Postdoctoral Scholar - Relational Cognition Lab (Dr. Anna Leshinskaya)

University of California - Irvine; Irvine (CA); Hybrid; USD 66,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

A postdoctoral position at a leading university in Irvine, CA, focusing on research in cognitive science and AI interpretability. The role involves collaboration in a dynamic lab environment and requires a PhD in a related field. This position offers a minimum of 2 years with potential renewal and can be onsite or hybrid.

Qualifications

• PhD required in relevant fields.
• Experience in computational modeling or machine learning.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on moral and conceptual cognition.
• Collaborate with PhD students and lab staff.

Skills

computational modeling

machine learning

moral cognition

decision making

relational reasoning

Education

PhD in Cognitive Science

PhD in Artificial Intelligence

PhD in Psychology

PhD in Neuroscience

Job description

Position overview

The salary range is between $66,737-$77,179 and is commensurate with experience. The posted UC salary scale set the minimum pay determined by experience level. See Postdoctoral Scholar Salary Scale.

Application Window

1. Open date: May 12, 2025
2. Next review date: Monday, Jun 16, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
3. Final date: Friday, Aug 29, 2025 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

A postdoctoral position is available in the relational cognition lab, led by Dr. Anna Leshinskaya in the Cognitive Sciences Department at UC Irvine. The position, funded by the Schmidt Sciences AI Safety Science Program, focuses on research at the intersection of moral & conceptual cognition and AI interpretability, with collaborators Seth Lazar and Alice Oh. We seek a researcher with a background in computational cognitive science and large language model interpretability, familiar with conceptual/relational reasoning, moral reasoning, and decision making. The role involves collaboration with PhD students, a lab technician, and undergraduate research assistants. The position is based in Irvine, CA, and can be fully onsite or hybrid, for a minimum of 2 years with potential renewal.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application):

• PhD in Cognitive Science, Artificial Intelligence, Psychology, Neuroscience, or related field
• Background in computational modeling, machine learning, or related technical skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in moral cognition, decision making, relational reasoning, or large language model interpretability related to cognitive processes

Department

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

Qualifications

Same as above.

Application Requirements

• Cover Letter describing your background, fit for the position, and career goals
• Curriculum Vitae (most recent)
• Optional: Statement of Research
• Optional: Additional work sample (publication or project)

Reference requirements: 3 contacts (name and contact info only)

Apply link: https://recruit.ap.uci.edu/JPF09607

About UC Irvine

UC Irvine is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, or other protected categories. Finalists will need to disclose any recent misconduct findings.

Job location

Irvine, CA