The Warfighter Applied Cognition and Technology Section conducts human performance research aimed at optimizing warfighter performance and operational efficacy through the systematic investigation of cognitive and neurophysiological individual differences. This research opportunity focuses on refining personnel selection and classification methodologies, achieved in part through the design, validation, and optimization of advanced cognitive assessment instruments. Our recent work has explored the implications of using process-based measures in high-stakes selection testing contexts, specifically working with military aviation communities (e.g., Coyne, et al., 2025; Draheim, et al., 2025). The project also calls for the investigation of how individual differences in ability and neurophysiological data can be used to predict cognitive readiness, human-autonomy integration, and situation awareness (e.g., Foroughi, et al., 2023; Robison, et al., 2022).
We are currently seeking highly skilled and motivated scientists with expertise in cognitive psychology, human factors, or a related discipline. An ideal candidate will have extensive experience conducting all phases (i.e., design, collection, analysis, documenting) human subject research and possess strong statistical analysis skills using tools such as R or Python. Experience and/or interest exploring the development, validation, and refinement of cognitive or psychological assessments is critical. Experience collecting, processing, and interpreting physiological data (e.g., Eye-tracking, EEG, ECG/HRV) is preferred but not a requirement.
References:
Coyne, J. T., Jamison, L., Strong, K., Sibley, C., Foroughi, C., & Melick, S. (2025). Process-based measures in high-stakes testing: practical implications for construct validity within military aviation selection. Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications, 10(1), 51.
Draheim, C., Sibley, C., Herdener, N., Cochrane, A., Melick, S. R., Strong, K., & Coyne, J. T. (2025). High-stakes psychomotor ability assessment: a military selection case study of practice effects in airplane tracking tasks. Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications, 10(1), 82.
Foroughi, C. K., Devlin, S., Pak, R., Brown, N. L., Sibley, C., & Coyne, J. T. (2023). Near-perfect automation: Investigating performance, trust, and visual attention allocation. Human factors, 65(4), 546-561.
Robison, M. K., Coyne, J. T., Sibley, C., Brown, N. L., Neilson, B., & Foroughi, C. (2022). An examination of relations between baseline pupil measures and cognitive abilities. Psychophysiology, 59(12), e14124.
Individual differences; Selection and Classification; Aptitude Assessment; Human Performance; Cognitive Psychology; Cognitive State; Physiological Metrics
citizenship
Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents
level
Open to Postdoctoral applicants
Additional Benefits
relocation
Awardees who reside more than 50 miles from their host laboratory and remain on tenure for at least six months are eligible for paid relocation to within the vicinity of their host laboratory.
health insurance
A group health insurance program is available to awardees and their qualifying dependents in the United States.