Behavioral Scientist

Job Description

Behavioral Scientist

(active security clearance required)

Location: Norfolk, VA (Onsite)

Clearance Requirement: Active NATO Secret Clearance or equivalent

Summary

NATO’s Wargaming team is seeking a Behavioral Scientist to support the design, development, and evaluation of strategic-level wargames. This role involves applying behavioral science principles to model human decision-making, analyze participant behavior, and enhance scenario realism and game dynamics. The ideal candidate will bring expertise in psychology, sociology, or cognitive science to help simulate complex environments, assess outcomes, and generate actionable insights for NATO leadership. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to high-level defense planning and innovation by shaping how NATO explores strategic challenges through wargaming. Active NATO Secret or Equivalent is required.

Responsibilities

• Directly support a key NATO project within ACT by integrating cognitive effects thinking into product development and execution
• Design, execute and analyze experiments within the NATO Command Structure, or NATO exercises
• Support the development and implementation of the NATO Cognitive Warfare Concept
• Engage with the Cognitive Warfare Community of Interest at designated workshops, conferences and other associated forums
• Support the design and integration of cognitive and behavioral effects into NATO wargames and exercises
• Aid with design and implementation of training related to cognitive vulnerability and cognitive enhancement (individual and whole force)

Requirements

• 1. Education: Minimum Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science, or related field

• 2. Experience:

• Technical understanding of human behavior, cognitive effects, and decision-making processes
• Technical understanding of human behavior, cognitive effects, and decision-making processes
• Ability to analyze and model how individuals and target groups respond to various stimuli, including messaging, propaganda, and influence tactics
• Knowledge of psychological theories related to behavior change, persuasion, and influence
• Crafting and implementing strategies to influence target audience perception, behavior, and decision-making, especially in a military or political context
• Understanding of the psychology of persuasion and manipulation, especially in the digital age, where information is rapidly disseminated
• Familiarity with both traditional and modern media (social media, digital platforms) to disseminate messages for strategic influence and shaping outcomes
• Ability to develop and manage complex information campaigns to achieve specific goals

• 3. Desirable Experience:

• Communication and Narrative Building
  • Strong skills in constructing and delivering compelling narratives that align with strategic goals.
  • Expertise in the creation and dissemination of impactful messages, considering cultural, psychological, and contextual factors
  • Ability to craft persuasive mixed-media content tailored to specific audiences, including those with diverse or conflicting interests
• Data Analytics and Cognitive Modelling

• Proficiency in analyzing large datasets to understand trends in behavior, sentiment, and cognitive responses
• Use of tools and software for behavioral analysis, psychometrics, and sentiment analysis
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Ability to work across mixed military/civilian teams, integrating insights from a range of disciplines and functional areas.

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