Research Psychologist - HHPCII

Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! We are a company of innovators, thinkers, creators, explorers, volunteers and dreamers, all sharing the goal of improving the world responsibly and safely. On the Human Health and Performance Contract we are at the forefront of safeguarding astronaut health, ensuring human performance, and advancing technologies for human space exploration. We are seeking a Research Psychologist at NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston, TX.

Responsibilities

• Work with the NASA BHP Lab Lead to implement research activities related to behavioral health and performance risks.
• Develop grant proposals in response to research calls from NASA or external funding organizations.
• Develop directed research proposals and support directed research in space‑flight analogs, available flight opportunities, and with medical and mission operations personnel.
• Conduct and coordinate data collection, cleaning, and organization.
• Analyze and interpret research and operational data, consulting with NASA statisticians for complex issues.
• Draft interim and final reports, literature reviews, summaries, and project summaries.
• Provide subject‑matter expertise for research design, methodologies, technologies, and assessments related to behavioral health and performance.
• Disseminate research findings through presentations to NASA program management, national and international meetings, working groups, scientific conferences, and peer‑reviewed publications.
• Present project updates, interim and final results, and program objectives to scientists, engineers, and managers.
• Collaborate with BHP Operations personnel, flight surgeons, mission managers, and a multidisciplinary team to plan and execute research plans.
• Monitor multiple research project schedules and deliverables, discussing status with the lab project manager.
• Provide inputs to weekly and monthly status reports for NASA technical monitor review.
• Assist NASA technical monitors with updates to NASA standards and periodic review of human spaceflight risks related to behavioral health and performance.
• Advise and assist in developing protocols and processes that promote efficient and effective management of BHP Laboratory projects and personnel.
• Maintain data quality practices and standards established within the laboratory.
• Liaise with internal and external collaborators to effectively plan, track, and complete collaborative research.
• Assist the BHP Laboratory Lead with other duties as assigned to ensure efficient lab operation and adapt to NASA program requirement changes.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in psychology (Neuropsychology, Clinical, I/O, Space, Health, or Behavioral Medicine) with at least 3 years of relevant experience.
• Experience conducting behavioral health and performance research, literature reviews, and collecting and analyzing related data.
• Desired: Prior experience managing, coordinating, and directing research projects.
• Desired: Prior experience with NASA, aerospace, military, or other operational environments.

Skills

• Proficient with MS Office, R, and RMarkdown.
• Ability to apply research methodology for evaluating proposals and research design.
• Strong technical and scientific writing ability for research reports, summaries, briefings, technical reports, and project plans.
• Broad understanding of behavioral health and performance outcomes required for individuals in isolated, confined environments during long‑duration missions (e.g., performance, cognition, mood).
• Highly ethical and respectful of human research data confidentiality, protections, and intellectual property.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills for varied audiences, including management, scientists, medical professionals, and engineers.
• Organizational skills for coordinating complex activities, schedules, and managing tasks against defined timelines.
• Successful project‑management experience.
• Flexibility and ability to adapt quickly to changing requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary settings with divergent or competing project goals.
• Ability to interpret requirements for real‑time implementation.
• Interpersonal effectiveness and professionalism in collaborative, team‑oriented environments.
• Desired: Ability to evaluate emerging technologies for measuring behavioral health outcomes and to apply countermeasures in a spaceflight environment.

Schedule

This position is expected to be 100 % on‑site with a minimum of 60 % in‑person work. Occasional travel may be required.