Scientist - Human Computer Interaction (UX/HCI/HMI)

Charles River Analytics; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Monthly gym allowance

Paid time off

Casual environment

Job summary

Charles River Analytics, a GRVTY company, seeks a senior Scientist in Human-Computer Interaction to lead researchers, designers, and engineers in Cambridge, MA. You will define research agendas, build user-centered interfaces, and demonstrate prototypes in challenging work environments.

The role requires a PhD or Master’s in a related field, 5+ years of hands-on experience, and onsite presence at least 3 days per week with flexible remote options.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master’s degree in a related field.
• Proven ability to lead research and development contracts or grants as PI/Technical Lead/PM.
• 5+ years hands-on experience in analyzing work environments and conceiving user interface solutions.
• Strong written and verbal skills with proposal writing and customer interaction experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead and grow teams of researchers, designers, and engineers to understand work domains and user requirements.
• Develop new human‑AI interaction concepts and evaluate prototypes.
• Direct technical work and build relationships with customers, sponsors, and partners.
• Contribute to proposals, technical reports, and research publications.

Skills

Research leadership

Team leadership

User interface design

Proposal writing

Education

PhD or Master’s in Human Factors, Cognitive Systems Engineering, Interaction Design, or Cognitive Science

Job description

Scientist – Human Computer Interaction (UX/HCI/HMI)

Cambridge, MA

Charles River Analytics, a GRVTY company, creates solutions and technology to tackle the world’s most challenging problems. Our team of technological entrepreneurs works together to push at the forefront of enhanced AI, robotics, smart sensing, and human-centered computing. The resulting research and development help to continuously advance government programs and discover new possibilities in the commercial marketplace. At Charles River, we take great pride in our success at attracting and retaining the most talented and creative problem-solvers in our field. Now as part of GRVTY, we offer the same trusted capabilities with increased organizational depth and expanded capacity across mission‑critical national security domains. Are you ready to accelerate our mission-focused innovations? We’d love to hear from you!

Charles River Analytics has an exciting opportunity for a senior‑level researcher with experience in Human‑Systems Integration, Human Factors, or Human‑Computer Interaction to develop new tools and interfaces that help users partner with technology in challenging work environments.

In this role, you will lead and grow teams of researchers, designers, and engineers to understand work domains and user‑support requirements, develop new human‑AI interaction concepts, and demonstrate and evaluate interactive prototypes. You will define, propose, and direct technical work, building and maintaining strong relationships with customers, sponsors, and partners. You will also provide Human Systems subject‑matter expertise and will collaborate with staff across disciplines to conceive and pursue research opportunities in new and exciting technical areas and domains.

How you will make a difference

• Develop and execute a research agenda in areas of Human‑Systems Integration and Human‑Autonomy Teaming
• Study, model, and understand diverse customer needs in complex systems
• Develop work‑support solutions that build on principles of human perception, cognition, and decision making
• Coordinate and oversee the work of other researchers, designers, and software engineers to implement and evaluate solution concepts as part of a user‑centered design process
• Build and maintain relationships with customers and collaborators
• Lead and contribute to proposals, technical reports, and research publications
• Present work at briefings and conferences

Areas to be Explored

• Human‑AI Teaming, Decision‑Support Systems
• Command and Control, Mission Planning, Supervisory Control, Predictive Health and Maintenance, Cyber Operations, Intelligence Operations

What you need

• PhD or Master’s degree in Human Factors, Cognitive Systems Engineering, Interaction Design, or Cognitive Science (or a related field)
• Proven record of capturing and leading research and development contracts or grants as a Principal Investigator, Technical Lead, or Chief Engineer, or Program Manager
• 5+ years of hands‑on experience analyzing work environments and conceiving, demonstrating, and evaluating user interface solutions
• Strong written and verbal skills and prior experience in proposal writing, customer interaction, and presentation at technical conferences; proven business development experience with DoD pursuits preferred
• Ability to be onsite at least 3 days per week (60% onsite / 40% remote) in Cambridge, MA

What our ideal candidate has

• 10+ years of relevant experience in HCI, HSI, or similar
• Domain experience in areas related to autonomous systems, intelligence analysis, or tactical aviation
• Experience as a PI or PM capturing and leading applied R&D programs through DARPA, AFRL, ONR, ARL, IARPA or other related government organizations
• Military Service or DoD work experience
• Technical or peer‑reviewed publications in any of the above fields
• Strong design aesthetic and functional reasoning skills with superior attention to detail
• Knowledge and experience with state‑of‑the‑art machine learning algorithms and autonomy systems

Salary Range

$120,000 – $170,000

The above salary range is an estimate based on the internal job level(s) for which this role is being considered. The final salary will be decided after careful evaluation of the individual's work experience, education, and overall qualifications. This range does not include the substantial total rewards, as listed below, that you will also be eligible for as an employee at Charles River Analytics.

Benefits

We offer competitive compensation plus bonus and retirement contribution, with an attractive benefits package including 100% employer‑paid medical and dental insurance, as well as vision, life, and disability insurance, paid maternity/paternity leave, tuition reimbursement, monthly gym allowance, free parking, generous paid time off, and a casual environment. We offer tremendous flexibility and value work‑life balance. We are also accessible by public transportation.

Equal Employment Opportunity

As set forth in Charles River Analytics’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.