Leading the Future: Director of the U.S. Army Research Institute
Are you a recognized leader in the behavioral sciences with a passion for national service? The Department of the Army is currently seeking a highly qualified professional to fill a pivotal role as the Director, U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences (ARI) and the Chief Psychologist of the United States Army.
Job Responsibilities
As the Director, you will provide strategic, scientific, and administrative leadership for a geographically distributed organization of PhD-level psychologists and research contractors. Your responsibilities include:
- Strategic Vision: Translating broad Army goals into high-quality, long-term R&D programs.
- Executive Consulting: Serving as the senior expert for behavioral science, advising senior Army leaders and academic partners.
- Operational Management: Overseeing all budgeting, auditing, and business operations to ensure mission success.
- Scientific Innovation: Leading research efforts in personnel assessment, training, and leader development.
Requirements
Candidates for this Senior Executive Service (SES) position must meet stringent criteria.
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be a U.S. citizen |
| Degree | Ph.D. or equivalent in Psychology |
| Security | Ability to obtain Top Secret/Critical-Sensitive clearance |
| Submission | 2-page resume strictly formatted per instructions |
Failure to adhere to formatting guidelines—such as the two-page limit or specific font/margin requirements—will result in immediate disqualification.
Salary and Benefits
The remuneration for this prestigious role ranges from $151,662 to $228,000 annually. Beyond the compensation, SES members enjoy comprehensive federal benefits, including robust health plans, retirement contributions, and the opportunity to influence the highest levels of government innovation.
Application Tips
- Focus on the ECQs: Ensure your resume clearly demonstrates your leadership in the five Executive Core Qualifications: Leading Change, Leading People, Results Driven, Business Acumen, and Building Coalitions.
- Formatting Matters: Use a sans-serif font (e.g., Lato, Helvetica) and 0.5-inch margins. Do not use the USAJOBS resume builder; upload a custom-formatted file.
- Evidence-Based Writing: Use your limited space to provide concrete examples of how you have driven efficiency and led teams through change.
This position is a unique opportunity to serve the American republic and directly impact the effectiveness of our Soldiers. If you possess the leadership, scientific expertise, and dedication to merit-based management, we encourage you to review the full details and apply before the closing date.
Why This Director, Army Research Institute And Chief Psychologist Job Matters
Step into the future of military science and lead the U.S. Army's behavioral research initiatives at the highest level of government service.
Director, Army Research Institute And Chief Psychologist Job Overview
The Department of the Army is seeking a visionary leader to serve as the Director of the U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences (ARI) and as the Army's Chief Psychologist. This Senior Executive Service (SES) position is headquartered in Fort Belvoir, Virginia, and is critical to shaping future personnel policy and optimizing the Soldier lifecycle through cutting-edge psychological and social science research.
Requirements for Director, Army Research Institute And Chief Psychologist
- U.S. citizenship is mandatory.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a TOP SECRET security clearance (Critical Sensitive/High Risk).
- Satisfactory completion of a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) in Psychology.
- Must be able to pass designated and/or random drug testing.
- Must complete a two-year probationary period (unless previously completed).
- Submit a two-page maximum resume formatted according to specific instructions (0.5-inch margins, sans-serif font).
- Demonstrate proficiency in five Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and one Mandatory Technical Qualification (MTQ) within the resume.
- Ability to obtain/maintain U.S. Army CI Badge and credentials.
Preferred Qualifications for Director, Army Research Institute And Chief Psychologist
- Demonstrated experience in leading a scientific organization and managing large-scale, long-term S&T programs.
- Expertise in advising senior government or organizational leaders on personnel testing and talent management.
- Proven track record of managing complex budgets and business operations.
- Current SES status or certification through an OPM-approved SES Candidate Development Program.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Competitive Senior Executive Service salary package.
- âś“Comprehensive federal health insurance and life insurance programs.
- âś“Participation in the federal retirement system (or reemployed annuitant provisions).
- âś“Professional development and leadership training opportunities.
- âś“Opportunity to lead transformative initiatives at the national level.
đź’ˇ How to Apply Director, Army Research Institute And Chief Psychologist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Director, Army Research Institute And Chief Psychologist Job
- Review the full vacancy announcement on the official federal careers portal.
- Prepare a concise, two-page resume that directly addresses the ECQs and MTQs.
- Gather supporting documentation, including unofficial transcripts and relevant SF-50 forms.
- Log in to your account and submit your application package by the closing date.
- Verify that your uploaded documents have cleared the system virus scan.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Do not exceed the two-page limit; excess pages will automatically disqualify you.
- Use a clean, sans-serif font like Lato or Calibri as recommended.
- Avoid the automated resume builder; upload your own formatted document.
- Ensure your resume provides specific, evidence-based examples for every required qualification.
- Double-check that all required documents (transcripts, SF-50s) are included before hitting submit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is veterans' preference applicable to this position?
No, veterans' preference does not apply to Senior Executive Service (SES) positions.
Can I submit a separate narrative for the ECQs?
No, separate narrative statements for ECQs are not accepted. You must integrate evidence of your qualifications directly into your two-page resume.
What happens after the application deadline?
Applications are reviewed by an Executive Evaluation Panel. Top candidates may be selected for interviews and further assessment, including a potential OPM-led structured interview for QRB certification.
What is the QRB process?
The Qualifications Review Board (QRB) is an OPM process that certifies an individual's executive qualifications for the SES. Selected candidates will participate in a structured interview to fulfill this requirement.
Can I submit my resume by mail?
No, application packages are not accepted via mail due to security processing times. Please use the official online portal.
Job from Hqda Field Operating Agencies And Staff Support Agencies
The Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-1, operates at the heart of Army personnel policy. The Army Research Institute serves as the primary Science & Technology (S&T) field activity dedicated to optimizing the Soldier lifecycle. By conducting advanced research in social and behavioral sciences, the ARI team provides the evidence-based data required to shape future military personnel programs, talent management, and group dynamics.