Social Scientist, Senior

CACI•Fort Meade, MD

10d

About The Position

CACI is seeking a Senior Social Scientist to support mission-critical national security efforts involving irregular warfare and operations. The role applies behavioral, cultural, political, and social science research methods to help U.S. and partner forces understand the human dimension of conflict and competition. The position supports Geographic and Functional Combatant Commands and collaborates with military planners, intelligence professionals, and operational leaders to assess the information environment, analyze audience behavior and influence networks, and evaluate operations. Research and analysis inform operational planning, influence activities, and strategic decision-making, with recommendations intended to improve mission effectiveness and support national security objectives. The position uses rigorous qualitative and quantitative research methodologies to address real-world challenges and influence operational outcomes at strategic and operational levels. It is a regular, full-time role requiring an active TS/SCI clearance with Polygraph and up to 10% local travel. The proposed salary range is $103,800–$218,100. CACI describes a culture centered on integrity, innovation, trust, autonomy, and continuous growth, and offers flexible time off, learning resources, competitive compensation, and a broad benefits package.

Requirements

Active TS/SCI clearance with Polygraph.
MA/MS in a relevant field, such as behavioral sciences, social sciences, anthropology, sociology, or psychology.
10+ years of experience supporting military operational planning and/or assessments for OIE, IW, Sensitive Activities, or compartmented activities; 7 years with a BA/BS.
Demonstrated experience briefing or delivering written concepts to executive- or senior-level (GO/FO/SES) decision-makers.
Demonstrated experience designing, administering, and/or evaluating research instruments and activities in support of military operations.
Demonstrated experience integrating data analytic tools, including AI/ML-enabled tools, in support of assessments and research.

Nice To Haves

PhD in a relevant field.
Demonstrated expertise applying social science and data analysis to military evaluations and assessments for OIE, IW, and Sensitive Activities.
5 years of experience supporting military operational assessments and research at the CCMD, Service Component Command, Joint Task Force, or similar level.
Familiarity with CENTCOM, INDOPACOM, and/or NORTHCOM areas of responsibility.
Demonstrated experience supporting formal assessments of Psychological Operations and integration of HPEM.

Responsibilities

Conduct campaign- and operational-level assessments of the information environment using opinion research, intelligence, operational reporting, and social media insights.
Design and execute qualitative and quantitative research using rigorous social science methodologies to support operational planning in multinational environments.
Lead Hierarchy of Psychological Effects Model (HPEM) analysis in support of Psychological Operations.
Develop and track measures of performance and effectiveness for OIE, IW, and Sensitive Activities.
Create data collection plans and coordinate stakeholder collection of social, cultural, economic, political, and religious indicators.
Provide data visualization and translate empirical research findings into operational assessments for decision-makers.
Design, evaluate, and oversee opinion research through surveys, flash polls, focus groups, and in-depth interviews.
Develop audience profiles and analyze key communicators, networks, and regional or transregional state and non-state influence.
Create and deliver formal assessment reports through briefs, presentations, and inputs to Command-and-Control systems.
Lead innovative social science research initiatives and evaluate external studies for methodological strength and operational relevance.