Senior Human Performance Research Jobs in Virginia

**Requires Favorable Tier 3 Security Investigation which is the equivalent to being processed for a Secret Clearance if selected for the position**

Position Objective:  The Cognitive Performance Specialist (CPS) shall deliver cognitive performance training, assessment, and educational interventions to optimize aircrew performance. The CPS will serve as a subject matter expert in sport and performance psychology, human performance optimization, and cognitive enhancement strategies. They shall support the planning, execution, and validation of the Human Performance (HP) program at their assigned site, while integrating cognitive techniques into the broader training and rehabilitation framework. The CPS will work closely with their Site Lead, Domain Lead, and other interdisciplinary team members to develop and deliver curriculum-aligned instruction tailored to the operational needs of aircrew.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist the CRAFT Program Manager and Site Lead in planning, scheduling, executing, and validating HP program efficiency and effectiveness at the assigned site.
• Analyze training needs and provide evidence-based cognitive assessments and interventions, referring clients to other HP team members, mental health, or flight medicine when needs exceed scope of practice.
• Conduct cognitive and psychological research and compile findings to enhance curriculum content, inform training development, and support data-driven program improvements.
• Employ simulation technologies, biofeedback, and other tools to improve learning, memory, focus, and tactical performance under stress.
• Develop and deliver content for HP syllabi and courseware, ensuring relevance to cognitive performance and psychological resilience for aircrew.
•  Support knowledge sharing by delivering briefings, seminars, and educational sessions, and participate in interdisciplinary meetings hosted by the Site Lead or Active Duty SME.
• Maintain a visible presence by spending at least 20% of duty hours in flying squadrons, flight rooms, or aircrew common areas to build rapport and enhance program engagement.
• Document client encounters and classes taught in the CRAFT system of record within 72 hours and track training effectiveness through feedback and performance metrics.
• Serve as a student advocate, coordinating with the local AD CRAFT SME to address concerns related to culture, inclusivity, instructor interactions, and safety, while preserving student anonymity unless imminent risk exists.
• Apply evidence-based practices from sport psychology and high-performance environments to ensure alignment with CRAFT program goals.
• Mentor other CPSs seeking Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) certification, if qualified, per SOP outlined in the CRAFT CONOPs.
• Collaborate in the planning and execution of distinguished visitor tours and the annual Aircrew Human Performance Summit.
• Participate in quarterly domain-specific sync calls. At least annually one of the CPS domain all calls will host Active-Duty optometrists during which CPSs’ shall complete annual training to remain current on vision-cognition integration.
• Provide input to the Curriculum Coordinator on required syllabus/curriculum updates and recommend changes to content based on instructional feedback and evolving best practices. Assist with curriculum content development or re-design based on expert assessment of community served as requested.
• Maintain all required certifications and credentials and complete the CRAFT cognitive domain qualification course upon onboarding.
• Complete all required CRAFT compliance training and documentation, including CRAFT Program Familiarization, HPO Inappropriate Relationships and Harassment Training and Acknowledgment, DOD/DISA Information Systems Policy, social media Policy, and PII Training. Maintain records of training completion and credentialing for Government review upon request.
• Ensure the cleanliness and sanitization of cognitive performance workspaces and equipment weekly, in accordance with CRAFT health and safety protocols.
• During PASO visits, prepare materials, conduct teaching observations using normal procedures, accept direct feedback, and apply recommendations to improve instructional delivery.
•  Attend CRAFT Program Office all-calls and leadership syncs and collaborate across sites and roles to promote consistency and program unity.
• May travel to other CRAFT sites or aircrew TDYs to provide support, deepen understanding of mission needs, or assist in program expansion at locations without current CRAFT coverage.
• Participate and assist with planning/coordination of enterprise-wide initiatives such as the annual Aircrew Human Performance Summit, cognitive domain qualification course, support distinguished visitor engagements, and contribute to HP-related research as requested by the Program Office.

Basic Qualifications:

• 2+ years providing cognitive performance services. Experience in collegiate (or higher), professional, or tactical athletics; aerospace industry, test pilot/astronaut or similar man-machine high-performance environment.
• Master’s degree in psychology, Counseling, Human Performance, Kinesiology, Exercise Science, or Sport Sciences with a specialization in Sport Psychology or similar from an accredited institution/university.
• Current certification in basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), including Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Training.
• Must be able to obtain a favorable Tier 3 security adjudication.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with non-technical and technical staff

• Detail-oriented and possess strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks and projects
• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

*This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required by this position.  

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

GAP Solutions provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need an accommodation to apply for a job, email us at recruiting@gapsi.com. You will need to reference the requisition number of the position in which you are interested. Your message will be routed to the appropriate recruiter who will assist you. Please note, this email address is only to be used for those individuals who need an accommodation to apply for a job. Emails for any other reason or those that do not include a requisition number will not be returned.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.