Behavioural Scientist

Overview

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.  

The Joint, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Interagency Division provides expert support services to a range of customers spanning across the Department of Defense, Federal Civilian, and international markets. JOID provides a diverse portfolio of analytical and programmatic capabilities to help our customers make informed decisions on their most challenging issues.

SPAs NATO Allied Command Transformation Group within JOID provides capability development, portfolio management, program management, quality management, cost estimation analysis, standardization, reporting, software solutions and information management, and capability management support. We also provide an improved capability requirements capture process, including the generation, documentation and tracing of user requirements, with appropriate technical scrutiny, over the entire life-cycle of the requirements from capability definition through capability realization and capability usage. 

We have an immediate need for a Behavioural Scientist to provide onsite support out of Norfolk, VA.

Responsibilities

The candidate will directly support a key NATO project within Allied Command Transformation (ACT), contributing to the integration of cognitive effects considerations into project development and execution. Responsibilities include designing, conducting, and analyzing experiments within the NATO Command Structure and during NATO exercises, as well as supporting the continued development and implementation of the NATO Cognitive Warfare Concept. Collaborate with the NATO Cognitive Warfare Community of Interest through participation in designated workshops, conferences, and other relevant forums. The candidate will also support the design and integration of cognitive and behavioral effects into NATO wargames and exercises, ensuring these considerations are effectively incorporated into operational planning and capability development. Assist in developing and implementing training initiatives focused on cognitive vulnerabilities and cognitive enhancement at both the individual and whole-force levels. This role requires close collaboration with NATO stakeholders to advance cognitive warfare capabilities, strengthen operational effectiveness, and support ACT's broader transformation objectives.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Behavioural Science or a related field.

• Technical understanding of human behaviour, cognitive effects, and decision-making processes.

• Ability to analyse and model how individuals and target groups respond to various stimuli, including messaging, propaganda, and influence tactics.

• Knowledge of psychological theories related to behaviour change, persuasion, and influence.

• Experience developing and implementing strategies to influence target audience perceptions, behaviours, and decision-making, particularly within military or political environments.

• Understanding of the psychology of persuasion and manipulation, particularly in the digital age and rapidly evolving information environments.

• Familiarity with traditional and modern media platforms, including social media and digital communication channels, to support strategic messaging and influence objectives.

• Ability to develop and manage complex information campaigns to achieve specific strategic goals.

• Active NATO or national Secret clearance.

• Valid passport from a NATO member nation with no travel restrictions to NATO countries.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and collaborative software tools.

• Able to work fully onsite based on client needs.
• 3+ years of relevant experience. 

Desired:

• Strong communication and narrative-building skills, including the ability to construct and deliver compelling narratives aligned with strategic objectives.

• Experience creating and disseminating impactful messages that account for cultural, psychological, and contextual factors.

• Ability to develop persuasive mixed-media content tailored to diverse audiences, including those with differing or conflicting interests.

• Proficiency in analysing large datasets to identify trends in behaviour, sentiment, and cognitive responses.

• Experience using behavioural analysis, psychometric, and sentiment analysis tools and software.

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary military and civilian teams, integrating insights from diverse disciplines and functional areas.

Pay Range Information

At SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain top talent. Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc. Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. Virginia, Pay Transparency Salary range: USD $120,000.00/Yr. - USD $160,000.00/Yr.