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.

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.

• 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…