Scientist II - Consortium for Defense Psychology

The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine; Bethesda (MD); On-site; USD 93,100 - 127,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine (HJF) seeks a Research Scientist II to lead and design military behavioral health research, contribute to graduate‑level education, and mentor master’s and doctoral learners in Bethesda, MD.

The role emphasizes independent leadership and collaboration with USU, CDP, and DoW priorities. Responsibilities include publishing findings, shaping curricula, and pursuing external funding, with potential for a non-tenure‑eligible

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree required in psychology, clinical psychology, health psychology, education, behavioral science, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 5–8 years of experience in research or higher education settings.

Responsibilities

• Design, conduct, and manage independent and collaborative research projects in military behavioral health, psychology, or related areas.
• Develop and maintain a productive research program aligned with USU, MPS, CDP, and DoW priorities.
• Publish in peer‑reviewed journals and present at conferences.
• Mentor doctoral students in research design, methods, and scholarly activities.
• Teach graduate‑level courses and seminars in areas of expertise.
• Collaborate on curriculum development and program evaluation initiatives.
• Pursue extramural funding and assist with grant proposals.

Skills

Research design

Quantitative methods

Qualitative analysis

Statistical analysis

Scientific writing

Mentoring students

Teaching graduate courses

Curriculum development

Organizational skills

Independent yet collaborative work

Education

Doctoral degree in Psychology or related field

Job description

Join the HJF Team! HJF is seeking a Research Scientist II to serve as a senior scientific investigator and educator supporting the academic, research, and service missions of the Medical and Clinical Psychology Program. The incumbent will conduct independent and collaborative research, contribute to graduate-level education, mentor master's and doctoral learners, and support curriculum development and scholarly activities. This position requires scientific leadership, independent judgment, and expertise in behavioral health, psychology, education, or a related discipline to advance military-relevant research and evidence-based education initiatives. This position supports the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU), Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology (MPS), through the Consortium for Defense Psychology (CDP) in Bethesda, Maryland. The Consortium serves as a central resource for the Military Health System (MHS), advancing behavioral health education, training, research, and clinical practice to improve the quality of care provided to service members, veterans, and their families. The successful candidate is expected to develop and maintain an independent program of research, disseminate findings through peer-reviewed publications and national scientific meetings, collaborate across interdisciplinary teams, and contribute to projects that support USU, CDP, and Department of War priorities. The selected candidate will be eligible for consideration for a non-tenure-eligible Assistant Professor faculty appointment at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, commensurate with qualifications and subject to university approval. The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine (HJF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing military medicine. We serve military, medical, academic, and government clients by administering, managing, and supporting preeminent scientific programs that benefit members of the armed forces and civilians alike. Since its founding in 1983, HJF has served as a vital link between the military medical community and its federal and private partners. HJF's support and administrative capabilities allow military medical researchers and clinicians to maintain their scientific focus and accomplish their research goals. This position is currently scheduled for one-year with the possibility of extension based on continued funding and organizational needs.

Responsibilities

• Design, conduct, and manage independent and collaborative research projects related to military behavioral health, psychology, education, or related scientific areas.
• Develop and maintain a productive program of research aligned with USU, MPS, CDP, and DoW strategic priorities.
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals and present findings at regional, national, and international scientific conferences.
• Mentor and advise doctoral students on research design, methodology, thesis, dissertation, clinical and scholarly activities.
• Teach graduate-level courses and seminars consistent with areas of expertise.
• Collaborate on curriculum development, educational innovation, and program evaluation initiatives.
• Participate in interdisciplinary research teams and contribute scientific expertise to funded research projects and grant applications.
• Support preparation of research proposals and pursue extramural funding opportunities as appropriate.
• Serve on institutional, departmental, and project committees and contribute to administrative, educational, and research service activities.
• Foster an inclusive, collaborative academic and research environment that supports diverse learners and colleagues.
• Provide oversight for the practicum placement of doctoral students in outpatient and inpatient mental health settings, while developing and maintaining partnerships with clinical training sites throughout the Washington, DC metropolitan area.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Doctoral Degree required in Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Health Psychology, Education, Behavioral Science, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 5-8 years experience required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Demonstrated expertise in research design, quantitative and/or qualitative methodologies, statistical analysis, and scientific writing.
• Experience conducting independent research and disseminating findings through peer-reviewed publications and professional presentations.
• Experience or demonstrated interest in mentoring graduate students or trainees in research and scholarly activities.
• Experience or demonstrated interest in teaching graduate-level courses, professional education programs, or related instructional activities.
• Familiarity with curriculum development, instructional design, or educational assessment is preferred.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent research and educational initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to establish productive collaborations with academic, military, and government stakeholders.
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering an inclusive and collaborative learning and research environment.
• Experience with military, veteran, or federal healthcare populations is desirable.
• Grant-writing experience and a record of pursuing external research funding are desirable.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a T1 Public Trust background check.

Physical Capabilities

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while working at a computer.
• Ability to travel occasionally to scientific meetings, training events, or collaborating institutions as required.

Work Environment

• This position will take place primarily in an office setting.

Compensation

• The annual salary range for this position is $93,100-$127,00. Actual salary will be determined based on experience, education, etc.

Benefits

• HJF offers a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on your health and well-being, from medical, dental, and vision coverage to health savings and retirement plans, and more.

Employment with HJF is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, which may include, but is not limited to, contacting your professional references, verification of previous employment, education and credentials, a criminal background check, and a department of motor vehicle (DMV) check if applicable. Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals With Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.