The incumbent is a sleep research scientist and subject matter expert (SME) on sleep and the effect of sleep loss on Soldier health and performance, with a focus on field research in operational settings, at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) Behavioral Biology Branch (BBB). The incumbent must possess a scientific research background in sleep or a related field with knowledge of statistical methods and principles that will be used for collection, technical review and analysis of sleep research data. This entails an in-depth knowledge of common multivariate statistical software packages and preference will be given to candidates with experience with one or more of the following: SPSS, R, SAS, MATLAB, STATA, GRAPHPAD, and/or IGOR Pro. The incumbent must also have demonstrated ability to publish papers in peer-reviewed journals, deliver presentations at conferences, and write research proposals in order to seek new funding. The incumbent must be willing to travel for 1-2 weeks at a time, several times a year, for field studies both in the continental U.S. and abroad. 

RESEARCH AREA OF EXPERTISE:

1. Scientific Knowledge

The incumbent will be a subject matter expert (SME) in sleep and/or circadian and fatigue research techniques, possessing a comprehensive knowledge of scientific methods and investigation techniques, experimental design, instrumentation, project management, and the research, development, testing and evaluation process. Incumbent will serve as a SME on sleep and/or circadian and fatigue research to provide key leaders and policymakers with information to maintain soldier readiness and performance. The incumbent must maintain an up-to-date knowledge of sleep, circadian, and fatigue research in order to ensure the development and application of scientifically sound methodologies used for the collection, analysis, and interpretation of research data. 

2. Research Expertise

The incumbent will formulate, design, and execute research studies on sleep loss and human performance both as a principal investigator or associate investigator, and as part of a collaborative team. This will include planning, organizing, and executing studies in field and operational environments, preparation and training of research teams for deployment to field environments, and analyzing and reporting results. Tasks include designing surveys, conducting interviews, and analyzing and evaluating results using advanced statistical techniques and computer software. Additional tasks may include psychological and biological marker collection and assessment related to sleep, circadian, and fatigue effects. This expertise will contribute to the development of interventions and/or strategies to mitigate the negative effects from sleep loss and circadian misalignment during military operations. 

3. Scientific Communication and Education

Communicate and interpret study results to researchers to ensure that research findings are accurately reported to the scientific professional community. The incumbent will attend and present research findings at conferences or professional society meetings, and coordinate with other professionals when working on collaborative efforts. Reporting results in the scientific literature and preparing technical reports are required. 

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION:

Mastery of developing, implementing, and directing original research to optimize Warfighter fatigue management, both as a principal investigator or associate investigator, and as part of a collaborative team. 

Mastery of formulating, designing, and execution of research programs on human performance effects related to sleep loss, fatigue, and/or circadian misalignment. 

Mastery of disseminating research findings at through peer-reviewed publication, technical report, conferences or professional society meetings. 

Mastery of compliance with human subjects research regulations. 

Knowledge of mentorship to peers, fellows, research technicians, and others on the topics related to research design, statistical methodology, sleep research, circadian physiology psychology, or neuroscience. 

Knowledge of concepts, techniques, and procedures in performing data analysis in research involving large datasets in the areas of psychology, neuroscience, and cognitive neuroscience.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

An advanced degree (preferably Ph.D. or M.D.), in training in psychology, physiology, biology, neuroscience, medicine, and/or a related field. 

Hands-on experience in sleep/fatigue mitigation or human performance research preferred. 

At least 2 years of prior research experience is required, at least 5 years is preferred. 

References:

Mantua J, Shevchik JD, Chaudhury S, Eldringhoff HP, Mickelson CA, McKeon AB. Sleep and infantry battle drill performance in special operations soldiers. Aerospace Medicine and Human Performance. 2022; 93(7), 557-561. https://doi.org/10.33+R3+R12R3R12+R3R12

Mantua J, Symonette SA, Eldringhoff HP, Overman GA, Chaudhury S. Concerns about the future linked with poor sleep quality in US army special operations soldiers withdrawing from Afghanistan. BMJ Mil Health. 2022; 0:1-2. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjmilitary-2022-002143

McKeon AB, Mantua J, Sowden WJ. Sleep tactics for multidomain operations in US Army military personnel: Optimizing sleep opportunities to support readiness and lethality. BMJ Military Health. 2021; 0(0), 1-3. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjmilitary-2020-001731