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Research Psychologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

KBR, Inc.

Research Psychologist

Houston, TX · On-site

Research Psychologist Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! Around here, we define the future. We are a company of innovators, thinkers, creators, explorers, volunteers, and dreamers. But we all share one ...

KBR

Research Psychologist

Houston, TX · On-site

Research Psychologist Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! Around here, we define the future. We are a company of innovators, thinkers, creators, explorers, volunteers, and dreamers. But we all share one ...

Naval Medical Command

RESEARCH PSYCHOLOGIST

Groton, CT · On-site +1

$120K - $184K/yr

Summary You will serve as a RESEARCH PSYCHOLOGIST in the WARFIGHTER PERFORMANCE DIV of NAVSUBMEDRSCHLAB NEW LONDON CT. No PCS costs will be paid Learn more about this agency Duties Help * You will ...

U.S. Navy

Research Psychologist - AL & GA

Macon, GA · On-site

As a Research Psychologist and Officer in the Medical Service Corps, you will be among approximately two dozen research psychologists who deliver operational products, systems and procedures that ...

U.S. Navy

Research Psychologist - AL & GA

Mobile, AL · On-site

As a Research Psychologist and Officer in the Medical Service Corps, you will be among approximately two dozen research psychologists who deliver operational products, systems and procedures that ...

U.S. Navy

Research Psychologist - AL & GA

Atlanta, GA · On-site

As a Research Psychologist and Officer in the Medical Service Corps, you will be among approximately two dozen research psychologists who deliver operational products, systems and procedures that ...

U.S. Navy

Research Psychologist - AL & GA

Valdosta, GA · On-site

As a Research Psychologist and Officer in the Medical Service Corps, you will be among approximately two dozen research psychologists who deliver operational products, systems and procedures that ...

U.S. Navy

Research Psychologist - AL & GA

Columbus, GA · On-site

As a Research Psychologist and Officer in the Medical Service Corps, you will be among approximately two dozen research psychologists who deliver operational products, systems and procedures that ...

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Research Psychologist information

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$40K

$99.6K

$133K

How much do research psychologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for research psychologist in the United States is $99,577.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,500.00 and $122,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Do you need a PhD to be a research psychologist?

A research psychologist typically needs a doctoral degree, such as a PhD or PsyD, to conduct independent research and work in academic or clinical settings. While some research roles may accept a master's degree, advanced positions usually require a PhD. Additional skills in statistical analysis and research methods are also important.

What is the difference between Research Psychologist vs Clinical Psychologist?

AspectResearch PsychologistClinical Psychologist
CredentialsDoctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in psychology, research trainingDoctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in psychology, clinical training, licensure
Work EnvironmentUniversities, research institutes, labsHospitals, clinics, private practice
Employer & IndustryAcademic institutions, government agencies, research organizationsHealthcare facilities, mental health clinics, private practices
Primary FocusConducting experiments, data analysis, advancing psychological theoriesDiagnosing and treating mental health disorders, providing therapy

Research Psychologists primarily focus on studying psychological phenomena through experiments and data analysis, often working in academic or research settings. Clinical Psychologists, on the other hand, diagnose and treat mental health issues in clinical environments. While both roles require advanced degrees in psychology, their work environments and primary responsibilities differ significantly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a research psychologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Research Psychologist, you need a strong background in psychological theory, research methods, and statistical analysis, typically supported by an advanced degree such as a Ph.D. or Psy.D. Proficiency with statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R), data collection systems, and research ethics certifications is essential. Critical thinking, curiosity, and excellent written and verbal communication skills help set top performers apart. These competencies are vital for designing rigorous studies, interpreting complex data, and effectively sharing findings to advance knowledge in the field.

What do you do as a research psychologist?

A research psychologist studies human behavior and mental processes through scientific methods, designing experiments, collecting data, and analyzing results. They often work in academic, healthcare, or organizational settings, using statistical tools and research protocols to advance understanding in psychology. Their work may involve publishing findings and collaborating with other professionals to apply insights to real-world issues.

What is a research psychologist?

A research psychologist is a professional who studies human behavior and mental processes through scientific methods. They design and conduct experiments, analyze data, and publish findings to advance our understanding of how people think, feel, and act. Research psychologists may specialize in areas such as cognitive, social, developmental, or clinical psychology. Their work often contributes to the development of new theories, therapies, and policies that impact education, healthcare, and society. They typically work in academic, government, or private research settings.

What is a research psychologist?

A research psychologist performs studies and research at an academic institution, business, or on a freelance basis. The duties of a research psychologist include coming up with hypotheses to test, developing research plans, creating experiments to test their ideas, analyzing the data derived from their experiments, and writing reports and papers explaining the results. They may travel to conferences to present findings. A research psychologist must also be able to write grants or seek funding from outside sources, such as foundations, research institutions, or government agencies.

What are some common challenges research psychologists face when conducting studies, and how can they be addressed?

Research Psychologists often encounter challenges such as recruiting a representative sample, ensuring ethical compliance, and controlling for confounding variables. Addressing these issues typically involves collaborating closely with institutional review boards, employing diverse recruitment strategies, and using rigorous research methodologies. Additionally, effective teamwork and clear communication with colleagues in data analysis, statistics, and subject matter expertise are crucial for overcoming obstacles and producing reliable, impactful research.
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Research Psychologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Psychologist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,577 per year, or $47.9 per hour.

Research Psychologist

KBR, Inc.

