Job Description

The Opportunity

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU), the world's largest fully accredited university specializing in aviation and aerospace, invites applications for a Research Scientist within the College of Aviation at the Daytona Beach Campus.

This position supports a federally funded research program sponsored by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) examining how the quality and type of flight training and operational experience influence pilot performance, proficiency, and aviation safety outcomes. Working as part of a multidisciplinary research team, the Research Scientist will contribute to advancing the science of aviation human factors and developing evidence-based recommendations to improve pilot training, qualification standards, and workforce readiness.

The successful candidate will collaborate with researchers from Embry-Riddle, the University of Central Florida, Florida Institute of Technology, and industry partners, including major airlines, to produce impactful research that supports the future of aviation safety.

Key Responsibilities
The Research Scientist will:

• Conduct comprehensive literature reviews and synthesize existing research relevant to aviation human factors and pilot training.
• Design, develop, and execute research studies using flight simulators, field studies, surveys, and other experimental methodologies.
• Analyze quantitative and qualitative research data using appropriate statistical and analytical techniques.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of faculty, researchers, industry partners, and government stakeholders.
• Prepare technical reports, scholarly manuscripts, and other research deliverables for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Present research findings at national and international conferences, including organizations such as HFES, ISAP, and ICAP.
• Assist in the preparation of competitive grant proposals and support future sponsored research initiatives.
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate student researchers participating in project activities.

​Working Environment

This position is based on ERAU's Daytona Beach Campus in a professional office and research environment. Periodic travel (approximately 0–2 trips per month), including occasional international travel, may be required depending on project needs.

About us

For nearly 100 years, Embry-Riddle has been the world's leading aviation and aerospace university, educating more than 30,000 students across residential campuses in Daytona Beach, Florida, and Prescott, Arizona, as well as through a global network of Worldwide locations and online programs. With more than 165,000 alumni around the world, our impact reaches every corner of the aerospace, aviation, defense and technology industries.

Today, our faculty, researchers and professional staff are advancing innovation across aviation, space, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, autonomous systems and next-generation engineering. Working alongside industry leaders, government agencies and innovators, they are solving real-world challenges and shaping the technologies that will define tomorrow.

Whether you are an educator, researcher, administrator, technologist or industry professional, your work at Embry-Riddle will contribute to something bigger than a job. Join a community driven by discovery, purpose and excellence—and help shape the future of aerospace.

Perks Await You at Embry-Riddle!

• Tuition Coverage: Get 100% tuition coverage for yourself for one undergraduate and one graduate degree, and discounted rates for your spouse and dependent children up to age 26.
• Retirement Contributions: ERAU contributes 6% of your base salary to your retirement plan and offers a 4% matching contribution – with no vesting period.
• Generous Time Off: Enjoy up to 18 days of paid leave in your first year, including 3 days granted upon hire and 15 days accrued throughout the year. You'll also receive 9+ paid holidays, including the day after Thanksgiving and the week between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. (or other terminal doctorate) in:

  • Human Factors

  • Cognitive Psychology

  • Cognitive Science

  • Industrial/Organizational Psychology

  • or a closely related discipline.

• Demonstrated knowledge of research methodology and experimental design.

• Strong analytical, written, and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to work collaboratively within interdisciplinary research teams.

• Ability to manage multiple research activities and meet project deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

Preference will be given to candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Aviation human factors

• Pilot training and training effectiveness

• Flight simulation research

• Aviation safety research

• Flight training operations

• Scientific publication and technical writing

• Grant proposal development

Application process/requirements

Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.

To submit your application for this opportunity, please visit the Embry-Riddle Career Site and search for requisition number R311837. Please attach all relevant materials to your application when you apply online. Complete submissions include:

• Cover letter
• Full CV
• Contact information for at least three professional references (please note that references may be contacted as part of the interview/screening process)

Current Embry-Riddle employees: Please apply directly through the ERAU Employee Hub Central application within Workday.

Embry-Riddle is committed to fostering a workplace where all individuals are valued and respected. We strive to ensure that all faculty, staff, and students are treated fairly and provided equal opportunities for employment, advancement, compensation, training, and other benefits of employment. Embry-Riddle makes employment decisions — including hiring, promotions, compensation, and other terms of employment — based on individual merit, qualifications, and abilities. Embry Riddle is strongly opposed to discrimination and harassment, and such behavior is prohibited by university policy. Embry Riddle does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, veteran status, predisposing genetic characteristics, age, religion, or pregnancy status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law, in its employment, educational programs, admissions policies, financial aid, or other school-administered programs or activities. For further information, please visit our website. 

Embry-Riddle is not seeking assistance from staffing or recruitment agencies. All agencies are directed to contact [email protected] and should not reach out to hiring managers or staff.