Senior Human Factors Scientist

Idaho National Laboratory • Idaho Falls, ID

1d • $114,360 - $281,196 • Onsite

About The Position

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is hiring a Senior Human Factors Scientist to join its centralized Human Factors team. The role applies human factors principles and experimental psychology to evaluate and improve real-world systems in nuclear energy and other safety-critical areas, including space exploration, electric grids, cybersecurity, and national security. The scientist will work with multidisciplinary colleagues and stakeholders to develop actionable solutions for critical operations and emerging technologies, including automation, large language models, and machine learning.

The position supports applied research in INL’s two Human Systems Simulation Laboratories, which feature full-scale reactor simulators for real-time human factors experiments. The role includes independent technical leadership, research development and funding proposals, stakeholder engagement, and scientific communication through journal and conference papers and technical reports. The position is based at the Engineering Research Office Building and follows a 9x80 schedule, with every other Friday off. It is a multilevel posting at Level 4 or Level 5, with placement based on the depth and breadth of the candidate’s experience and skills.

Requirements

• A relevant scientific or engineering degree in human factors, experimental psychology, industrial engineering, human-computer interaction, or a related field, with the following experience by level: Level 4 requires a bachelor's degree and 9 years, a master's degree and 6 years, or a PhD and 4 years of relevant experience; Level 5 requires a bachelor's degree and 14 years, a master's degree and 8 years, or a PhD and 6 years of relevant experience.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal skills.
• Consistent and effective collaboration skills.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. Green Card holder because the position is subject to Department of Energy export control restrictions.

Nice To Haves

• PhD in human factors, experimental psychology, industrial engineering, human-computer interaction, or a related scientific or engineering field.
• Demonstrated experience in nuclear energy or other energy-related domains.
• Experience interfacing with federal program sponsors, technical leadership, and/or industry.
• Track record of obtaining research funding through proposals and partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Lead independent and multidisciplinary studies applying human factors and experimental psychology to real-world systems.
• Conduct human-centered research on technologies for nuclear power plant control operations and other safety-critical industries.
• Build relationships with internal and external stakeholders to define human factors research questions aligned with their goals and portfolios.
• Develop new research areas by writing and submitting proposals to expand the human factors portfolio and advance the mission.
• Increase human factors technical expertise and scientific eminence through technical writing and professional publications, including journal articles, conference papers, and technical reports.
• Evaluate how people perform, how technologies can be integrated into existing systems and processes, and how advanced automation can be assessed.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage, and flexible spending accounts.
• 401(k) with a 4.2% employer contribution and up to a 4.8% match for regular positions.
• Paid time off (personal leave).
• Employee Education Program with tuition assistance for eligible positions.
• Comprehensive relocation package.

What This Job Offers

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