Behavioral Scientist

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 (JOID) 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.

SPA's 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 lifecycle of the requirements from capability definition through capability realization and capability usage.

We have a near-term need for a Behavioral Scientist to provide on-site support out of NATO Allied Command Transformation HQ in Norfolk, VA.

The Behavioral Scientist candidate will provide Cognitive and Behavioral Subject Matter Expertise to the NATO customer by directly supporting a key NATO project within ACT, integrating cognitive effects thinking into product development and execution. The candidate will apply skills in designing, executing, and analysing experiments within large military organizations with experience in multinational organizations. Will support the development and implementation of the NATO Cognitive Warfare Concept, and engage with Cognitive Warfare Community of Interest at designated workshops, conferences, and other associated forums. Support design and integration of cognitive and behavioural effects into NATO wargames and exercises. Apply specific experience to aid with design and implementation of training related to cognitive vulnerability and cognitive enhancement across large complex organizations (individual and whole force).

Required:

Bachelor's degree in Behavioral Science or related field
• 5 years in the last 10 in the field of applied behavioural science or cognitive effects
• 5 years of demonstrable experience in applied cognitive effects in the context of organizational transformation
• 3 years of experience in the last 10 in briefing senior leaders/decision makers
• 3 years in the last 10 years with proficiency in analyzing large datasets to understand trends in behaviour, sentiment, and cognitive responses
• 3 years of operational knowledge of analyzing and modeling individuals and target group responses to various stimuli, including messaging, propaganda, and influence tactics
• Working knowledge of constructing and delivering compelling narratives that align with strategic goals
• Working knowledge of psychological theories related to behavior change, persuasion, and influence
• Working knowledge of crafting and implementing strategies to influence target audience perception, behavior, and decision-making, especially in a military or political context
• Ability to work across mixed military/civilian teams, integrating insights from a range of disciplines and functional areas
• Citizen of a NATO Nation with valid National Secret Clearance
• Valid National Passport from a NATO Nation
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
• Able to work fully onsite based on client needs

Desired:

• Required Qualifications above with specific NATO experience
• Knowledge of Cognitive Warfare in Military Context
• Published works on Cognitive Warfare