Research Assistant – Human Factors / Sonar Systems

Leidos; Groton (CT); On-site; USD 48,000 - 87,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos is seeking a Research Assistant to support NSMRL's human factors program in Groton, CT. The role involves assisting in experimental planning, data collection and analysis for both non-human and human subject studies, with duties spanning literature reviews, protocol development, and reporting.

A SECRET clearance and US citizenship are required. Ideal candidates will have a STEM degree and demonstrated undersea acoustics expertise, with strong data handling and technical communication

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM related field.
• Proficiency in undersea acoustics and submarine sonar system console operations, including acoustic analysis and tracking.
• Must obtain SECRET clearance; US citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Interact with NSMRL Principal Scientist in planning, data collection, and analysis.
• Assist in human-subject and non-subject experimental planning and data analysis.
• Prepare literature searches, protocols, analyses, and briefing packages.
• Prepare and edit technical reports and communications; coordinate research team schedules.

Skills

Undersea acoustics

Submarine sonar operations

Data analysis

Technical writing

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM field

Job description

Description

Are you looking for a career that will make an impact?

The Defense Health Operation of Leidos is currently looking for a Research Assistant to support research studies and analyses in support of NSMRL’s human factors program at the Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory (NSMRL) in Groton, CT. NSMRL conducts research and investigates the effects of medical, psychological, and performance issues associated with the health and performance of naval personnel in operational and non-operational settings.

Are you ready for unique and exciting work?

Primary Responsibilities

The ideal candidate shall:

• Interact with and assist the NSMRL Principal Scientist (PS) in all aspects of non-human subject experimental planning, data collection, and data analysis.
• Interact with and assist PS at the NSMRL in all aspects of human subject experimental planning, data collection, and data analysis.
• Conduct literature searches and prepare bibliographies; assist PS with the preparation of research protocols, analyses, and briefing packages.
• Apply precise experimental methods to acquire human-subjects’ data.
• Prepare necessary support documentation and purchase requisitions on approved purchases. The contractor shall submit requests for Government purchased supplies by submitting requests to the COR for approval. The COR will then coordinate with the Material Management Department to order the department supplies. The contractor is liable for loss of or damage to supplies and equipment if such loss or damage is due to negligence or willful misuse. The contractor shall ensure efficient and economical use of supplies.
• Prepare, review, and disseminate various internal or external communications, subject to final Government approval and submission.
• Provide planning and research support to various projects or studies, subject to final Government approval.
• Maintain contacts to keep abreast of developments in field or areas of interest.
• Prepare and/or edit technical or periodic reports, records, documents, and correspondence, subject to final Government approval and submission.
• Assist with coordinating activities and schedules of the research team.

If this sounds like an environment where you can thrive, keep reading for the keys to success!

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM related field.
• Demonstrated technical proficiency in undersea acoustics and submarine sonar system console operations, including broadband/narrowband acoustic analysis, contact tracking, and tactical display employment.
• The candidate will be required to acquire, at a minimum, a SECRET classification access level. Preference will be given to a candidate who already has this clearance level.
• Due to Federal contract requirements, US citizenship is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Technical training and practical experience, e.g., completion of an advanced military/defense technical training pipeline in submarine acoustic sensor operations.
• Demonstrate familiarity with the Sonar technician training pipeline and requirements.

Original Posting:

September 15, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:

Pay Range $48,100.00 - $86,950.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

About Leidos

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com .

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits .

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status. Leidos will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories for employment in accordance with relevant Laws. Leidos is an equal opportunity employer/disability/vet.