Human Factors Research Associate

OUR STATEMENT
The San José State University Research Foundation (SJSURF) is committed to building a work environment where everyone can show up as their own self and have an opportunity to contribute, develop, and advance in their career. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are core values of the organization. We strive to attract, retain, and develop employees who reflect the community and society where we work and live. The Research Foundation aims to develop a culture where everyone feels welcome, shares their views, and where differences in backgrounds and perspectives are seen as adding value.

The Department of Psychology at San José State University is involved in collaborative research with civil service scientists from the Human-Autonomy Teaming (HAT) Laboratory in the Human Systems Integration Division at NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, CA. We seek a Research Associate to lead and support human-in-the-loop research activities, collaborate with civil service researchers and software developers, and interact with primary stakeholders to ensure that airspace operations and safety activities continue to further NASA’s aeronautics research.

The research performed in the HAT Lab is a collaborative, team-based activity that relies upon an advanced, distributed human-in-the-loop simulation environment and state-of-the-art facilities to investigate the roles, responsibilities, and requirements for human operators and automation in future airspace operations. Research participants include aviation industry partners, professional air traffic service providers, pilots, and aviation operators who help to develop and test novel aviation concepts, technologies, or procedures for designing and testing new airspace operations in the global airspace and the United States National Airspace System. Foundational to the ability of the HAT Lab to successfully conduct its research are team members who can build expertise in current and future aviation concepts and can translate that knowledge to the full lifecycle of testing.

The ideal candidate for this position is an experienced human factors researcher who thrives in a dynamic environment and is comfortable both supporting and leading laboratory activities centered on pilot-in-the-loop and pilot-on-the-loop simulation studies, including background research, experiment design, requirements development, testing, data collection, analysis, and reporting. Studies may be conducted in the HAT Lab or in conjunction with other NASA teams and facilities. The candidate can expect to interact regularly with external partners. We are seeking someone who is detail-oriented, self-motivated, a strong team player who is also eager to step up and lead, and comfortable coordinating with software developers and outside stakeholders.

The HAT Lab, like NASA, prizes a healthy work-life balance. We believe that fostering a comfortable workplace for everyone is important! Our work environment is open, collaborative, and welcoming; we are a diverse and tight-knit team that enjoys off-site team building events and activities. The candidate will contribute to our diversity of skills and incorporate new ideas into our lab environment. The candidate will work with others throughout NASA on supporting forthcoming missions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Gain and maintain high proficiency with research technologies used within the lab.

2. Lead and support the design, preparation, and execution of human-in-the-loop studies.

3. Develop and communicate research and user-interface requirements to software developers and verify that implemented systems meet study needs.

4. Ensure the lab is orderly and in working order.

5. 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.

6. Support facility visits and demonstrations as needed.

7.     Learn and maintain currency in the fields of Human Factors, aeronautics, and technology.

8.     Support the management of the laboratory, including layout, equipment, furnishings, and accessories, and modify/adapt as necessary.

9.     Lead and support data collection, management, analysis, and documentation.

10.   Author and contribute to technical reports, publications, and briefings to NASA project management and external stakeholders.

11.   Coordinate with external stakeholders to inform study design, operational concepts, and dissemination of results.

12.   Support User Interface design activities.

13.   Travel as needed.

 

 

INTERPERSONAL CONTACTS

Reports to the Project Director. Interacts with SJSURF staff and NASA Ames Civil Service staff daily.

 

 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None; however, the position may provide technical direction, advice, or mentoring.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

 

Education and Experience

• 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; 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.

 

 

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities 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.

 

Physical Requirements

• On-site work at NASA Ames Research Center is required. Telework is subject to approval by the manager.

• Periodic contact with employees of the Research Foundation at all levels, San Jose State University faculty and staff, and/or vendors, with the ability to discuss and appropriately respond to inquiries and requests.

• 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. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or the continued employment of current SJSURF employees who apply for the position.

 

NOTE: This position description intends to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. It is not intended to include all duties and responsibilities. The order in which duties and responsibilities are listed is not significant.

 

Compensation Range:

$123,000-$150,000 annually, DOQ/E

BENEFITS
The SJSURF provides an excellent benefits package to benefited employees. The comprehensive benefits package includes:

• 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.

Please visit the Benefits & Compensation page on the SJSURF website for more detailed information.
 

APPLICATION PROCEDURE
To apply for this position, an applicant must submit a formal application for employment. Select "Apply" to complete the SJSURF online employment application via Workday.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
The SJSURF is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with physical or mental disabilities in the employment, recruitment, examination, interviewing, and hiring processes. If you are a job seeker with a physical or mental disability, and you require a reasonable accommodation to search, apply, or interview for a job opening or otherwise need a reasonable accommodation during the application and hiring process, please contact us at foundation-jobs@sjsu.edu. In the email message, please indicate your full name, phone number and the type of assistance required. You must not reveal the underlying medical reason for your needed reasonable accommodation or otherwise disclose confidential medical information.
 
ABOUT THE SJSU RESEARCH FOUNDATION
SJSURF employment is separate and distinct from San José State University (SJSU) or state of California employment. SJSURF employees are not employees of SJSU or of the state of California. SJSURF is a non-profit auxiliary of SJSU. SJSURF is totally self-supported. The majority of the organization’s funding comes from the federal government, and other public and private entities. With annual revenues totaling over $65 million, programs managed through SJSURF cover a rich diversity of applied research, public services, and educational-related activities.
 
San José State University Research Foundation is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, gender, religion, marital status, registered domestic partner status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sex, genetic information, sexual orientation, military and veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws. It also prohibits unlawful discrimination based on the perception that anyone has any of those characteristics, or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of those characteristics.

It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. All employment practices such as recruitment, selection, promotions, and other terms and conditions of employment are administered in a manner designed to ensure that employees and applicants for employment or services are not subjected to discrimination. We are committed to providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment, and where employees are treated with respect and dignity. This policy is in accordance with federal, state and local laws and reaffirms the Research Foundation’s continuing commitment to both the spirit and intent of equal employment opportunity laws and policies.

San José State University Research Foundation is an EOE M/F/Vet/Disability. Learn more about our organizations EEO and AAP policy by visiting our website HERE. Data metrics on the AAP is available for review upon request. Please also visit OFCCP for additional resources: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ofccp/posters.

If you have any questions or need assistance or an accommodation in completing this application, please contact Research Foundation HR at (408) 924-5582.
 

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