The position is within the FAA, Aviation Safety (AVS), Office of Aerospace Medicine (AAM), NAS Human Factors Safety Research Lab. This organization develops and manages medical programs in support of Aviation Safety.
Duties
Serves as a Psychology Technician in support of Human Factors research with special emphasis on measuring impacts of human factors on performance in aviation environments. Performs a combination of routine, multiple, and varying assignments under the general direction of a manager. Receives moderate supervision from the branch manager and moderate technical guidance from a Principal Investigator. Applies experience and detailed knowledge to plan and accomplish routine assignments. Assists in planning, preparing, and conducting research projects to quantify and assess human performance data in a variety of laboratory or field conditions or collected from existing data files. Contacts are primarily internal, but may also be external, depending on the project supported. Coordinates with other offices/agencies, when required, for purposes of gathering, scoring, analyzing, and reporting research data.
Completes all aspects of literature reviews: defines appropriate search strategies, compiles pertinent information and findings, provides guidance for developing relevant research strategies. Develops a bibliography or list of references and communicates findings to the Lab Manager or Principal Investigator (PI). In collaboration with research task lead, modifies and supports the development of specialized measurement instruments, experimental protocols, computer databases, and analytic programs required for various research projects, in accordance with AAM-500-001, Aerospace Human Factors Research QMS Procedure, Research Knowledge Process. Organizes aspects of processing research participants prior to, during, and after the course of experimental testing sessions to ensure optimal utilization of personnel and resources. Work is reviewed frequently, during different stages of task activity, and at completion to ensure timeliness and alignment with the requirements of the project.
Establishes data file structures appropriate for specific statistical analyses. Assembles, collates, and enters research data into computer data files with very low error rates. Monitors and evaluates the accuracy of data entered by others. Uses knowledge of statistical procedures to interpret outcomes from various experimental tasks, database analyses, simulations, or testing sessions. Following data collection and construction of a database, the incumbent conducts statistical analyses of the resulting data, according to accepted statistical techniques. Is familiar with standard statistical software packages, such as SPSS. Knows underlying statistical assumptions, interprets results of analyses. Obtains guidance from higher-level psychology technicians or Principal Investigators for handling routine
technical problems.
Writes sections of technical reports, memoranda, journal articles, presentation slides, and other types of documentation. Writes in a clear, concise, and comprehensive manner and in accordance with appropriate style guidelines and the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association. Uses word processing software such as Microsoft Word along with other software such as PowerPoint, Excel, etc.
Accomplishes assignments with moderate supervision. Works with others to prioritize multiple task assignments. Assists in developing Statements of Work for solicitation of contractor support. Prepares applications for submission to the CAMI Institutional Review Board (IRB) on use of human subjects, in accordance with AAM-700-003, Institutional Review Board.
Maintains a positive, constructive attitude when working with other psychology technicians and work teams, and in particular, when working outside the laboratory doing on-site research.