Summary The incumbent serves as a research psychologist in the Behavioral Research Division (within the Office of Behavioral Safety Research) and conducts applied research and evaluations of national, State and local traffic safety programs. The incumbent, with general guidance and supervision, plans, develops, and participates in the conduct of national, State, and local research and evaluation programs designed to determine the effectiveness of selected behavioral safety programs. Responsibilities As a Research Psychologist, you will: Plan, develop, and participate in the conduct of national, state, and local research and evaluation programs designed to determine the effectiveness of selected programs. Review and evaluate progress, interim, and final reports for the thoroughness of scientific methods used, appropriateness of the research and evaluation design and statistical analyses, and the relevance of the conclusions. Plan and conduct research and evaluation activities that may include identifying, developing, or evaluating research instruments, reports, or other products for the highway safety community or the general public. Is responsible for all aspects of planning and conducting in-house activities, including preparation of reports, charts, tables or other products and their dissemination with the agency or to outside agencies and organizations, as appropriate. The ideal candidate should have strong academic credentials and experience as a research psychologist with solid experience in planning, designing, conducting and managing research or evaluation studies involving experimental psychology, social or human factors countermeasures or intervention programs. The candidate should also have strong experience in collecting, analyzing and/or synthesizing data from a variety of data sources and have experience using quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques in applied research or an evaluation project outside of an educational environment. An understanding of highway safety and/or public health issues, such as alcohol-impaired and/or drugged driving, motorcycle safety, occupant protection, pedestrian and bicycle safety, distracted driving, speeding, and/or older and/or younger drivers, and experience working with Federal agencies, State and local governments, National organizations, research firms, public health officials, community groups and grassroots organizations would be helpful. The candidate should have strong organizational, analytical, interpersonal and communications skills. Requirements Conditions of Employment Must meet specialized experience stated in Qualifications section Submit application and resume online by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date Required documents must be submitted by the closing date. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: SELECTIVE SERVICE: Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for the Selective Service. GOVERNMENT TRAVEL CARD: This position involves travel. A government contractor-issued travel card will be issued and must be retained for official business only. PCS/RELOCATION/RECRUITMENT: Permanent Change of Station (PCS), Relocation, and Recruitment Incentive authorization varies by position/selection and a service agreement may be required. TIME-IN-GRADE: Federal applicants must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade in the competitive or excepted service in the executive branch to satisfy time-in-grade restrictions contained in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F. Individuals considering employment with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration need to be aware of certain ethics requirements that apply to Federal employees. There is a one-year “cooling off” period during which a new Federal employee may not work on a matter that involves the employee's previous employer. In addition, depending on the job, you may be required to sell certain assets you hold (such as stocks) that would present a conflict of interest with the work you would perform if hired. For details about these restrictions, please visit: http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/about-nhtsa/working-nhtsa FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: Varies by position. If applicable, the applicant selected is required to submit a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 450) within 30 days of appointment and annually thereafter. Qualifications To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must (1) meet the Education Requirement for the series, (2) provide a copy of transcripts for verification, AND (3) meet either the education or experience qualifications for the grade at which you are requesting consideration. To qualify for the GS-14, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-13, it must include: Experience planning, designing, conducting and managing large-scale, complex research and evaluation studies in traffic safety. Experience formulating and executing long-range research plans involving numerous projects that span multiple years. Experience applying multiple theories and principles of behavioral science and various research methodologies across studies. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: Knowledge work experience in planning, designing, conducting, and managing research or evaluation Knowledge and/or training in the theory and principles of behavior science, psychology or human factors. Knowledge, experience, and/or training in data analysis, statistics, and computerized statistical analysis. Ability communication skills including experience in making presentations; critically analyzing reports and options; and writing reports, articles, and summaries. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. For additional information about applying to Federal positions, please click on the following link: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-policies/#url=e4 All applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Education PLEASE NOTE: All applicants must meet the education AND the specialized experience of this vacancy in order to qualify. Degree: major or equivalent in psychology. Additional Information This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if similar vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate.