Research Psychologist DEVCOM Soldier Center - SWE 2024

Job Description

The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Soldier Center has an immediate opening for a Research Psychologist to join our team of skilled scientists and engineers in Natick, Massachusetts. Made up of a diverse workforce comprised of scientists, engineers, technologists, and equipment designers, the DEVCOM Soldier Center provides a wide range of capabilities to the Soldier, including field feeding and life support systems, clothing, precision air drop systems, and ballistic, chemical and laser-protection systems. 

DEVCOM Soldier Center as a Science and Technology Reinvention Laboratory (STRL) will utilize Direct Hire Authority (DHA) for Mission Support to fill this position. This is a TERM appointment not to exceed two (2) years and may be extended or renewed indefinitely. Incumbent will work in beautiful Natick, MA, which is approximately 10 miles west of Boston, and situated on Lake Cochituate. 

Background: The Cognitive Science and Applications Branch (CSAB) at DEVCOM Soldier Center (DEVCOM SC) is looking for an individual to join our team full-time and in-person. CSAB research aims to monitor, predict, and enhance Soldier performance.

The Cognitive Scientist will play a crucial role in designing and developing innovative human-machine interface (HMI) solutions that empower Soldiers on the future battlefield. This role will focus on ensuring user interfaces for robotic systems and other HMI technologies are intuitive, user-friendly, and align with the Army's vision for seamless human-machine integration.

Job Duties/Responsibilities

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Lead the design and development of intuitive and user-friendly interfaces for robotic systems and other HMI technologies.

• Collaborate with engineers and developers to translate research findings into practical design recommendations for HMI systems.

• Contribute to the development of standards and best practices for HMI design within the Army.

• Stay abreast of cutting-edge research and developments in cognitive science, human factors, and HMI design, particularly as they apply to military applications.

• Effectively communicate research findings and design recommendations to both technical and non-technical audiences.

This position requires a Ph.D. in Cognitive Science, Human Factors Engineering, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field and:

• Proven experience designing and evaluating user interfaces for complex systems, preferably in a military or defense context.

• Strong understanding of cognitive psychology, human perception, attention, memory, and decision-making processes.

• Familiarity with user-centered design methodologies, usability testing techniques, and human factors principles.

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively convey technical concepts to diverse audiences.