As a supervisor/manager, the selectee for this position will be eligible to receive a Manager Performance Incentive (MPI) provided eligibility requirements noted in agency policy are met. The MPI is an annual lump-sum incentive payment that considers agency performance, the manager's individual performance, and available funding. The Office of Aerospace Medicine develops and manages medical programs in support of Aviation Safety.
Basic Requirements: Degree: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in psychology in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree that included a major field of study or specific course requirements equivalent in psychology AND To qualify for this position at the FV-K (FG/GS 15) Level, you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to FV-J (FG/GS 14) level. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position to be filled. Specialized Experience includes but is not limited to: Experienced in designing, executing, overseeing research, and analyzing data in relevant areas of the human factors research studies; overseeing multiple research projects; preparing scientific reports and manuscripts in the field of human factors or other area of psychology; experience with budget/acquisitions; experience assigning work, setting team priorities, providing technical assistance, monitoring and evaluating performance; communicate effectively with diverse audiences AND Quality Ranking Factor (QRF): A well-qualified candidate will demonstrate evidence of Leadership in aviation-related human factors organizations or public/private sector work groups; experience in a) managing employees in technical occupations, b) overseeing research and development organizations and budgets, and federal acquisitions and public-private research partnerships within their resume. Applicants should provide examples of Specialized Experience in their Work History. Qualifications must be met by the closing date of the announcement.
Serves as the Branch Manager for the NAS Laboratory(AAM-520) and oversees the development and conduct of an extensive portfolio of human factors and applied research in support of the Air Traffic Organization and its technical occupations, such as Air Traffic Controller, engineer, and National Airspace System equipment maintenance and repair technician (i.e., Technical Operations). Research topics are both strategic and tactical and may include: the impact of automation on human performance; human characteristics (such as anthropometry, strength) that affect the range of conditions in which a task may be performed, information processing and electronic displays, learning technology and technical training, and organizational/individual characteristics that influence, for example, the level of safety culture or employee morale. Supervisory duties include managing a variety of scientific professionals including Engineering and Personnel Research Psychologists, Psychology Technicians, Statisticians, and Management/Program Analysts. Assigns work, sets priorities, provides technical assistance, monitors and evaluates performance, coaches and develops employee capabilities, and approves leave. Executes human resources policies covering the performance, conduct, and discipline of Laboratory staff as well as the recruiting and hiring of professionals with the appropriate skills for executing the Laboratory’s and Division’s mission and objectives. Organizes program initiatives so that principal investigators can deliver products that are responsive to sponsor/stakeholder needs within available time and budget. Oversees the work of research psychologists in planning specific projects, preparing plans of action and milestone charts, scheduling deliverables, and assigning responsibilities to research team members. Applies broad-based and specific knowledge of psychology topics, research methods in a variety of settings, and data analysis to advise staff and facilitate the development of research tasks that address sponsor needs. Identifies priorities consistent with project schedules, resources, and technical complexity. Develops and executes a million+ dollar Research, Engineering, and Development budget for accomplishment of research tasks and tracks expenditures to specific tasks. Identifies Facilities and Engineering investments to build or upgrade experimental equipment to support research efforts. Administers organizational and ISO-9001 policies, procedures, and work instructions as required for the efficient management of the Laboratory. Uses knowledge of the FAA organization, the relationships among subunits, and political issues that affect decision-making to address challenging issues in the conduct of complex and/or sensitive research. Interacts with Agency sponsor/stakeholder community and designated human factors program management offices to identify the salient needs and requirements for scientific investigation into the interaction between the individual and equipment comprising complex aviation human-machine systems. Briefs ATO executives and senior leadership of research projects and results, and provides recommendations as requested for application to operations, equipment design, technical training, etc. Participates in or leads workgroups of human factors professionals across the FAA and the Department of Transportation as well as Department of Defense research labs, NASA, or other relevant federal agencies to develop strategic research plans, collaborative research or position papers in areas of shared scientific interest, and collectively address shared research challenges. Documents success outcomes that reflect the contribution of the lab as it relates to national airspace safety. Participates in professional, scientific organizations and related conferences, prepares and delivers scientific presentations, and publishes studies in professional scientific journals and/or as a technical report for the FAA.