Specialty Summary. Conducts or manages programs, projects, and activities to perform research

operational assessments. Research includes defining a problem, selecting methods of approach, performing experiments, accumulating and interpreting data, and publishing results. Research management includes formulating, planning, fiscal programming, monitoring, evaluating, coordinating, and administering programs, projects, and activities. Related DoD Occupational Group: 250100.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Conducts and manages research. Plans research projects, determines theoretical aspects of problem, and selects methods of approach. Constructs experimental models, conducts experiments, and devises instrumentation and techniques to record and collect test results, correlates data compiled in research, analyzes, and briefs results. Is cognizant of and applies interdisciplinary scientific knowledge to plan and conduct research programs.

Develops new concepts, methods, and techniques to solve scientific and operational problems. Analyzes theories and research findings to determine applications. Engages in continuous development and modification to improve performance and suitability of products and production processes. Employs mathematical techniques including probability and statistics, simulation, optimization theories, and computer systems to analyze, depict, and display data and analysis results. Develops design studies and monitors contracts.

Recommends research and development projects, and acceptance or non-acceptance of research products. Prepares technical reports, including recommendations for additional research and development projects. Maintains research records and development project records. Serves as technical consultant or representative on scientific and technical boards and committees. Maintains liaison with private sector research organizations, Air Force research and operational organizations, Army, Navy, and other government agencies.

Manages scientific programs, projects, and activities. Coordinates research efforts with related and interested agencies. Plans, organizes, and directs laboratories, field units, and staff agencies. Provides staff supervision over activities and programs. Performs as staff officer and manager in positions requiring technical specialization.

Specialty Qualifications:

Knowledge. Knowledge is mandatory of Air Force operations, doctrine, requirements, acquisition and research policies, procedures, and management practices as they apply to the specialty overall or the specific scientific suffix.

Education. The following education is required for entry into AFSC 61S1X as indicated:

1 61S1A. Undergraduate academic degree in mathematics, statistics, operations research, or related field (such as industrial engineering, management science, or decision sciences, economics) is mandatory. Minimum of 36 semester hours (or equivalent) of study from an accredited institution of higher education from the math, statistics, operations research or industrial engineering disciplines is mandatory.



61S1B. Undergraduate academic degree in behavioral science, organizational

industrial psychology, applied psychology; general psychology, experimental psychology; human factors psychology; or human factors engineering is mandatory. Minimum of 12 credit hours of study from an accredited institution of higher education from among the disciplines of mathematics, statistics, quantitative methods, research analysis, research design, research methods, modeling simulation, or systems engineering is mandatory.



61S1C/D. For entry into these AFSCs, an undergraduate degree in the specialization identified by the suffix per paragraph 4 is mandatory. Minimum of 12 credit hours of study from an accredited institution of higher education from among the disciplines of mathematics, statistics, quantitative methods, research analysis, research design, research methods, modeling simulation, or systems engineering is mandatory.