Human Performance Specialist (Level 3)/Chief Scientist - Barksdale AFB, LA

Human Performance Specialist (Level 3)/Chief Scientist The Chief Scientist shall lead the operational research, creation, advancement, expansion, and integration of human performance (HP) capabilities. Primary emphasis shall be placed on the cognitive domain, including decision-making under stress, resilience, workload management, and human factors in long-range strike and nuclear operations. The Chief Scientist shall provide strategic scientific leadership, enterprise-level research oversight, and guidance to ensure HP initiatives are grounded in validated science and aligned with AFGSC mission objectives. Responsibilities include supporting multi-disciplinary research efforts, creating and validating assessment instruments, overseeing enterprise data management, and supporting senior leadership on policies, standards, and innovation strategies that enhance cognitive readiness and operational effectiveness. The Chief Scientist shall support command-level human performance studies, ensuring compliance with DoD policies, research ethics, and security requirements. Additionally, the Chief Scientist shall support the identification of and evaluation of emerging technologies, methods, and partnerships that advance the cognitive and operational performance of aircrew, ICBM operators, and supporting personnel. The Contractor shall: Provide strategic scientific support to the AFGSC Striker STEEL Project Director and COR by supporting the planning, design, and execution of command-wide HP research and implementation efforts. Ensure projects are scientifically rigorous, aligned with operational mission objectives, and structured for scalability across the enterprise. Support the validation of the Striker STEEL program through applied research methods, advanced data analysis, and peer-reviewed evaluation frameworks. Incorporate cognitive performance metrics, neurocognitive modeling, and evidence-based feedback loops to refine and optimize program effectiveness. Support the research, creation, advancement, expansion, and enterprise integration of cognitive performance training, while providing scientific support of strength & conditioning and nutrition components. Ensure training methods are derived from validated science and tailored to AFGSC operational demands. Continuously evaluate and refine HP curricula and training interventions by applying empirical cognitive science, neuroscience, and human factors research, ensuring training content reflects the latest advances in cognitive resilience, decision-making under stress, and operational psychology. Support Government-led and collaborative human performance studies. Support the creation, advancement, expansion of research protocols, obtain required approvals, and ensure studies are executed to DoD research ethics, human subjects' protection standards, and security requirements. Support the design, implementation, and scientific validation of diagnostic assessments across the cognitive, emotional, and physiological domains. Ensure all assessment tools meet reliability, validity, and operational relevance standards, and are suitable for high-stakes military applications. Support the secure management, analysis, and interpretation of diagnostic and research data in compliance with DoD cybersecurity, OPSEC, and research integrity standards. Ensure enterprise-level data systems enable secure sharing of findings while maintaining confidentiality and scientific fidelity. Provide scientific support for Striker STEEL team activities, technical meetings, multidisciplinary collaboration, and ensuring integration of cognitive science findings into operational recommendations for leadership. Advise the COR on scientific requirements for acquisitions and procurement, including training technologies, cognitive assessment tools, and research instrumentation. Provide justification based on validated science, operational needs, and emerging trends. Deliver briefings to senior AFGSC and other Air Force leadership, presenting research findings, program evaluations, and recommendations for enterprise-level human performance policy, doctrine, and resource prioritization. Support the production of high-quality technical reports, peer-reviewed publications, monthly/annual scientific summaries, and POA&M updates. Reports shall include empirical data, research methodologies, and actionable recommendations to sustain and advance Striker STEEL initiatives. Support accountability for all Government-procured research and laboratory equipment. Support the establishment of scientific standards for equipment calibration, data fidelity, and lifecycle management to support sustained research excellence. Support the development of and oversee risk mitigation strategies addressing scientific gaps, research funding constraints, and compliance challenges. Provide evidence-based recommendations for adjusting research priorities and program design to sustain operational impact. Support the identification, evaluation, and guidance of integration of emerging technologies (e.g., neurocognitive sensors, AI-driven analytics, simulation platforms) into AFGSC operations. Ensure transition strategies are in place to move validated innovations from research to operational capability in alignment with DoD modernization priorities.