Sleep and Human Performance Research Scientist

$101,400 - $183,300/Yr

Leidos - San Diego, CA

Full-time - Mid Level

San Diego, CA

10,001+ employees

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

The Health and Civil Sector at Leidos is seeking a Sleep and Human Performance Research Scientist to join the Naval Health Research Center's Warfighter Performance Department. This role presents a unique opportunity to contribute to the advancement of technologies aimed at overcoming operational challenges and enhancing the health and readiness of Warfighters. As a Sleep Research Scientist, you will be tasked with developing innovative technical approaches to address complex issues that span multiple disciplines. The ideal candidate will have a proven history of successfully leading research projects and will be instrumental in driving the program's research mission forward. In this position, you will lead or conduct research in both laboratory and field settings, focusing on the development of technology for fatigue risk monitoring and other operational applications. You will serve as the co-Investigator and primary point of contact for the research team, designing and conducting experiments to evaluate the efficacy and accuracy of sleep monitoring devices and wearables. Your responsibilities will also include managing and processing large datasets that encompass accelerometry, heart rate, and other physiological measurements, while maintaining detailed documentation of research findings and methodologies for internal Department of Defense (DoD) reports. Collaboration is key in this role, as you will work closely with cross-functional teams, including engineers, data scientists, and active-duty military personnel, to develop innovative solutions related to sleep, fatigue, and human performance research. You will also be responsible for operating and maintaining research equipment, developing protocols for data collection and analysis, and staying updated on the latest advancements in sleep monitoring technology. Additionally, you will publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at conferences, while also contributing to grant writing and funding proposals to support research initiatives. The role may require occasional overnight and weekend work, as well as domestic and international travel for project needs.

Responsibilities

• Lead or conduct research in laboratory and field settings focused on advancing technology for fatigue risk monitoring and other operational applications.
• Serve as the co-Investigator and primary point of contact for the research team.
• Design and conduct experiments to evaluate the efficacy and accuracy of sleep monitoring devices and wearables.
• Manage and process large data sets containing accelerometry, heart rate, and other physiological measurements.
• Write documentation: Maintain detailed documentation of research findings, methodologies, and results for internal DoD reports.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including engineers, data scientists, and active-duty military to develop innovative solutions to issues related to practical applications of sleep, fatigue, and human performance research.
• Operate and maintain research equipment including various wearable sensors, data collection computers, and other measurement devices.
• Develop and implement protocols for collecting and analyzing data using various experimental and research paradigms.
• Stay up to date with the latest advancements in technology and wearables related to sleep monitoring.
• Provide technical guidance and support to junior researchers and team members.
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at conferences.
• Work closely with industry partners to explore potential collaborations and technology transfer opportunities.
• Contribute to grant writing and funding proposals to support research initiatives.
• Occasionally work overnights and weekends as needed for research project execution.
• Travel domestically and internationally as required for project, program, and contract needs.

Requirements

• PhD in Physiology, Psychology, Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Human Factors, Behavioral Science, or related field.
• At least 4 years of prior relevant experience (post PhD), preferably in a technology-driven environment.
• At least 4 years of demonstrated experience (post PhD) with wearable sensors or systems for data collections, analyses/visualization of biometric wearable data.
• Demonstrated proficiency in basic and complex statistical modeling.
• Proven track record of conducting research in sleep science with a focus on technology development or novel implementation.
• Strong understanding of technical concepts related to data management, programming, or signal processing.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to effectively collaborate with interdisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated ability to lead research projects and mentor junior researchers.
• Publication record in peer-reviewed journals related to sleep science and technology.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a secret clearance.
• Ability to work onsite at the customer site in San Diego and other locations in San Diego County as directed (approximately 3 days per week).
• Ability to travel as directed to both domestic and international locations.

Nice-to-haves

• At least 6 years of demonstrated experience conducting research and process improvement activities within military operational or other applied settings.
• Computer science skills preferred, such as familiarity with database management or signal processing.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as R, Python, or MATLAB.
• Understanding of system architecture and cloud computing concepts preferred.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation
• Health and Wellness programs
• Life Protection
• Paid Leave
• Retirement