MIT Assistant Professor Faculty Position in Brain and Cognitive Sciences 2027

Overview

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology is recruiting a faculty member for its Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences and the McGovern Institute for Brain Research in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The appointment is at Assistant Professor level or higher, with a preference for a tenure-track Assistant Professor. It is expected to begin on 1 July 2027 or later by mutual agreement.

The search targets scientists in basic neuroscience, such as cellular and molecular or systems neuroscience, with particular interest in translational neuroscience using nonhuman animals. The new faculty member will have laboratory space at the McGovern Institute and MIT resources for developing and testing genetic models of brain disorders.

Who can apply

Applicants must hold a PhD by the start of employment in neuroscience, biology, physics, electrical engineering, computer science or another relevant discipline. They should have a strong research record and want to build an independent research programme. They must also be able to teach undergraduate and graduate students and to mentor students. The department values rigorous and replicable science, so applicants are encouraged to explain how this has shaped their past work and will shape their future research.

What you get

For a nine-month academic appointment, the base salary range is US$143,200 to US$177,000 for a pre-tenure post and US$185,000 to US$293,000 for a tenured post. These ranges exclude benefits and other compensation, and the actual offer depends on responsibilities, qualifications, experience, education, internal equity and legal requirements. The normal teaching load is 1.5 subjects per year, and the department provides mentorship for new faculty.

How to apply

Materials are submitted online and should include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, research statement, teaching statement, publication list, up to five representative publications, a Broader Impact Statement and three reference letters. Referees upload their letters online through AcademicJobsOnline, and applicants must add their referees to the system and trigger the letter requests. Employment is subject to a satisfactory background check.

Key dates

For full consideration, completed applications should be in by midnight Eastern Standard Time on 1 December 2026. The portal shows this as 2 December 2026 at 6:59 a.m. Zimbabwe Time.