philosophy / outlook. See our guidance for writing a reflective teaching statement.

Publication #1 - Provide three (3) relevant papers. Journal or conference papers that are published or accepted for publication are preferred, but preprints and working papers are also acceptable.

Publication #2 - Provide three (3) relevant papers. Journal or conference papers that are published or accepted for publication are preferred, but preprints and working papers are also acceptable.

Publication #3 - Provide three (3) relevant papers. Journal or conference papers that are published or accepted for publication are preferred, but preprints and working papers are also acceptable.

Reference requirements

• 3 required (contact information only)

Apply link :

https : / / recruit.ap.uci.edu / JPF09896

About UC Irvine

The University of California, Irvine 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, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC anti-discrimination policy.

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.

APM - 035 : Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment.

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.

Job location

Irvine, CA