Senior Brain Health Analyst (Subject Matter Expert)

Senior Brain Health Analyst (SME)

The Senior Brain Health Analyst (SME) provides expert-level scientific and technical support in the domain of brain health, specifically focusing on Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and cognitive performance, to the Brain Injury Research Center of Oversight (BIRCO) and/or Joint Trauma Analysis and Prevention of Injury in Combat (JTAPIC) initiatives. This role is responsible for applying deep subject matter expertise to conduct, analyze, and translate neurobiological research, inform strategic planning, and support critical program and technical decision-making.

Responsibilities

Essential Job Functions:

I. Scientific Research & Analysis (Subject Matter Expertise)

• Conduct neurobiological research: Apply expertise in neurobiology to conduct, analyze, and interpret research relevant to Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and its effects
• Perform translational studies: Design and execute translational studies connecting foundational neurobiological research with clinically or operationally relevant outcomes, specifically regarding cognitive performance
• Analyze complex data: Review, analyze, and synthesize large volumes of scientific literature, clinical trial data, and program results to develop evidence-based recommendations for BIRCO/JTAPIC leadership
• Identify research gaps: Proactively identify critical gaps in current brain health research and recommend future study areas to meet the strategic needs of the client
• Develop technical content: Prepare high-quality scientific and technical documents, including white papers, technical reports, protocols, and briefings for presentation to military, government, and scientific stakeholders

II. Strategic Planning & Program Support

• Support brain health research strategy: Provide expert support to the development and refinement of strategic plans, roadmaps, and long-term objectives for government-sponsored brain health research and TBI initiatives
• Interface with stakeholders: Act as a subject matter expert liaison between government sponsors (BIRCO/JTAPIC), external research institutions, clinical providers, and internal program teams to ensure alignment of scientific efforts
• Contribute to proposal development: Assist in shaping and reviewing technical volumes for proposals, focusing on the scientific and methodological rigor of proposed brain health research
• Present findings: Deliver formal presentations and briefings to senior leadership, working groups, and advisory boards on scientific progress, strategic implications, and key findings

III. Operational & Compliance Support

• Ensure ethical compliance: Advise on the adherence to all necessary regulatory, ethical, and compliance requirements (e.g., Institutional Review Board (IRB), Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) protocols) related to TBI/brain health research
• Review project execution: Monitor and review the technical execution of contracted research projects to ensure scientific integrity and alignment with the client's scope and objectives
• Maintain domain knowledge: Continuously track emerging scientific and technological advancements in TBI, neurobiology, and cognitive assessment to keep the client's strategy current and competitive

Qualifications

Necessary Skills and Knowledge:

• Deep Subject Matter Expertise in neurobiology, TBI pathophysiology, and/or cognitive neuroscience
• Proven ability to conduct and/or oversee translational research with clear operational or clinical applications
• Strong understanding of the Department of Defense (DoD) or Veterans Affairs (VA) research enterprise, especially programs related to TBI (e.g., BIRCO, JTAPIC)
• Exceptional organizational, analytical, and communication (verbal and written) skills, capable of explaining complex scientific concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team environment and contribute to strategic planning efforts
• Proficiency in scientific data analysis and reporting tools

Minimum Qualifications:

• Advanced Degree (Ph.D. preferred) in Neuroscience, Neurobiology, Biomedical Science, or a related field relevant to TBI/Brain Health
• Minimum 8 years of progressive professional experience in scientific research, with significant focus on TBI, neurobiology, and/or cognitive performance
• Demonstrated experience conducting neurobiological research relevant to TBI and performing translational studies on cognitive performance
• Proven experience providing strategic planning support for brain health or TBI research programs within a federal agency or supporting contractor environment
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, if required

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience directly supporting the BIRCO and/or JTAPIC mission or similar high-level DoD/VA TBI initiatives
• Documented history of peer-reviewed publications and/or successful grant writing in the field of TBI or cognitive science
• Ability to obtain U.S. Security Clearance (e.g., Secret or higher)

Pay and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $110,000.00 to $135,000.00 annually. At Goldbelt, we value and reward our team's dedication and hard work. We provide a competitive base salary commensurate with your qualifications and experience. As an employee, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with company matching, tax-deferred savings options, supplementary benefits, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.