Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Department of Brain & Cognitive Sciences

Assistant Professor

The Department of Brain & Cognitive Sciences (BCS) at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), located on the main MIT campus in Cambridge, MA, seeks to hire a tenure-track faculty at the assistant professor level or higher. The department offers supportive mentorship to new faculty, an exceptional environment for scientific inquiry, and a strong commitment to an inclusive, welcoming culture. We strongly encourage candidates from underrepresented backgrounds to apply. 

We are especially interested in researchers who span multiple levels of analysis to advance our understanding of how the workings of the brain give rise to the mind. We strongly encourage applications from creative candidates whose research bridges aspects of brain and cognitive sciences. This includes those who study the mechanisms of brain function, plasticity, development, and/or disease across molecular, cellular, circuit and/or systems levels in non-human animals and/or humans; who study cognition or perception in adults or children; or who employ computational, theoretical or AI approaches. 

Successful applicants are expected to develop and lead independent, internationally recognized research programs and to share in our commitment to excellence in undergraduate and graduate education by teaching courses and mentoring graduate and undergraduate students. Faculty also engage in the intellectual life of the department through seminars, colloquia, symposia, and similar events, and shape the work of the department through committee service.

A PhD in neuroscience, biology, physics, electrical engineering, or computer science, or a closely related field, is required; a year of postdoctoral training in a similar field is required. The search is expected to proceed on a timeline that would enable a start date of September 1, 2024 or a mutually-agreed-to date thereafter.

BCS, the MIT School of Science, and MIT as a whole offers a generous range of benefits and resources to promote the health and well-being of MIT faculty members and their families in support of work-life balance, housing, and childcare; visit https://science.mit.edu/resource/faculty-benefits/ for more information.

 Application materials must be submitted online at [URL] and include a cover letter, current Curriculum Vitae, Statement of Research and Teaching Interests, and up to five representative reprints. BCS values rigorous and replicable science. Applicants are encouraged to describe how these values are reflected in their work to date and their future research plans including, but not limited to rigor in reporting, data sharing, and biological variables. Candidates should also provide a statement regarding their ability to contribute to a diverse, inclusive, equitable, and just community, including past and current activities in these areas. Finally, please arrange to have three letters of recommendation submitted online. All application materials are due by midnight (EST) on November 1, 2023.

Employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background check, including possible verification of any findings of misconduct (or pending investigations) from prior employers.

MIT is an equal employment opportunity employer. We value diversity and strongly encourage applications from individuals from all identities and backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive equitable consideration for employment based on their experience and qualifications, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, or national or ethnic origin.  See MIT’s full policy on nondiscrimination.