Human Factors Research Associate

SJSU Research Foundation

8d • $123,000 - $150,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The San José State University Research Foundation (SJSURF) is seeking a Research Associate for the Department of Psychology, in collaboration with the Human-Autonomy Teaming (HAT) Laboratory at NASA Ames Research Center. This role will lead and support human-in-the-loop research activities, focusing on airspace operations and safety. The research involves a collaborative, team-based approach using a distributed human-in-the-loop simulation environment to investigate the roles of humans and automation in future airspace operations. The ideal candidate is an experienced human factors researcher comfortable supporting and leading laboratory activities, including research, experiment design, testing, data collection, analysis, and reporting. The position requires interaction with aviation industry partners, air traffic service providers, pilots, and aviation operators. The HAT Lab emphasizes a healthy work-life balance with an open, collaborative, and welcoming work environment. The candidate will contribute to the lab's diversity of skills and incorporate new ideas, working with NASA teams on forthcoming missions.

Requirements

• Master’s degree or higher in Human Factors, Psychology, Cognitive Science, Industrial Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of applied human factors research experience.
• Experience with human-in-the-loop or human-subject simulation research required.
• Methodical and detail-oriented with solid analytical skills and problem-solving ability required.
• Demonstrated ability to independently design and lead research activities while working as part of a collaborative team required.
• Capacity and willingness to adopt new methodologies and skills in line with core responsibilities required.
• Willingness to share knowledge and skills and willingness/ability to help train colleagues required.
• Ability to oversee the functioning and management of the laboratory as a facility and work cross-organizationally as required.
• Ability to follow and help maintain facility and information security practices, including physical access controls, IT security requirements, and proper handling of sensitive research data required.
• Knowledge of scientific experimentation and the various phases therein (experimental design, research methods, data mining & analysis, etc.) required.
• Proficiency with statistical analysis and at least one analysis or scripting environment (e.g., R, Python, MATLAB, SPSS) required.
• Ability to communicate research findings clearly to technical and non-technical audiences, including external stakeholders, required.
• Ability to work within time constraints and under pressure.
• Ability to work on-site at NASA Ames Research Center.
• Employee must meet security qualifications for entrance to the Center, including an Agency background check.
• Strength, dexterity, and coordination and/or ability to use a computer keyboard and read a video display terminal on a regular basis.
• Able to move freely throughout facilities as needed.
• Able to lift, relocate, and integrate IT and lab-related equipment.
• Ability to listen to verbal requests from customers, clients, and vendors, and to respond appropriately.
• A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with the SJSURF.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in aviation, aerospace, or other safety-critical domains strongly preferred.
• Experience defining requirements for and coordinating with software developers on research systems preferred.
• Record of peer-reviewed publications or technical reports preferred.

Responsibilities

• Gain and maintain high proficiency with research technologies used within the lab.
• Lead and support the design, preparation, and execution of human-in-the-loop studies.
• Develop and communicate research and user-interface requirements to software developers and verify that implemented systems meet study needs.
• Ensure the lab is orderly and in working order.
• Conduct studies as part of a research team, including participant training, data collection, and observation; take ownership of defined study activities or lead studies as assigned.
• Support facility visits and demonstrations as needed.
• Learn and maintain currency in the fields of Human Factors, aeronautics, and technology.
• Support the management of the laboratory, including layout, equipment, furnishings, and accessories, and modify/adapt as necessary.
• Lead and support data collection, management, analysis, and documentation.
• Author and contribute to technical reports, publications, and briefings to NASA project management and external stakeholders.
• Coordinate with external stakeholders to inform study design, operational concepts, and dissemination of results.
• Support User Interface design activities.
• Travel as needed.

Benefits

• Four company health insurance plans to choose from (employee contributions differ according to plan and level of coverage).
• Employer-paid dental and vision for both employee and eligible dependents.
• Life, AD&D, LTD with supplemental coverage opportunities.
• 14 paid federal & state holidays.
• Retirement Plan: 403 (b) employee contribution plan component and a 403 (b) employer contribution component, which vests immediately.
• Vacation-hour accruals and separate sick-hour accumulations.
• Employee discounts.
• Paid training and professional-development conferences.

What This Job Offers

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