The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Collaborative Technologies Branch (RHWT), Team Enhancement, Assessment, and Measurement (TEAM) Laboratory is seeking a skilled and motivated research fellow to support team-based research projects.

What will I be doing?

Air Force strategic planning calls for the creation of autonomous machine agents able to cooperate and coordinate with human operators in mixed team settings. However, current agents are limited in their abilities to cooperatively engage with human teammates – a limitation that will likely persist into the foreseeable future – and it is unclear how these limitations will impact critical team processes that underlie team performance, such as communication and coordination. As a result, research is necessary to investigate how teams develop and adapt to the presence of machine teammates with limited cooperative capabilities. Our research will lead to increased understanding of the evolution of team structures and processes, which in turn will facilitate more effective mixed human-machine teams.

Why should I apply?

Under the guidance of a mentor, you will gain hands-on experience to complement your education and support your academic and professional goals. Along the way, you will engage in activities and research in several areas. These include, but are not limited to:

• Planning, executing, and publishing Air Force-relevant research with a focus on human-machine teaming
• Traveling to various locations for data collection
• Helping with protocol writing and institutional review board approval
• Completing advance literature searches
• Collaborating with other organizations and scientists to effectively complete research objectives
• Providing input on current research efforts and aiding in the development of future grant applications and protocols

Where will I be located? 

Dayton, Ohio

What is the anticipated start date?

Exact start dates will be determined at the time of selection and in coordination with the selected candidate. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis and fellowships will be filled as qualified candidates are identified.

What is the appointment length?

This appointment is a twelve-month research appointment at a part-time level of participation, with the possibility to be renewed for additional research periods. Appointments may be extended depending on funding availability, project assignment, program rules, and availability of the participant.

What are the benefits? 

You will receive a stipend to be determined by AFRL. Stipends are typically based on a participant’s academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location. Other benefits may include the following:

• Health Insurance Supplement (Participants are eligible to purchase health insurance through ORISE)
• Relocation Allowance
• Training and Travel Allowance

About AFRL

The 711th Human Performance Wing (711 HPW), headquartered at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, is the first human-centric warfare wing to consolidate human performance research, education, and consultation under a single organization. Established under the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), the 711 HPW is comprised of the Airman Systems Directorate (RH) and the United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine (USAFSAM). For more information about the Air Force Research Laboratory, 711 Human Performance Wing, Airman Systems Directorate, Airman Biosciences Division, please visit https://afresearchlab.com/.

About ORISE

This program, administered by Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and DoD. Participants do not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DoD or any other office or agency. Instead, you will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE. For more information, visit the ORISE Research Participation Program at the U.S. Department of Defense.