Personnel Research Psychologist

Duties

The selectee will serve as a Personnel Research Psychologist in the Office of Human Resources, HR Research and Assessment Division. Typical work assignments include:

• Assisting in performing all phases of the research process, including problem definition, planning, execution, analysis, interpretation and reporting results.
• Determining the proper interpretation and use of research findings and identifying implications to workforce initiatives; developing new approaches, methods, techniques and hypotheses related to assigned projects; and creating data collection plans for testing before use in large scale data collection programs.
• Ensuring mandated DHS laws, rules, and regulations are properly assessed for potential impact on Human Resources management and development.
• Developing special-purpose tests and related instruments for application to specific and general examining needs.
• Assisting in all aspects of Personnel Research Psychology, organizational development and policies.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

Degree: Major or equivalent in psychology for all specializations except clinical psychology and counseling psychology.

GS-11: You qualify for the GS-11 level (starting salary $66,510) if you have one year of specialized equivalent to the GS-09 level performing duties such as: assisting in identifying, analyzing, and addressing complex issues in the field of human resources management and development; assisting team leads in conducting research, possessing a solid understanding of test theory, psychometric methodology, statistics and working knowledge of experimental and mathematical techniques in order to prepare, plan, and coordinate surveys that extract specific information as it relates to attitudes, job skills, knowledge, abilities and other characteristics and alternate forms of social/occupational organizations; assist team leaders in developing special-purpose tests; OR
Master's or equivalent graduate degree

GS-12: You qualify at the GS-12 level ($79,720) if you have one year of specialized experience at the GS-11 level performing duties such as: identifying, analyzing and addressing complex issues in the field of human resources management and development; assisting team leads in conducting research, demonstrating knowledge of test theory, psychometric methodology and statistics; preparing, planning, and coordinating surveys that extract specific information as it relates to attitudes, job skills, knowledge, abilities and other characteristics and alternate forms of social/occupational organizations; assist team leaders in developing special-purpose tests; OR Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree

National Service Experience (i.e., volunteer experience) 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.

Qualifications Must Be Met: The qualification requirements listed above must be met by the closing date of this announcement.

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.