Senior Behavioral Scientist, Nudge Unit & Behavioral Insights

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts•Boston, MA

84d•$122,490 - $149,710•Hybrid

About The Position

Reporting to the Director, Nudge Unit & Behavioral Insights, the Senior Behavioral Scientist, Nudge Unit & Behavioral Insights, will support the company’s efforts to apply behavioral insights (i.e., “nudges” and other behavioral insights techniques) to improve the decisions, experiences, and health of BCBSMA’s members, network providers, and employees. All nudge unit activities will further BCBSMA’s strategic pillars: quality, equity, affordability, and consumer experience. In May 2020, BCBSMA formed an internal Nudge Unit, led by its Performance Measurement and Improvement (PMI) division, and assisted by consultants and selected academics. Early goals have included helping key operational units (e.g., medical management, member and provider communications, contracting and network management) recognize opportunities to apply behavioral insights to improve member and provider decision making, developing behavioral insights-informed versions of submitted interventions (or developing new interventions where none had existed before), and deploying these interventions to maximize their evaluability and value to the health plan and its members. Since its inception, the BCBSMA Nudge Unit has deployed over 100 behavioral insights-informed interventions, preferring randomized deployments to maximize evaluability. These interventions have included efforts to improve guideline-concordant screening uptake, medication use, laboratory testing, and provider billing patterns. Intervention channels include unidirectional communications (e.g., letters, emails, text messages, faxes) and more complex choice architecture (e.g., BCBSMA’s member app, which has more than 1 million users). The Senior Behavioral Scientist will oversee complex projects from concept through implementation, mentor and coach junior team members, and contribute to strategic efforts. This position is ideal for an experienced behavioral scientist who combines strong analytical and research skills with excellent relationship-building, project leadership, and strategic thinking. This position is open to candidates based in Massachusetts as well as remote, US-based candidates.

Requirements

Demonstrated expertise in applying behavioral science principles to real-world challenges.
Significant experience leading complex, multidisciplinary projects from design through implementation.
Strong knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methods and program evaluation.
Experience mentoring or supervising colleagues and supporting professional development.
Demonstrated ability to build relationships with clients, partners, and stakeholders across sectors.
Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate complex ideas to diverse audiences.
Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to balance multiple priorities in a collaborative environment.
Knowledge of US health care industry and external environment preferred.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s Degree required; Master’s or PhD Degree in Behavioral Science, Psychology, Economics, Public Policy, Sociology, or a related field strongly preferred.
At least eight years of relevant professional experience in behavioral science, applied research, program evaluation, consulting, or a related field.

Responsibilities

Lead the design, implementation, and delivery of behavioral science projects across a diverse portfolio of work.
Serve as a technical lead on projects, ensuring the quality, rigor, and practical application of behavioral science methods and recommendations.
Develop high-quality reports, proposals, presentations, and other deliverables.
Guide research design, literature reviews, data analysis, and evaluation activities, ensuring findings are translated into actionable insights.
Coach and mentor other internal Nudge Unit staff, providing guidance on project execution, professional development, and technical approaches.
Collaborate with the Director to shape the team's strategic priorities and identify opportunities to expand the organization's behavioral science work.
Support coalition-building efforts by engaging diverse stakeholders and helping align partners around shared goals and evidence-based solutions.
Oversee project timelines, and deliverables, ensuring high-quality work is completed on schedule.
Stay informed of emerging research and best practices and identify opportunities to incorporate new evidence and innovative approaches into the organization's work.