Professor of Cognitive Science Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of academia, the emphasis on cognitive science professors has never been more profound.

The field of cognitive science progresses constantly, and with each advancement, the demand for intellectual minds who can explore, develop, and protect our understanding of cognition escalates.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a cognitive science professor?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the essence of this role,
• A hiring committee designing the profile of an ideal candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the complexities of cognitive science,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable cognitive science professor job description template, designed for easy posting on academic job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Professor of Cognitive Science Duties and Responsibilities

Professors of Cognitive Science engage in teaching, research, and administrative tasks in the field of cognitive science.

Their work involves studying the human mind and its processes and applying scientific methods to explore concepts such as perception, cognition, attention, emotion, intelligence, and others.

A Professor of Cognitive Science has the following duties and responsibilities:

• Design and deliver lectures on cognitive science to undergraduate and postgraduate students
• Develop and manage cognitive science curriculum in line with the latest research and developments in the field
• Supervise student research and provide guidance and support on their dissertations or theses
• Conduct original research in cognitive science, contributing to the body of knowledge in the field
• Publish research findings in academic journals and present at conferences
• Apply for research grants and manage funded projects
• Participate in academic and administrative meetings and serve on committees
• Review and evaluate course material and assessment methods
• Mentor students and provide career guidance
• Work collaboratively with faculty from other disciplines to promote interdisciplinary study

 

Professor of Cognitive Science Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Professor of Cognitive Science to contribute to our academic community.

The successful candidate will be responsible for conducting high-quality research, publishing findings, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, advising students, and participating in departmental and university service.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in Cognitive Science, with a focus on areas such as cognitive psychology, artificial intelligence, linguistics, neuroscience, and philosophy.

 

Responsibilities

• Conduct research in the field of Cognitive Science
• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in Cognitive Science
• Advise and mentor students
• Publish research findings in academic journals
• Contribute to curriculum development
• Participate in departmental and university service
• Stay updated with latest developments in the field

 

Qualifications

• PhD in Cognitive Science or related field
• Proven experience as a Professor or similar role in academia
• Strong publication record
• Experience in teaching and mentoring students
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Knowledge of curriculum development and course design
• Ability to conduct high-quality research

 

Benefits

• Retirement plan
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Paid sabbatical leave
• Tuition reimbursement
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Professor of Cognitive Science
• Work Environment: University campus. Some travel may be required for academic conferences.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of the Department.
• Salary: Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and university considerations.
• Pay Range: $80,000 minimum to $150,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our institution. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience, and a list of publications to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Professor of Cognitive Science Do?

A Professor of Cognitive Science usually works in an academic setting, such as a university or a college.

They specialize in teaching and researching the study of the mind and its processes, including areas such as perception, language, reasoning, and emotion.

Their primary responsibility is to educate students in cognitive science principles, theories, and methodologies.

This can include giving lectures, preparing course materials, administering and grading examinations, and guiding students in their independent research projects.

Apart from teaching, Professors of Cognitive Science are often engaged in research.

They may conduct experiments, analyze data, and publish their findings in scholarly articles and books.

Their research often contributes to the field of cognitive science, advancing our understanding of how the mind works.

Professors of Cognitive Science also have administrative duties.

These can include advising students, participating in departmental meetings, serving on academic committees, and contributing to the development of the cognitive science curriculum.

Additionally, they often participate in professional activities outside the university.

This can involve attending conferences, giving presentations, reviewing papers for academic journals, and engaging in collaborative research projects with colleagues from other institutions.

They may also provide their expertise to the wider community through public talks and consultations.

 

Professor of Cognitive Science Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Professor of Cognitive Science should possess skills and qualifications that align with the role’s requirements, such as:

• Extensive knowledge in cognitive science to teach and explain complex concepts to students in an engaging and comprehensive manner.
• Research skills to conduct comprehensive studies and generate insightful findings in the field of cognitive science.
• Excellent communication skills to clearly explain theories, research findings, and complex concepts, both orally and in writing.
• Interpersonal skills to form meaningful relationships with students, colleagues, and the broader academic community.
• Problem-solving abilities to address student queries, devise teaching strategies, and find solutions to research challenges.
• Leadership skills to guide students in their academic journey, supervise their research, and contribute to the development of the cognitive science department.
• Organizational skills to manage lecture preparations, academic grading, research work, and other administrative tasks efficiently.
• Mentoring abilities to help students navigate their academic and career paths in cognitive science.
• Experience with academic writing and publishing to disseminate research findings to a broader audience and contribute to the academic community.

 

Professor of Cognitive Science Experience Requirements

Candidates seeking a position as a Professor of Cognitive Science typically must have completed a doctoral degree in Cognitive Science or a closely related field.

The process of achieving this degree involves several years of research and teaching experience, which forms the base of their professional proficiency.

Post-doctoral experience is highly valued, especially if it includes conducting independent research, publishing papers in reputed journals, and securing funds for research grants.

This period helps in enhancing their understanding of the subject and their ability to perform high-quality research, which is a crucial aspect of a Professor’s role.

For entry-level teaching positions like Lecturer or Assistant Professor, universities often require a minimum of 2-3 years of teaching experience at the university level.

Experience as a teaching assistant during doctoral studies can also be considered in this regard.

Candidates looking to become an Associate or Full Professor should have a substantial record of teaching experience, typically more than 5 years, along with a strong research background.

They might also have some administrative experience in academic settings, like serving on committees or leading a department.

Furthermore, it is desirable for the candidate to have experience in supervising undergraduate and postgraduate students.

This includes guiding their research projects, mentoring them for their career, and assessing their academic performances.

The role of a Professor of Cognitive Science also demands excellent communication and collaboration skills, as they have to interact with a diverse set of people including students, fellow faculty members, research collaborators, and funding agencies.

Therefore, experience in collaborative research projects and presenting research findings at conferences can be an added advantage.

Overall, the role requires a balance of teaching, research, and administrative experience, which is usually gained over many years of academic work.

 

Professor of Cognitive Science Education and Training Requirements

The path to becoming a Professor of Cognitive Science often starts with obtaining a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as psychology, neuroscience, computer science, or cognitive science.

The next step is to pursue a master’s degree in a closely related field such as cognitive neuroscience, cognitive psychology, or artificial intelligence.

The highest level of education is a doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in cognitive science or a related field.

This often involves several years of academic research, culminating in a dissertation that contributes new knowledge to the field of cognitive science.

Post-doctoral experience and a record of published research are usually desirable, and often necessary, for positions at top universities.

Teaching experience at the university level is highly beneficial and often necessary.

This can be gained through assistantships during postgraduate studies or by teaching as an adjunct faculty member.

Some universities may also require professors to continue their education and stay updated in their field by attending conferences, workshops, and seminars.

Proficiency in statistical analysis software such as R or Python, as well as familiarity with experimental design and methodology, is often required for research in cognitive science.

Finally, soft skills such as strong written and verbal communication, ability to work in interdisciplinary teams, and a commitment to fostering diversity and inclusive teaching practices are highly valued in this role.

 

Professor of Cognitive Science Salary Expectations

A Professor of Cognitive Science earns an average salary of $94,456 (USD) per year.

However, the salary can greatly vary depending on factors such as the level of education, years of experience in the field, and the location of the institution.

Furthermore, professors may also earn additional income through research grants, consulting, or other professional opportunities.

 

Professor of Cognitive Science Job Description FAQs

What qualifications are needed to be a Professor of Cognitive Science?

Most universities require a PhD in Cognitive Science or a related field to be considered for a professorial position.

Additionally, prospective professors should have a strong background in research, and in most cases, have several published papers in respected journals.

Experience in teaching at the undergraduate or graduate level is also often required.

 

What does a typical day look like for a Professor of Cognitive Science?

Professors of Cognitive Science typically divide their time between teaching, research, and administrative duties.

They may teach several classes per week, supervise graduate students, conduct original research, and write research papers.

They also attend meetings, serve on university committees, and participate in academic conferences.

 

What skills should a Professor of Cognitive Science possess?

In addition to in-depth knowledge of cognitive science, professors should have strong analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and the capacity for abstract thought.

They should be able to communicate complex ideas clearly to students and peers, both verbally and in writing.

A good Professor of Cognitive Science will also be committed to ongoing learning and research in their field.

 

What is the career path for a Professor of Cognitive Science?

After obtaining a PhD, individuals typically begin their career in academia as a Postdoctoral Researcher, where they gain further experience in research and occasionally teaching.

They may then progress to the position of an Assistant Professor, then Associate Professor, and eventually, full Professor.

Some professors may choose to specialize in a particular area of cognitive science and become recognized experts in their field.

 

Is it difficult to become a Professor of Cognitive Science?

Becoming a Professor of Cognitive Science is a challenging and competitive process.

It requires many years of study and a significant amount of research.

However, those who are passionate about cognitive science and committed to contributing to the field can find it a rewarding career.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve demystified what it truly means to be a professor of cognitive science.

Surprised?

It’s not just about delivering lectures.

It’s about shaping the future of understanding human cognition, one theory at a time.

With our definitive professor of cognitive science job description template and real-world examples, you’re on the right path to make your mark.

But why stop there?

Venture further with our job description generator. It’s your next step towards crafting meticulous job listings or polishing your curriculum vitae to perfection.

Remember:

Every theory you teach is part of a larger understanding.

Let’s shape that future. Together.