Cognitive Assessment Research Internship (Summer)

Description

The Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition (IHMC) invites applications for a paid summer internship focused on cognitive assessments and computational phenotyping for a DARPA funded project focused on leveraging emerging neuromodulation technologies to enhance sleep efficiency and performance under sleep-restricted conditions. You will contribute to ongoing research involving cognitive testing, data analysis, and computational modeling of individual cognitive performance.

 Location: IHMC (Pensacola, Florida)
Compensation: $1200-$2000 bi-weekly (commensurate with level of education and experience)
Start Date/Duration: Summer 2026 (exact dates flexible); approximately ten (10) weeks
Commitment: Full-time (40 hr./week)

Application Deadline: February 27, 2026

As a Research Intern, you will:

  • Test and troubleshoot experimental software and hardware used for cognitive assessments (e.g., Psychomotor Vigilance Test, Digit-Symbol Substitution Task, Task Switching, and other assessments used in the research).
  • Support the development of analysis pipelines to analyze cognitive performance data.
  • Support the development of computational phenotyping to characterize individual differences in cognition.

Qualifications:

Ideal candidates will meet most of the following:

  • Pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in psychology, cognitive science, neuroscience, human factors, data science, or a related field.
  • Comfortable learning new experimental tools quickly and working carefully with structured protocols.
  • Programming experience (Python and/or R) and interest in reproducible analysis workflows.
  • Strong attention to detail (e.g., debugging tasks, validating outputs, tracking issues).
  • Experience with human-subjects research and behavioral task software.
  • Experience with cognitive model development, verification, and validation.
  • Experience with parameter exploration and optimization methods.
  • Demonstrates the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced research environment.
  • Possesses excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
  • High emotional intelligence with the ability to navigate diverse perspectives, foster collaboration, and contribute to a positive, inclusive research environment.

 To Apply:

Email your application package to: Dr. Edward Cranford; ecranford@ihmc.org
Subject line: DARPA Summer Internship – [Your Last Name]

Include the following items as PDF attachments:

  1. Current resume or CV in PDF format. Name your file: “YourLastName_Resume.pdf”.
  2. Cover Letter in PDF format. Name your file: “YourLastName_CoverLetter.pdf”.
    • In the cover letter, please include:
      • Dates you are available for an internship. You must be available to work in-person at the IHMC Pensacola campus.
      • Describe your relevant experience.
  3. Copy of your most recent unofficial transcript in PDF format. Name your file: “YourLastName_UnofficialTranscript.pdf”
  4. Download this Pre-Interview Questionnaire, fill it out and attach it. Name the file: “YourLastName_Questionnaire.pdf”.

** Your application will be considered incomplete until all items are submitted as requested above. **

Questions

If you have questions about the application process or opportunities, email: ecranford@ihmc.org