Cognitive Performance Specialist

Battelle delivers when others can’t. We conduct research and development, manage national laboratories, design and manufacture products and deliver critical services for our clients—whether they are a multi-national corporation, a small start-up or a government agency. We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply. Job Summary The Health Research and Analytics (HRA) business line is seeking a highly motivated, full-time Cognitive Performance Specialist to join our team in support of our government customer, U.S. Special Operations Command. This position will play a critical role in advancing the Preservation of the Forces and Family (POTFF) program, which is dedicated to optimizing and sustaining the mission readiness, longevity, and performance of Special Operations Forces (SOF). Through integrated and holistic human performance initiatives, POTFF strengthens both the Forces and their families, ensuring comprehensive support for those who serve. As a Cognitive Performance Specialist, you will contribute to impactful research and analytics that drive evidence-based decision-making and enhance the effectiveness of these vital programs. This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of SOF personnel and their families while working in a dynamic, mission-driven environment. This position trains SOF personnel to develop and apply advanced cognitive, mental, and behavioral skills for optimal performance in training and operational environments, utilizing evidence-based, peer-reviewed methods in both individual and group settings. The Cognitive Performance Specialist collaborates closely with the Human Performance (HP) program team to deliver, document, and continuously improve mental performance training, provide expert guidance on exercise and sports psychology, support research, guideline development, and data reporting requirements. The role also develops training materials, participates in interdisciplinary meetings, and ensures all activities are accurately documented in compliance with USSOCOM HQ and POTFF standards. Responsibilities Train SOF personnel, with priority on SOF Operators and Direct Combat Support personnel, to develop and use the cognitive skills necessary to perform optimally in training and operations Provide and perform the following services in support of POTFF’s HP program for SOF personnel, with priority on SOF Operators and Direct Combat Support personnel: Use evidence-based peer-reviewed literature to train and educate SOF personnel in individual and group settings on cognitive, mental, behavioral, psychosocial, perceptual learning, adaptive thinking, human engagements, and emotional control skills and strategies, including understanding, acquisition, and retention, performance improvement and maintenance with documentation of work performed, implemented, and provided to SOF personnel Assist and advise the HP program Manager and/or Coordinator in matters relating to mental performance, exercise and sports psychology Provide information about mental performance, exercise and sports psychology factors in sports, exercise, and physical activity Train and educate for goal setting, performance profiling, visualization, performance development, and planning Participate in periodic meetings to review human performance training provided to patients and identify opportunities for improvement Attend and participate in meetings with other POTFF staff members and medical personnel as requested and/or required Collaborate with the HP staff to enhance the quality and effectiveness of mental and human performance development and expertise delivered Conduct periodic literature reviews to ensure HP stays current with the provision of care Support research conducted under supervision of the HP program Manager and/or Coordinator Assist the HP program Manager and/or Coordinator in developing and maintaining practice guidelines to ensure consistency of service across all Human Performance Training Centers (HPTCs) Develop and promulgate training materials as requested and required by the HP program Manager and/or Coordinator Participate in periodic in-service training for members of the HP Staff Perform other tasks as assigned by the HP program Manager and/or Coordinator Collect and report all data as requested by the HP program Manager and/or Coordinator and required by USSOCOM HQ and POTFF staff Document work performed, utilization, referrals, and all other information in the HP Enterprise-wide database, i.e., SPEAR, as directed by HP program Manager and/or Coordinator and required by USSOCOM HQ and POTFF staff Utilize computers, software, and technologies as required and requested by the HP program Manager and/or Coordinator and required by USSOCOM HQ and POTFF staff Key Qualifications Master’s degree in human performance, Kinesiology, or Exercise Science, and/or Sport Sciences with a specialization in Sport Psychology At least five years of demonstrable accumulated experience (continuous and sustained experience preferred) as a mental performance coach or Sport Psychologist with individual athletes and groups of athletes at the levels of NCAA Collegiate, Olympic, professional sports, and/or SOF Operators in the accompanying, respective settings Capable of properly lifting and manipulating loads or weights up to 25 kilograms Capable of meeting physical demands of training with SOF including the ability to hike over rough terrain, function in austere environments and on various fixed or rotary wing aircraft, waterborne craft, or ground transport to observe SOF training evolutions and to conduct training and education Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance Preferred Qualifications Doctoral degree in human performance, Kinesiology, or Exercise Science, and/or Sport Sciences with a specialization in Sport Psychology Certified as a Certified Consultant through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (CC-AASP) Benefits: Live an Extraordinary Life We care about your well‑being, not just on the job. Battelle offers comprehensive and competitive benefits to help you live your best life. Balance life through a compressed work schedule : Most of our team follows a flexible, compressed work schedule that allows for every other Friday off—giving you a dedicated day to accomplish things in your personal life without using vacation time. Enjoy enhanced work flexibility, including a hybrid arrangement: You have options for where and when you work. Our Together with Flexibility model allows you to work 60% in‑office and 40% remote, with Monday and Tuesday as common in‑office days, dependent on team and position needs. Take time to recharge : You get paid time off to support work‑life balance and keep motivated. Prioritize wellness : Stay healthy with medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness incentives and benefits plus a variety of optional supplemental benefits. Better together : Coverage for partners, gender‑affirming care and health support, and family formation support. Build your financial future : Build financial stability with an industry‑leading 401(k) retirement savings plan. For most employees, we put in 5 percent whether you contribute or not, and match your contributions on top of that. Advance your education : Tuition assistance is available to pursue higher education. A Work Environment Where You Succeed For brilliant minds in science, technology, engineering and business operations, Battelle is the place to do the greatest good by solving humanity’s most pressing challenges and creating a safer, healthier and more secure world. You will have the opportunity to thrive in a culture that inspires you to: Apply your talent to challenging and meaningful projects Receive select funding to pursue ideas in scientific and technological discovery Partner with world‑class experts in a collaborative environment Nurture and develop the next generation of scientific leaders Give back to and improve our communities Vaccinations & Safety Protocols Battelle may require employees, based on job duties, work location, and/or its clients’ requirements to follow certain safety protocols and to be vaccinated against a variety of viruses, bacteria, and diseases as a condition of employment and continued employment and to provide documentation that they are fully vaccinated. If applicable, Battelle will provide reasonable accommodations based on a qualified disability or medical condition through the Americans with Disabilities Act or the Rehabilitation Act or for a sincerely held religious belief under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (and related state laws). Battelle is an equal‑opportunity employer. We provide employment and opportunities for advancement, compensation, training, and growth according to individual merit, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, genetic information, disability, veteran‑status veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable Federal, state, or local law. Our goal is for each staff member to have the opportunity to grow to the limits of their abilities and to achieve personal and organizational objectives. We will support positive programs for equal treatment of all staff and full utilization of all qualified employees at all levels within Battelle. No statement herein is intended to imply any authorities to commit Battelle unless special written permission is granted by Battelle’s Legal Department. For more information about our other openings, please visit #J-18808-Ljbffr Battelle Memorial Institute