Head of Human Performance & Readiness Innovation

University of Southern California; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 145,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Retirement plan

Location in Silicon Beach

Job summary

University of Southern California’s ICT seeks a Director of Human Performance Optimization to lead applied research that enhances readiness, training effectiveness, and decision superiority. You will guide multidisciplinary teams, shape strategic research priorities, and translate findings into deployable tools and training for Navy, Marine Corps, and DoW partners.

The role emphasizes securing external funding, managing complex programs, publishing results, and mentoring staff, with USC ICT

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in a relevant discipline is required.
• Experience leading basic, applied, or translational research programs is required.
• Strong track record in multidisciplinary research and stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

• Lead a portfolio of applied research programs focused on human performance, readiness, training, assessment, and decision-making.
• Define technical strategy and research priorities with sponsors and collaborators.
• Develop and manage DoW-sponsored proposals and funded projects.
• Direct multidisciplinary teams across researchers, engineers, data scientists, and developers.
• Translate findings into usable tools, training interventions, and transition plans for operational users.
• Mentor junior staff and collaborate with government, academia, and industry partners.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Team mentorship

Strategic planning

Education

Doctoral degree in psychology, cognitive science, neuroscience, physiology, kinesiology, biomedical engineering, human factors, learning sciences, computer science

Job description

University of Southern California’s ICT seeks a Director of Human Performance Optimization to lead applied research that enhances readiness, training effectiveness, and decision superiority. You will guide multidisciplinary teams, shape strategic research priorities, and translate findings into deployable tools and training for Navy, Marine Corps, and DoW partners.

The role emphasizes securing external funding, managing complex programs, publishing results, and mentoring staff, with USC ICT