Human Factors Research Associate

San Jose State University Research Foundation; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The San Jose State University Research Foundation invites applications for a Research Associate to support the Human Autonomy Teaming Laboratory at NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, CA.

The role focuses on lab operations, data collection, analysis, and collaboration with NASA civil service staff and university partners to advance aeronautics research and airspace concept testing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Psychology.
• Experience working in a NASA aeronautics research laboratory setting.
• Experience using NASA-developed simulation software.
• Experience with Human-in-the-Loop research.

Responsibilities

• Gain and maintain high proficiency with research technologies used within the lab.
• Perform the necessary preparations for research.
• Ensure the lab is orderly and in working order.
• Participate in conducting studies as part of a research team.
• Assist with facility visits and demonstrations as needed.
• Learn and maintain currency in the fields of Human Factors, aeronautics, and technology.
• Support the management of the laboratory including layout, equipment, furnishings, and accessories, and modify/adapt as necessary.
• Support data collection, management, analysis, and documentation.
• Contribute to publications.
• Support User Interface design activities.
• Travel as needed.

Skills

Lab operations

Human-in-the-Loop

Analytical skills

Detail oriented

Education

Bachelor's degree in Psychology

Experience in NASA lab

Tools

NASA simulation software

Job description

OUR STATEMENT

The San Jose State University Research Foundation (SJSURF) is committed to building a work environment where everyone can show up as their own self and have an opportunity to contribute, develop, and advance in their career. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are core values of the organization. We strive to attract, retain, and develop employees who reflect the community and society where we work and live. The Research Foundation aims to develop a culture where everyone feels welcome, shares their views, and where differences in backgrounds and perspectives are seen as adding value.

The Department of Psychology at San Jose State University is involved in collaborative research with civil service scientists from the Human‑Autonomy Teaming (HAT) Laboratory in the Human Systems Integration Division at NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, CA. We seek a Research Associate to collaborate, provide laboratory and research support, and interact with primary stakeholders to ensure that airspace operations and safety activities continue to further NASA's aeronautics research.

The research performed in the HAT Lab is a collaborative, team‑based activity that relies upon an advanced, distributed human‑in‑the‑loop simulation environment and state‑of‑the‑art facilities to investigate the roles, responsibilities and requirements for human operators and automation in future airspace operations. Research participants include aviation industry partners, professional air traffic service providers, pilots, and aviation operators who help to develop and test novel aviation concepts, technologies, or procedures for designing and testing new airspace operations in the global and United States National Airspace System. Foundational to the ability of the HAT Lab to successfully conduct its research are team members that can build expertise in current and future aviation concepts and can translate that knowledge to the full lifecycle of testing.

The ideal candidate for this position thrives in a dynamic environment and can meet challenges head‑on to support current and future research. We are seeking someone who is detail oriented, self‑motivated, able to work with others, and can propose HAT Lab operational improvements.

The HAT Lab, like NASA, prizes a healthy work‑life balance. We believe that fostering a comfortable workplace for everyone is important! Our work environment is open, collaborative, and welcoming; we are a diverse and tight‑knit team that enjoys off‑site team building events and activities. The candidate will contribute to our diversity of skills and incorporate beneficial new ideas into our lab environment. The candidate will work with others throughout NASA on supporting forthcoming missions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Gain and maintain high proficiency with research technologies used within the lab.
• Perform the necessary preparations for research.
• Ensure the lab is orderly and in working order.
• Participate in conducting studies as part of a research team.
• Assist with facility visits and demonstrations as needed.
• Learn and maintain currency in the fields of Human Factors, aeronautics, and technology.
• Support the management of the laboratory including layout, equipment, furnishings, and accessories, and modify/adapt as necessary.
• Support data collection, management, analysis, and documentation.
• Contribute to publications.
• Support User Interface design activities.
• Travel as needed.

INTERPERSONAL CONTACTS

Reports to the Project Director. Interacts with SJSURF staff and NASA Ames Civil Service staff daily.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None, though may be called upon for advice and direction by others.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Psychology.
• Experience working in a NASA aeronautics research laboratory setting.
• Experience using NASA-developed simulation software.
• Experience with Human-in-the-Loop research.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities Required

• Methodical and detail oriented with solid analytical skills and problem‑solving ability required.
• Capacity and willingness to adopt new methodologies and skills in line with core responsibilities required.
• Willingness to share knowledge and skills and willingness/ability to help train colleagues required.
• Ability to oversee the functioning and management of the laboratory as a facility and work cross‑organizationally as required.
• Knowledge of laboratory system design, interactions, and requirements.
• Knowledge of facility and system security required.
• Knowledge of scientific experimentation and the various phases therein (experimental design, research methods, data mining & analysis, etc.) desired.
• Knowledge of inter- and intra-process communications desired.
• Work within time constraints and under pressure.
• Ability to work on‑site at NASA Ames Research Center. Employee must meet security qualifications for entrance to the Center, including an Agency background check.

Complexity of Duties

• Exercises independent judgment in the completion of a diverse set tasks with multiple stakeholders.

Physical Requirements

• Working onsite at Ames is required a minimum of 3 days per week. Telework from an approved location is permitted.
• Periodic, regular, and/or occasional contact with employees of the Research Foundation at all levels, San Jose State University faculty and staff, and/or vendors, with the ability to discuss and appropriately respond to inquiries and requests.
• Strength, dexterity, and coordination and/or ability to use a computer keyboard and read a video display terminal on a regular basis.
• Able to lift, relocate, and integrate IT and lab related equipment, 25 lb. or less.
• Ability to listen to verbal requests from customers, clients, and vendors, and to respond appropriately.
• Work with time constraints and under pressure.

A background check (including a criminal records check