The U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) is an independent Federal agency whose mission is to protect the Federal merit systems and rights of federal employees. MSPB, has a collegial work environment, provides the opportunity to work with considerable independence and encourages professional development. MSPB provides excellent benefits and a desirable downtown Washington, DC location. More information about our organization and our research can be found on the OPE Web page.

Duties

This is a non-supervisory, senior research analyst position with a well-respected research organization, MSPB's Office of Policy and Evaluation, which has Governmentwide impact on how the Federal workforce is managed. You will work individually and on teams with other research professionals to design, conduct and report on studies of the Federal merit systems and human capital management policies and practices. These studies are conducted to ensure that Federal civil servants are well qualified to perform their jobs and are able to serve the public free from management abuse and partisan political pressure. Your primary responsibilities will also include managing and processing large employment-related datasets and planning, conducting, documenting, and interpreting the results of statistical analyses. We encourage individuals to apply for this position even if you are not currently an expert in all key responsibilities listed below. We do not expect you to know everything; however, we do expect you to be willing to lead efforts in each of the areas below. This may involve seeking outside expert advice and training on techniques for which you are not yet familiar. MSPB values inclusivity and we also encourage individuals to apply from all gender, race, ethnic, disability, veterans, and other under-represented groups. In this role, you will: Conduct analytic research studies, including: designing the study methods, such as surveys or other research strategies; qualitative or quantitative data collection; managing and analyzing large datasets of qualitative and/or quantitative data drawing conclusions based on sound analysis; and writing the study report and other research-based documents making presentations to share findings and to make recommendations about Federal human resources policies and programs based on research findings. Manage the overall study project including developing the project plan, objectives and milestones, implementing the plan, controlling scope, meeting milestones, overcoming barriers and obtaining support and cooperation from management and other participants. Provide research design, data management, methodological, and programming advice for other OPE research analysts. Consult with and advise the office director and staff and other senior MSPB staff members about the meaning and significance of a variety of data sources and analyses and on data reliability, validity, and quality. Work closely with OPE research analysts to manage and analyze large data sets, such as related to workforce issues or from databases of survey results. Monitor and analyze Federal human resources issues on a continuing basis and recommending special studies of HR programs or issues of current interest. Develop and maintain continuing professional contacts with senior staff of Federal agencies, professional associations and societies, employee and management organizations, and other parties with an interest or a stake in Federal personnel management and research methods. Represent MSPB before such groups to obtain information and advice, and to discuss study findings and recommendations. IS THIS JOB FOR ME? The work of an MSPB Personnel Research Psychologist is very different from the work of other Personnel Research Psychologists. This job might be for you if: This job might NOT be for you if: You like working on long-term projects that have a broad impact on Government operations. You thrive in a high-pressure work environment where you can see the results of your work on a daily basis. You enjoy taking on new projects every year or two that cover a variety of topics. You like to pursue a line of research on the same topic over a long period of time. You enjoy writing for and presenting to non-technical audiences such as Federal policy-makers, managers, and HR Specialists. You prefer writing for and presenting to technical audiences and other researchers. You enjoy the challenge of analyzing data to identify trends, patterns, and useable insights to drive agency performance and support continuous improvement. You prefer to work on data that are stable and predictable and doesn't require much interpretation. You like working on projects that are driven by stakeholder needs. You prefer to set your own project topics and deadlines. You enjoy working both as a member of a team and individually. You prefer to always work alone or always work on a team.

Requirements

• You must be a US Citizen.
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
• Successful completion of a one-year probationary or trial period (if new hire to the Federal service).
• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Direct Deposit : Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify at https://www.e-verify.gov/

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. TIME-IN-GRADE: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. Minimum Education Requirement: Bachelor's degree with a major or equivalent in psychology from an accredited college or university is required. A graduate degree (e.g., M.A., M.S., or Ph.D.) in psychology is preferred. Education and Specialized Experience: In addition to the minimum education requirement, you must meet the following education and/or specialized experience requirements. The specialized experience must be equivalent to that of at least one year at the next lower grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for these positions includes documented experience: Using knowledge of behavioral research methodologies. Using knowledge of the principles of industrial/organizational psychology or other applied psychology research methods, policy analysis methods and/or program evaluation methods. Using knowledge of advanced statistical analyses and statistical software; and/or Using knowledge of qualitative analyses and text analysis software. Explaining data and research results clearly to technical and nontechnical audiences. Desirable Qualifications: Experience providing technical assistance to customers or stakeholders and/or translating research into job aids and changes to policy or procedures. Managing and analyzing large and complex databases related to employment, workforce, or management issues. Knowledge of personnel and human resources concepts, programs, policies, and practices. GS-14: To qualify for the GS-14, you must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 level in the Federal service, or comparable experience gained through other experience. Specialized experience at the GS-13 level is reflected in research that is difficult and complex, involving many unknowns and obstacles. At this level, basic research guidelines and precedent are limited in usefulness and a high degree of originality is required in defining and solving research problems. At this level, the amount of supervision is minimal and consists of broad guidance and oversight only. 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.

Education

Please see above for education qualification requirement information.

Contacts

• Address MSPB Human Resources 250 Marquette Avenue, Suite 410 Minneapolis, MN 55401 US
• Name: Thomas Schoessler
• Phone: 612-336-3591
• Email: [email protected]