Social Science Research Lead

BLN24•Mclean, VA

5d•Remote

About The Position

BLN24 has an exciting opportunity for a Social Science Research Lead to support National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. This position provides subject matter expertise, scientific leadership, and programmatic support for social, behavioral, and economic sciences (SBES) research that advances NOAA's ability to understand, communicate, and respond to weather, climate, water, and societal challenges. Working closely with NOAA leadership, researchers, Cooperative Institutes, Federal agencies, and academic partners, this individual will strengthen the integration of social science research into NOAA programs, decision support capabilities, and research-to-operations initiatives.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Sociology, Social Science, Behavioral Science, Economics, Public Policy, Communications, Geography, Psychology, or related discipline; Master's degree preferred, PhD highly desirable.
Minimum six (6) years of experience conducting, supporting, evaluating, or leading social science, behavioral science, economic, or interdisciplinary research initiatives.
Working knowledge of SBES research principles, methodologies, and applications, including experience designing or evaluating qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods research.
Experience preparing technical reports, briefing materials, scientific communications, and stakeholder-facing deliverables, and supporting stakeholder engagement, workshop facilitation, or cross-organizational initiatives.
Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to obtain and maintain required NOAA facility, security, and IT access.

Responsibilities

Lead and support SBES research initiatives, portfolio management, and evaluation of funding programs, cooperative agreements, and scientific partnerships that inform NOAA programs, services, and decision support capabilities.
Apply qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods research approaches to conduct stakeholder analyses, literature reviews, research syntheses, and program evaluations that identify emerging priorities, research gaps, and opportunities for improvement.
Support research-to-operations (R2O) and transition-to-operations (T2O) initiatives by integrating social science findings into operational programs, ensuring compliance with IRB, PRA, and research governance requirements.
Coordinate scientific workshops, conferences, stakeholder engagements, and interagency collaborations, and prepare technical reports, white papers, briefing materials, presentations, and stakeholder-facing products to communicate research findings and program outcomes.
Support compliance activities related to Institutional Review Boards (IRB), Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA), and other research governance requirements.
Present research findings at scientific conferences, professional society meetings, workshops, and stakeholder forums while contributing to continuous improvement and knowledge-sharing initiatives.