Behavioral Scientist

Description

Leidos National Security Sector (NSS) is seeking a highly experienced and skilled mission-driven Behavioral Scientist to support APOLLO/OPIAS in Tampa, FL. This position will support Operations in the Information Environment (OIE) by applying behavioral science principles to influence target audiences, optimize communication strategies, and assess the effectiveness of OIE activities. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in behavioral science, psychology, or a related field, with experience in developing, implementing, and assessing influence strategies in a defense or intelligence context. This position is on a future contract pending award announcement.

Possible locations for this position are as follows:

• MacDill (Tampa, FL)
• Al Udeid (Qatar)
• Fort Meade (Maryland)
• Northcom (Colorado Springs, CO)
• Camp Humphreys (Korea)
• Arifjan (Kuwait)
• Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (Hawaii)
• Fort Eisenhower (Georgia)
• Offutt AFB (Omaha, NE)
• Naval Operating Base Norfolk (Virginia)
• Southcom (Doral, FL)
• JB San Antonio (Texas)
• Stuttgart (Germany)
• Vicenza (Italy)
• Tyndall AFB (Florida)

• Support the Leidos analytics and assessment team in constructing and modifying research design.
• Contribute to design of opinion research and interpretation of findings. Examples of opinion research includes survey, flash polls, focus groups, and in-depth interviews.
• Conduct behavioral analysis of target audiences to identify psychological, cultural, and social factors influencing behavior.
• Design and implement influence strategies, including message development, narrative crafting, and media selection.
• Collaborate with OIE planners, PSYOP, and MISO teams to integrate behavioral science insights into operational planning.
• Conduct post-operation assessments to measure the effectiveness of influence activities and refine approaches.
• Develop metrics and analytical tools to evaluate the impact of influence strategies on target audiences.
• Provide subject matter expertise in cognitive and behavioral sciences for OIE planning and execution.
• Present research findings and analysis to senior leadership, contributing to strategic decision-making.
• Define use cases and key questions or topics to ensure that data visualization and quantitative analysis can be completed to support mission needs.
• Review studies conducted by similar organizations and determine reliability, validity and other strength factors for potential use in theater.
• Contribute to methodology advancement for analyzing and extracting insights from large-scale qualitative and quantitative data sets to enhance comprehension of target audience behaviors and reactions.

• Master's degree in Behavioral Science, Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, or a related field
• 6+ years of experience in behavioral analysis, influence operations, or a related field, preferably within a defense or intelligence environment (bachelor's degree and 8+ years experience also acceptable)
• Experience supporting U.S. military or intelligence community operations
• Experience in social media analysis, digital marketing, or online influence campaigns
• Experience designing, implementing, and assessing influence or persuasion strategies
• Familiarity with cognitive modeling, cultural analysis, and psychological profiling
• Strong analytical skills, with experience using qualitative and quantitative research methods
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex concepts clearly
• Active TS/SCI security clearance (or eligibility to obtain one)

• PhD in Behavioral Science, Psychology, or related field
• Familiarity with OIE principles, MISO (Military Information Support Operations), PSYOP, and other influence activities
• Knowledge of influence and persuasion theories