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago

KBR rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

142nd of 449 rated engineering

Job description

Title:
Research Psychologist
Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR!
Around here, we define the future.
We are a company of innovators, thinkers, creators, explorers, volunteers, and dreamers. But we all share one goal: to improve the world responsibly and safely.
What You'll Do:
In this role, you will be a key scientist for helping NASA achieve its goals for human spaceflight exploration. You will perform this work in the Behavioral Health & Performance (BHP) Laboratory at NASA's Johnson Space Center. The Research Psychologist will facilitate ongoing studies; write proposals for directed studies and grant solicitations; and complete data analyses and prepare reports, journal articles, and presentations regarding the study results. You will assist in the management and execution of multiple BHP Lab tasks to ensure the team produces high quality, implementable, and timely deliverables that help to reduce the risks associated with the behavioral health and performance of astronauts.
You will work on a highly collaborative team, interfacing routinely with our NASA customer, laboratories in the Biomedical Research and Environmental Sciences Division, external PI teams, and provide timely deliverables to stakeholders for BHP Lab products such as Human Research Program, Space Medicine Division, Extravehicular Activity and Human Surface Mobility Program (EHP), and Mars Campaign Office.
You will:
  • Work with the NASA BHP Lab Lead to implement research activities related to behavioral health and performance risks
  • Develop grant proposals in response to research calls from NASA or external funding organizations
  • Develop directed research proposals and support directed research in space flight analogs, available flight opportunities, and with medical and mission operations personnel
  • Conduct and coordinate data collection, cleaning, and organization
  • Analyze and interpret research and operational data, consulting with NASA statisticians for complex issues
  • Draft interim and final reports, literature reviews and summaries, and project summaries
  • Provide subject matter expertise for research design, methodologies, technologies, and assessments related to behavioral health and performance
  • Disseminate research findings through presentation to NASA program management, presentations at various national and international meetings and working groups, scientific conferences and publishing in peer-reviewed journals
  • Participate in presenting project updates, interim and final results, as well as program objectives and direction to scientists, engineers and managers
  • Collaborate with a variety of contributors and stakeholders including BHP Operations personnel, flight surgeons, mission managers and a multidisciplinary team of personnel to effectively plan and execute the research plans
  • Monitor multiple research project schedules, deliverables, and discuss status of projects with lab project manager
  • Provide inputs to weekly and monthly status reports for NASA technical monitor review
  • Assist NASA technical monitors with updates to NASA standards, and periodic review and update of human spaceflight risks especially relates to behavioral health and performance
  • Advise and assist in the development of protocols and processes that promote efficient and effective management of the BHP Laboratory projects and personnel.
  • Maintain data quality practices and standards established within the laboratory
  • Liaise with internal and external collaborators to effectively plan, track, and complete collaborative research
  • Assist the BHP Laboratory Lead with other duties as assigned to ensure the efficient operation of the lab, or due to NASA's program requirements changes

What You Bring:
You bring experience leading research design and execution to help answer applied human spaceflight questions You use your experience and judgment to develop innovative solutions to problems that will inform NASA's future spaceflight mission planning and preparation. As a key part of our safety culture, you will comply with KBR's Safety, Health and Environmental Plan, Quality Plan, and all safety policies and procedures, and complete all assigned training.
Your Qualifications:
REQUIRED:
  • Ph.D. and at least 3 years of experience in one of the following areas of psychology: Neuropsychology, Clinical, I/O Psychology, Space Psychology, Health Psychology, Behavioral Medicine
  • Experience conducting behavioral health and performance research, conducting literature reviews, and collecting and analyzing behavioral health and performance data

DESIRED:
  • Prior experience in managing, coordinating, and directing research projects.
  • Prior experience with NASA, Aerospace, Military, or operational environments

Your Skills:
REQUIRED:
  • Proficient with software tools used by the lab including MS Office, R, and RMarkdown
  • Proven ability to apply research methodology for evaluating proposals and research design
  • Demonstrated technical and scientific writing ability, completing all levels of writing, such as research reports and summaries, briefings, technical reports, and project plans, etc.
  • Possess broad understanding of behavioral health and performance outcomes required for individuals required to function effectively in an isolated, confined environment during long-duration exploration missions (e.g., performance, cognition, mood)
  • Highly ethical and respectful of human research data confidentiality, protections, and intellectual property
  • Demonstrated excellence in effective communication and presentation skills with varied audiences, including various levels of management, internationals, scientists, medical professionals and engineers
  • Demonstrated organizational skills for coordinating complex activities and schedules, and managing tasks per a defined timeline
  • Successful project management experience
  • Ability to be flexible and adapt quickly to changing requirements
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary setting where there is frequently divergent or competing goals for the project implementation and outcome
  • Demonstrated ability to interpret requirements for real-time implementation
  • Demonstrated interpersonal effectiveness and professionalism in working with others in a collaborative, team-oriented environment.

DESIRED:
  • Demonstrated ability to evaluate proven or developing technologies for measuring and assessing behavioral health outcomes as well as evaluating and applying countermeasures in a spaceflight environment.

What to Expect
This position is expected to be 100% on site and a minimum of 60% in person. Occasional travel may be required.
Why KBR
KBR offers competitive lifestyle benefits which could include 401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule. We support career advancement through professional training and development. Click here to learn more: KBR Benefits | KBR
At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These are at the heart of our commitment to and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team's philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver - Together.
Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR
At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team's philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver - Together.
KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

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About KBR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At KBR, we partner with government and industry clients to provide purposeful and comprehensive solutions with an emphasis on efficiency and safety. With a full portfolio of services, proprietary technologies and expertise, our employees are ready to handle projects and missions from planning and design to sustainability and maintenance. Whether at the bottom of the ocean or in outer space, our clients trust us to deliver the impossible on a daily basis.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

1998

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