Research Psychologist

National Geospatial-Intelligence AgencySpringfield, Virginiausajobspublished 10/01/2026
Must-have:SAPSecurity

s apply social science and psychological theory through applied research to investigate various issues, questions, and problems involving human behavior. In addition, they apply measurement methods and tools to assess the attributes, attitudes, and activities of the workforce, and develop plans to address research findings. They provide consultative services for HR professiona

Major duties

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Research (Industrial Organizational) Psychologists at NGA support the work of the Human Capital Advanced Capabilities Office to equip NGA employees, supervisors, and leaders with strategic workforce planning, competency management, and workforce assessment capabilities. They apply social science and psychological theory through applied research to investigate various issues, questions, and problems involving human behavior in the industrial and/or organizational setting. In addition, they apply measurement methods and tools to assess the attributes, attitudes, and activities of the workforce, and develop plans to address research findings. This work also includes job task analysis (JTAs); strategic job task analysis (SJTAs); competency assessments, studies, frameworks, and management; skill assessment and gap analysis; maturity model development; and workforce surveys, studies, and assessments. To be successful in this role, the incumbent should be a dynamic researcher and a data savvy professional, who thrives in a data-driven environment and applies methodological and analytic rigor to each project.

Qualifications

MANDATORY QUALIFICATION CRITERIA: For this particular job, applicants must meet all competencies reflected under the Mandatory Qualification Criteria to include education (if required). Online resumes must demonstrate qualification by providing specific examples and associated results, in response to the announcement's mandatory criteria specified in this vacancy announcement: Experience applying qualitative and quantitative research methodologies to gather data Experience communicating technical methods and solutions to non-technical audiences verbally and/or in writing Experience using statistical software (SPSS and/or R Studio) to conduct complex statistical analyses (e.g., multiple linear/logical regression, factor analyses, analysis of variance, and non-parametric statistics). Experience collaborating with and advising customers on industrial/organizational psychology principles EDUCATION REQUIREMENT: A. Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Psychology. Master's or equivalent graduate degree from an accredited college or university in Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Educational Psychology, Applied Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Experimental Psychology, Social Psychology, or a related field is preferred. DESIRABLE QUALIFICATION CRITERIA: In addition to the mandatory qualifications, experience in the following is desired: Experience with survey and assessment instrument development Experience completing job task analysis, competency management, skill gap analysis, and/or competencies studies Experience gathering and analyzing data and drawing logical conclusions to develop recommendations for leadership decision-making Master's or Doctorate Degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Applied Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Experimental Psychology, Social Psychology, or a related field is preferred.

Requirements

SPECIAL INFO: As a condition of employment at NGA, persons being considered for employment must meet NGA fitness for employment standards. - U.S. Citizenship - Security Clearance - Top Secret /Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) - Polygraph & Drug Test - Direct Deposit - Trial Period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. We may consider: performance conduct; needs and interests of the agency; and whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government and the efficiency of the Federal service SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: You must be able to obtain and retain a Top Secret security clearance with access to SCI. In addition, you are subject to a Counterintelligence Polygraph examination in order to maintain access to Top Secret information. All employees are subject to a periodic examination on a random basis in order to determine continued eligibility. Refusal to take the examination may result in denial of access to Top Secret information, SAP, or unescorted access to SCIFs. Employees with SCI access and who are under NGA cognizance are required to submit a Security Financial Disclosure Report, SF-714, on an annual basis in order to determine continued eligibility. Failure to comply may negatively impact continued access to Top Secret information, Information Systems, SAP, or unescorted access to SCIFs. NGA utilizes all processes and procedures of the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). Non-executive NGA employees are assigned to five distinct pay bands based on the type and scope of work performed. The employee's base salary is established within their assigned pay band based on their unique qualifications. A performance pay process is conducted each year to determine a potential base pay salary increase and/or bonus. An employee's annual performance evaluation is a key factor in the performance pay process. This position is a DCIPS position in the Excepted Service under 10 U.S.C. 1601. DoD Components with DCIPS positions apply Veterans' Preference to preference eligible candidates as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 USC, in accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, DCIPS Employment and Placement. If you are an external applicant claiming veterans' preference, as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 U.S.C., you must self-identify your eligibility.