Personnel Research Psychologist

Summary Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Human Resources Management, Personnel Research and Assessment Division, located in the following: Washington D.C. Indianapolis, IN Minneapolis, MN Salary: Salary listed reflects the rest of U.S. scale and, if applicable, will be adjusted to meet the locality pay or cost of living expenses of the duty location upon selection. Duties This position allows for you to address complex human capital challenges across CBP, while building and sustaining a mission-ready workforce through scientifically sound recruitment, selection, and workforce development practices. This position starts at a salary of $105,383.00 (GS-13, Step 1) to $161,889.00 (GS-14, Step 10). Typical duties include: Planning and conducting job analysis studies, the results of which serve as the foundation for a variety of human resources programs including development of tests and assessments for frontline hiring and career paths for employee development. Leading the development of innovative assessment tools in support of multiple-hurdle selection processes and conducting validity studies to determine the predictive effectiveness of new and existing assessments for specific occupations. Using classical test theory and item response theory to develop assessments, including computer adaptive tests. Applying the knowledge base and scientific methods of psychology to critical human capital issues to include talent acquisition, succession planning, retention, employee motivation, and occupational skills gaps. Participating in all phases of the research process, including problem definition, planning, execution, statistical analysis and interpretation (e.g., utilizing statistical software such as R or Python), and reporting of results. Preparing and presenting briefing materials that communicate technical information to non-technical audiences of all levels; documenting applied research study methods and results in technical reports. Requirements Conditions of employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this position Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with Selective Service Primary U.S. residency for at least three of the last five years (additional details below) All pre-employment processes will be conducted in English You may be required to pass a background investigation CBP follows the DHS Drug-Free Workplace Plan for drug testing procedures As an employee of CBP, you will be joining a workforce that is dedicated to accomplishing our mission while maintaining the trust of our Nation by strictly adhering to all government ethics standards. Your conduct will be subject to the ethics rules applicable to all Executive Branch employees, and to CBP employees specifically, as well as the criminal conflict of interest statutes. Once you enter on duty, these rules include obtaining approval for outside employment or business activity, to ensure such employment or business activity is not prohibited and does not interfere or conflict with performance of your official duties. Please review further details via the following link. DHS uses E-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify including your rights and responsibilities. Bargaining Unit: This position is not covered under the bargaining unit. Qualifications Basic Requirement: Major or equivalent in psychology for all specializations except clinical psychology and counseling psychology. OR Satisfactory completion of all the requirements for the doctoral degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) directly related to full professional work in clinical psychology. OR Satisfactory completion of 2 full academic years of graduate study directly related to professional work in counseling psychology, or satisfactory completion in an accredited educational institution of all the requirements for a master's degree directly related to counseling psychology. You qualify for this position if you meet the basic requirement listed above and possess the experience as described below: You qualify for the GS-13 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as: Serving as a team member in conducting job analysis and test development in accordance with regulatory and statutory guidelines governing the field of employee selection testing to include the Uniformed Guidelines on Employee Selection procedures. Working independently or as part of a team applying research techniques and measurement theories, principles, and practices to develop tools such as surveys or other assessments to meet organizational needs. Utilizing a major statistical analysis package such as Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), Statistical Analysis System (SAS), R, or Python to conduct statistical analyses. Conducting research and development independently or with others which contributes to the field of industrial/organizational psychology or equivalent applied research field. You qualify for the GS-14 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as: Leading a team in conducting job analysis and test development in accordance with laws and regulations. Leading others in applying research techniques and measurement theories, principles, and practices to develop tools such as surveys or other assessments to meet organizational needs. Utilizing a major statistical analysis package such as Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), Statistical Analysis System (SAS), R, or Python for Statistical Computing to conduct descriptive, inferential, and multivariate statistical analyses. Developing new approaches, methods, techniques, and hypotheses related to assigned projects. Conducting research and development which contributes to the field of industrial/organizational psychology or equivalent applied research field. 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. You must meet all qualification requirements, including education if applicable to this position, subject to verification at any stage of the application process by 12/22/2025. 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. Background Investigation: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a federal law enforcement agency that requires all applicants to undergo a thorough background investigation prior to employment in order to promote the agency's core values of vigilance, service to country, and integrity. During the screening and/or background investigation process, you will be asked questions regarding any felony criminal convictions or current felony charges, the use of illegal drugs (e.g., marijuana, cocaine, heroin, LSD, methamphetamines, ecstasy), and the use of non-prescribed controlled substances including any experimentation, possession, sale, receipt, manufacture, cultivation, production, transfer, shipping, trafficking, or distribution of controlled substances. For additional information on the preemployment process, review the following link: Applicant Resources | CBP Careers Residency: There is a residency requirement for all applicants not currently employed by CBP. Individuals are required to have physically resided in the United States or its protectorates (as declared under international law) for at least three of the last five years. If you do not meet the residency requirement and you have been physically located in a foreign location for more than two of the last five years, you may request an exception to determine if you are eligible for a residency waiver by meeting one or more of the following conditions: Working for the U.S. Government as a federal civilian or as a member of the military A dependent who was authorized to accompany a federal civilian or member of the military who was working for the U.S. government Participation in a study abroad program sponsored by a U.S. affiliated college or university Working as a contractor, intern, consultant or volunteer supporting the U.S. government Probationary Period: All employees new to the federal government must serve a one year probationary period during the first year of his/her initial permanent federal appointment to determine fitness for continued employment. Current and former federal employees may be required to serve or complete a probationary period. Education Please see the Qualifications and Required Documents sections for more information if education is applicable to this position. Additional information The vacancy questionnaire includes four short, free-response essay questions. This provides an opportunity for you to highlight your dedication to public service for the hiring manager and agency leadership (or designee(s)). While your responses are not required and will not be scored, we encourage you to thoughtfully address each question. Please provide a response of 200 words or less to each question. You will be asked to certify that you are using your own words and did not use a consultant or artificial intelligence (AI) such as a large language model (LLM) like ChatGPT or Copilot. To preview the questionnaire please visit: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12845467 Positions with known promotion potential do not guarantee promotion, nor is the promise of promotion implied. The Department of Homeland Security encourages persons with disabilities to apply, to include persons with intellectual, severe physical or psychiatric disabilities, as defined by 5 CFR § 213.3102(u), and/or Disabled Veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more as defined by 5 CFR § 315.707. Veterans, Peace Corps/VISTA volunteers, and persons with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs. To determine your eligibility for non-competitive appointment and to understand the required documentation, click on the links above or contact the Servicing Human Resources Office listed at the bottom of this announcement. Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Benefits A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits. Review our benefits Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.