We’re hiring a Senior Behavioral Research Scientist to support high-impact work for a federal agency focused on national security and financial crimes. In this role, you’ll bring deep behavioral science expertise to help shape policies and processes that safeguard our nation’s most sensitive operations. This senior-level role will lead applied social science research to modernize how alerts are evaluated in personnel security, investigations, and adjudication processes. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in behavioral research, organizational psychology, and policy analysis, producing actionable insights that directly inform leadership decisions.

You’ll be working on a program that supports the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA), with a focus on Financial Crimes Enforcement. If you thrive in mission-driven environments and bring a mix of academic rigor and applied research, this is the opportunity to lead meaningful change.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the design and refinement of research methods and tools to improve alert adjudication
• ​​​​​​​Oversee qualitative and quantitative studies, including stakeholder interviews, focus groups, and literature reviews
• Produce APA-style reports, executive briefings, and technical documentation for senior decision-makers
• Provide expert analysis linking financial indicators to personnel security risk
• Support systematic research methodologies such as field interviews, policy analysis, and organizational psychology methods
• Facilitate knowledge-sharing sessions and briefings to inform policy and adjudication practices
• Coordinate with leadership, law enforcement, and counterintelligence personnel to ensure research findings are actionable
• Apply advanced behavioral research methods to assess policy effectiveness and support evidence-based decision-making.
• Interpret complex psychological data to provide actionable insights for government clients.
• Translate research findings into practical recommendations for improving security protocols and investigative practices.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across security, policy, and investigative domains.
• Mentor junior researchers and guide project direction in alignment with program objectives.

What You’ll Bring

• A Master’s or Ph.D. in Behavioral Science, Psychology, or a closely related field.
• At least 10 years of experience conducting behavioral or social science research in applied settings.
• Strong leadership experience in managing research teams or projects.
• Prior experience working within the Department of Defense or another federal government environment.
• Familiarity with the personnel security process, including investigation and adjudication procedures.
• An active Secret security clearance.

Join us in applying behavioral science to strengthen national security and protect critical financial systems.