Behavioral Scientist

Description

The Ascendancy Group’s Mission

To be the unequaled provider of special operations forces (SOF) and Intelligence Community focused technical, service, and training-based solutions. 

Overview

The Behavioral Scientist position is a full-time position supporting 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 contingent upon contract award. 

Security Requirement: TS/SCI or TS w/SCI Eligibility 

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Contribute to design of opinion research and interpretation of findings. Examples of opinion research includes survey, flash polls, focus groups, and in-depth interviews.
• Conducts behavioral analysis of target audiences to identify psychological, cultural, and social factors influencing behavior.
• Designs and implement influence strategies, including message development, narrative crafting, and media selection.
• Collaborates with OIE planners, PSYOP, and MISO teams to integrate behavioral science insights into operational planning.
• Conducts post-operation assessments to measure the effectiveness of influence activities and refine approaches.
• Develops metrics and analytical tools to evaluate the impact of influence strategies on target audiences.
• Provides subject matter expertise in cognitive and behavioral sciences for OIE planning and execution.
• Presents research findings and analysis to senior leadership, contributing to strategic decision-making.
• Defines use cases and key questions or topics to ensure that data visualization and quantitative analysis can be completed to support mission needs.  
• Reviews studies conducted by similar organizations and determine reliability, validity and other strength factors for potential use in theater.
• Contributes 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.

Required Qualifications:

• Degree in Behavioral Science, Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, or a related field
• Experience in behavioral analysis, influence operations, or a related field, preferably within a defense or intelligence environment
• 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

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with OIE principles, MISO (Military Information Support Operations), PSYOP, and other influence activities
• Knowledge of influence and persuasion theories

The Ascendancy Group (TAG) was founded on and thrives based on relationships, reputation, and trust. We are passionate about everything we do.  One hundred percent of our government-focused teammates are former members of the Department of Defense or the Intelligence Community who still believe in supporting our nation. We offer like-minded individuals the opportunity to continue working in small teams on unique and challenging problem sets that further our nation's security. To expedite your application, provide the following information when you apply:

• Do you have an active TS/SCI Clearance? If not, are you eligible for one?
• Total number of years professional experience
• List the highest degree earned and the field of study
• List the second highest degree earned and the field of study
• Provide your experience as it relates to this role. Please be specific.

If you possess the experience, qualifications and drive required for this position, please APPLY NOW for consideration!