Senior Research Physiologist – Field Studies & Applied Data Science (USARIEM)

About the Role

Allied Technologies and Consulting (ATC) is currently looking for a Senior Research Physiologist to join our team to support the U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine (USARIEM) located in Natick, MA. This is an applied role leading Defense Health Agency (DHA) efforts in heat acclimatization and other field-based human performance studies in environmental extremes. The position integrates physiological subject matter expertise with applied data science capabilities to manage and interpret large-scale physiological datasets collected in operational environments. This position is based on-site at USARIEM in Natick, Massachusetts, with travel to CONUS field study locations.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the design and development of research protocols to test physiological responses in environmental extremes such as heat, cold, or high terrestrial altitude.
• Perform real-time data collection using wearable physiological sensors.
• Coordinate data streaming activities, including information management rights, iCloud use, computer management and security, and management of large datasets (up to 5 million data points per person).
• Perform data cleaning in MATLAB and Excel to time-align data from multiple sensors and identify erroneous data points and outliers.
• Assist with all data collection procedures, including identification and calibration of wearable physiological sensors, metabolic and exercise testing, operation of clinical blood gas analyzers (e.g., NOVA Profile Plus, Radiometer, iSTAT), sterile data collection for genomic testing, and computer and data management during field data collection.
• Code in MATLAB, R Studio, SPSS, and SAS for final data analysis and development of predictive algorithms (including illness prediction).
• Perform and assist in analyses and interpretation of analytic output using SPSS, R, SAS, Excel, and/or MATLAB at the request of the Study Principal Investigator, in accordance with an a priori data analysis plan.
• Build iterative processes to update analysis datasets as new insights inform study design and methodology.
• Interpret findings using subject matter expertise and literature reviews to validate real-time models and confirm whether findings align with expected physiological responses.
• Prepare and submit written data analyses; prepare tables and graphs in journal-appropriate format for reports and manuscripts; draft and submit research publications for peer-reviewed journals.
• Coordinate and lead a team of investigators to execute field studies at military bases.
• Communicate effectively to larger audiences in both written and oral settings.

Education and Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Environmental Physiology required.
• Proficiency in R statistical software, SPSS statistical software, and/or MATLAB required.
• Subject matter expertise in physiological response to cold, heat, and high terrestrial altitude.
• Subject matter expertise in exercise and metabolic measurements (VO₂ max, submaximal endurance testing, resting ventilation, pulmonary function testing).
• Subject matter expertise in phlebotomy and clinical laboratory skills using blood gas analyzers (NOVA Profile Plus, Radiometer, iSTAT).
• Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary teams executing field studies at military installations.
• Demonstrated experience developing predictive algorithms from large physiological datasets.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills for both scientific and operational audiences.

Other Requirements

• Position requires a favorably adjudicated Tier 3 background investigation (or equivalent). An interim favorable determination is required prior to commencement of work.
• Contractor personnel must complete DoD-mandated training upon onboarding and annually thereafter, including DoD Cyber Awareness, HIPAA/Privacy Act, AT Level 1, INFOSEC, OPSEC, CUI, and Counterintelligence Awareness.
• CONUS travel to support field studies and scientific conferences will be required, including field work in extreme environments.
• Employee must be a U.S. Citizen; must pass Background Investigation and Drug Testing.
• Position is contingent on contract award.
• Level of effort is estimated at 1,912 hours per 12-month period.