Program Officer Interdisciplinary at Air Force Office of Scientific Research in Arlington, Virginia

Job Description:

Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AF) Science and Engineering (AFOSR/RT) Engineering and Information Sciences (AFOSR RTA) seeks to hire a senior level DR -03/04 Program Officer, in Arlington, VA.

Position duties include but are not limited to:

• Manages the Department of the Air Force basic research portfolio in Computational Cognition and Machine Intelligence. The Computational Cognition & Machine Intelligence portfolio funds fundamental research on formal approaches and models of cognition and intelligence, including, decision-making, autonomy, and the machine side of human-machine teaming, often informed by concepts and principles about higher-order cognitive processes responsible for complex problem-solving and decision-making.

• The Program Officer will discover, shape, and support basic research that will benefit the Air Force, Space Force, and broader Department of Defense (DoD). Advises the Chief, Engineering and Information Science Branch in overall strategy and review activities; leads, promotes, and enables innovative fundamental research on the principles of cognition and intelligence and formal models and methodologies needed to enable intelligent behaviors in support of autonomous and mixed-initiative (i.e., human-machine teaming) systems and to enable augmented, robust, strategic decision-making; integrates world-class research and development programs based upon anticipating U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force requirements and leveraging national and international activities.

• Solicits, identifies, evaluates, and selects high impact research proposals from the Air Force Research Laboratory, universities, and companies both within the US and internationally, which encourage cross-disciplinary teams, especially when the research pertains to common issues and when collaboration is likely to generate benefits for all collaborators. Actively coordinates and advises with other DoD agencies such as the Army, Navy, and DARPA or other national and international organizations in these fields, such as the National Science Foundation.

• Prepares, reviews, or directs briefings and decision papers which inform AFRL and peer organizations across the research community on the advances in computational cognition and machine intelligence, which are the results of funded research by universities/companies. Uses expertise to respond to changing priorities within the Department of the Air Force and lead in a dynamic, team-oriented environment and performs other duties as assigned.

DR-03: https://airforcestem.recsolu.com/external/requisitions/iSqarQj9VdlB2OsnpyPVAQ

DR-04: https://airforcestem.recsolu.com/external/requisitions/a-o1PMeb9GxPYjJjL3X0bQ

• Required Qualifications:

  • Master's Degree or equivalent specialized experience in a field related to the research areas identified in the Job Overview. If substituting work experience for education, applicants should have at least three (3) years of specialized experience in a related field. Examples of specialized experience include leading a research team or portfolio in the areas of formal models of intelligence, machine learning techniques, decision-making, artificial intelligence, autonomy, computational cognition, or human-machine teaming.

  • At least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade, DR-03/GS-14, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience include experience in areas leading a research team or portfolio in areas of formal models of intelligence, machine learning techniques, decision-making, artificial intelligence, autonomy, computational cognition, or human-machine teaming.

  • This is an interdisciplinary position. Applicants must be able to meet the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards of the occupational series assigned when the position is filled. OPM Qual Standards can be found at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url=Occupational-Series

    • 0180 - Psychology Series

    • 1520 - Mathematics Series

    • 1550 - Computer Science Series

• Desired Qualifications:

  • PhD degree in a field related to the research areas identified in the Job Overview. Knowledge of contributions of the cognitive sciences to machine intelligence is a plus.

  • Eight (8) or more years of experience following graduate school

  • Experience leading groups of senior PhD research scientists in the research areas identified in the Job Overview

  • Excellent written and oral communication skills; comfortable explaining concepts to expert and lay audiences

  • Motivated problem solver who can develop and implement solutions with minimal oversight

  • Experience working with or within the Department of Defense research community

  • Experience cultivating and sustaining a professional environment of cooperation, cohesion, and teamwork

  • Experience developing and maintaining close relationships with academia and other government agencies associated with basic research

  • Knowledge of the state of the art in associated disciplines is required to judge world-class research

  • Familiarity with DoD programming and budgeting processes

  • This is an Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP) position requiring Foundational-level certification in Engineering & Technical Management. The selectee will have 24 months to meet the requirement.

  • You may be expected to travel for this position

  • May be required to successfully complete a one (1) year probationary/trial period

  • Resume must explicitly describe work history and duties performed to determine position qualifications

  • Position is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program United States Citizenship

  • Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

  • The position is based in Arlington, VA. Relocation will be provided in accordance with standard government policies