Assistant Professor in Cognitive Science, AI & the Mind

Job Summary

The Institute of Cognitive Science (ICS) at the University of Colorado Boulder invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in the area of AI and the Mind, with an anticipated start date of Fall 2027. Highly qualified candidates who have been recently promoted to Associate Professor level may also be considered.

We seek applicants advancing research at the intersection of artificial intelligence, broadly construed, and human cognition. Candidates may bridge artificial and natural intelligence through modeling, experimentation, or theory; candidates pursuing interdisciplinary and innovative approaches are encouraged to apply. The ideal candidate will have an outstanding track record of research, as evidenced by a notable publication history and a demonstrated record of seeking and securing funding as a Principal Investigator, as appropriate to their current academic rank.

Areas of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Computational Models of Cognition: using AI methods to model perception, memory, learning, decision-making, or language, including their neural bases.
• AI Tools for Cognitive Neuroscience: leveraging machine learning to analyze brain/behavioral data or to explore neural mechanisms.
• Human-AI Interaction: understanding how humans perceive, collaborate with, and may be enhanced or augmented by AI systems.
• Brain-Computer Interfaces: connecting neural processes to computational systems for communication, control, or rehabilitation.
• Algorithmic Bias & Cognitive Bias: studying parallels between human biases and AI decision-making; ensuring fair and ethical systems.
• Philosophy of Mind & AI: investigating conceptual questions about consciousness, representation, and machine intelligence.

A successful candidate will be expected to build a widely recognized research program, provide high-quality instruction and advising to a diverse group of graduate and undergraduate students, and actively engage with colleagues from a wide range of disciplines.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

About the Institute of Cognitive Science

ICS is a highly interdisciplinary research and training environment that brings together faculty and students from psychology, neuroscience, linguistics, computer science, philosophy, education, and speech, language & hearing sciences. The Institute is home to graduate and undergraduate programs in Cognitive Science, and is affiliated with numerous centers and initiatives across campus, including the NSF National AI Institute for Student-AI Teaming (NSF iSAT), Intermountain Neuroimaging Consortium, the Center for Research and Education on Cannabis and Health, and campus-wide initiatives in AI and data science. We embrace responsible innovation and community-engaged initiatives in the design and development of AI science, models, and tools.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Successful applicants will have a tenure home in a department most appropriate to their research program and background. Possible tenure home departments include Computer Science, Information Science, the School of Education, Psychology and Neuroscience, and Linguistics. Responsibilities will include teaching, service and research duties of a Tenure Track Faculty at the Institute of Cognitive Science as well as the tenure home department.

What You Should Know

Candidates must be currently authorized to work in the United States. New visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

What We Can Offer

Appointment rank and starting salary, within the range of $85,000 – $140,000, will be determined based on the candidate’s education, experience, and academic home department.

Benefits

At the , we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County’s largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the program.

Be Statements

Be ambitious. Be groundbreaking. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• A Ph.D. in Computer Science, Information Science, Cognitive Science, Learning Sciences, Psychology and Neuroscience, Linguistics, or a related field.

What You Will Need

• Outstanding track record of research, as evidenced by a notable publication history and a demonstrated record of seeking and securing funding as a Principal Investigator, as appropriate to their current academic rank.
• A clear and compelling research plan with strong potential for external funding.
• Commitment to excellence in teaching and mentoring at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

What We Would Like You to Have

• The candidate will have an outstanding track record of interdisciplinary research in Artificial Intelligence or related fields, as evidenced by productive collaborations and partnerships.