Cognitive Performance Specialist

Battelle • Norfolk, NM

126d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Health Research and Analytics (HRA) business line is seeking a highly motivated, full-time Cognitive Performance Specialist to join our team in support of our government customer, U.S. Special Operations Command. This position will play a critical role in advancing the Preservation of the Forces and Family (POTFF) program, which is dedicated to optimizing and sustaining the mission readiness, longevity, and performance of Special Operations Forces (SOF). Through integrated and holistic human performance initiatives, POTFF strengthens both the Forces and their families, ensuring comprehensive support for those who serve. As a Cognitive Performance Specialist, you will contribute to impactful research and analytics that drive evidence-based decision-making and enhance the effectiveness of these vital programs. This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of SOF personnel and their families while working in a dynamic, mission-driven environment.
This position trains SOF personnel to develop and apply advanced cognitive, mental, and behavioral skills for optimal performance in training and operational environments, utilizing evidence-based, peer-reviewed methods in both individual and group settings. The Cognitive Performance Specialist collaborates closely with the Human Performance (HP) program team to deliver, document, and continuously improve mental performance training, provide expert guidance on exercise and sports psychology, support research, guideline development, and data reporting requirements. The role also develops training materials, participates in interdisciplinary meetings, and ensures all activities are accurately documented in compliance with USSOCOM HQ and POTFF standards.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in human performance, Kinesiology, or Exercise Science, and/or Sport Sciences with a specialization in Sport Psychology
• At least five years of demonstrable accumulated experience (continuous and sustained experience preferred) as a mental performance coach or Sport Psychologist with individual athletes and groups of athletes at the levels of NCAA Collegiate, Olympic, professional sports, and/or SOF Operators in the accompanying, respective settings
• Capable of properly lifting and manipulating loads or weights up to 25 kilograms
• Capable of meeting physical demands of training with SOF including the ability to hike over rough terrain, function in austere environments and on various fixed or rotary wing aircraft, waterborne craft, or ground transport to observe SOF training evolutions and to conduct training and education
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance

Nice To Haves

• Doctoral degree in human performance, Kinesiology, or Exercise Science, and/or Sport Sciences with a specialization in Sport Psychology
• Certified as a Certified Consultant through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (CC-AASP)

Responsibilities

• Train SOF personnel, with priority on SOF Operators and Direct Combat Support personnel, to develop and use the cognitive skills necessary to perform optimally in training and operations
• Provide and perform the following services in support of POTFF’s HP program for SOF personnel, with priority on SOF Operators and Direct Combat Support personnel:
• Use evidence-based peer-reviewed literature to train and educate SOF personnel in individual and group settings on cognitive, mental, behavioral, psychosocial, perceptual learning, adaptive thinking, human engagements, and emotional control skills and strategies, including understanding, acquisition, and retention, performance improvement and maintenance with documentation of work performed, implemented, and provided to SOF personnel
• Assist and advise the HP program Manager and/or Coordinator in matters relating to mental performance, exercise and sports psychology
• Provide information about mental performance, exercise and sports psychology factors in sports, exercise, and physical activity
• Train and educate for goal setting, performance profiling, visualization, performance development, and planning
• Participate in periodic meetings to review human performance training provided to patients and identify opportunities for improvement
• Attend and participate in meetings with other POTFF staff members and medical personnel as requested and/or required
• Collaborate with the HP staff to enhance the quality and effectiveness of mental and human performance development and expertise delivered
• Conduct periodic literature reviews to ensure HP stays current with the provision of care
• Support research conducted under supervision of the HP program Manager and/or Coordinator
• Assist the HP program Manager and/or Coordinator in developing and maintaining practice guidelines to ensure consistency of service across all Human Performance Training Centers (HPTCs)
• Develop and promulgate training materials as requested and required by the HP program Manager and/or Coordinator
• Participate in periodic in-service training for members of the HP Staff
• Perform other tasks as assigned by the HP program Manager and/or Coordinator
• Collect and report all data as requested by the HP program Manager and/or Coordinator and required by USSOCOM HQ and POTFF staff
• Document work performed, utilization, referrals, and all other information in the HP Enterprise-wide database, i.e., SPEAR, as directed by HP program Manager and/or Coordinator and required by USSOCOM HQ and POTFF staff
• Utilize computers, software, and technologies as required and requested by the HP program Manager and/or Coordinator and required by USSOCOM HQ and POTFF staff

Benefits

• Compressed work schedule (every other Friday off)
• Hybrid work arrangement (60% in-office, 40% remote)
• Paid time off
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Wellness incentives and benefits
• Optional supplemental benefits
• Coverage for partners, gender-affirming care and health support, and family formation support
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer contribution
• Tuition assistance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level