Social Scientist

Internal Revenue Service•Washington, DC

18h

About The Position

The Social Scientist works in the Taxpayer Services, Operation Support, Strategies & Solutions, Research Group. The role leads social economic and social psychology studies or continuous projects, including small studies or program segments. The incumbent plans and coordinates project execution, establishes research methods and procedures, reviews computer-system specifications and study materials, and is accountable for study design and conclusions. The position develops new techniques and original methods for solving important and unusual research problems, sets goals and schedules for future programs, and troubleshoots bottlenecks. It addresses complex research problems using in-depth subject-matter knowledge, represents management in executive-level meetings within a large division, and monitors the effective use of resources on assigned projects, advising superiors when remedial action or changes are needed. The position requires a behavioral or social science degree or equivalent education and experience, plus GS-13 specialized experience in social science research, statistical methods, analysis, and reporting. Federal experience is not required. The announcement also describes probationary-period and government travel charge-card conditions, and federal time-after-competitive-appointment and time-in-grade requirements for applicable applicants.

Requirements

A degree in behavioral or social science, or a related discipline appropriate to the position; alternatively, a combination of education and experience equivalent to a major in a behavioral or social science, or four years of appropriate experience demonstrating equivalent knowledge.
At least one year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to GS-12, including professional knowledge of social economic and social psychology methods and principles, statistical techniques, taxpayer behavior analysis, research, interpretation and validation of findings, and comprehensive reporting.
For current civilian employees subject to the requirement, at least 90 days of federal civilian service since the latest non-temporary appointment from a competitive referral certificate by the announcement closing or cutoff date.
For applicants subject to time-in-grade requirements above GS-05, one year (52 weeks) at the next lower grade level.
Ability to provide employment dates and hours worked per week on the resume for full credit of work experience.
Obtain and use a Government-issued charge card for business-related travel.
Complete any applicable probationary period.

Responsibilities

Initiate, formulate, plan, execute, and control social economic and social psychology studies or continuous projects.
Specify research methods and prepare study specifications, procedures, materials, and instructions; review computer-system specifications to ensure the adequacy of study design.
Coordinate project execution and develop conclusions representing solutions to research questions.
Develop new techniques and original methods to solve important or unusual problems, and determine goals and schedules for future programs.
Troubleshoot bottlenecks and resolve complex research problems using in-depth subject-matter knowledge.
Represent management in executive-level meetings within a large division.
Monitor the effective use of resources on assigned projects and advise superiors of needed remedial actions or changes.
Use social science and statistical methods to study taxpayer behavior and market segments, evaluate compliance-related issues, interpret and validate research findings, and prepare comprehensive reports.
Review technical papers, articles, and reports using social science data for technical accuracy and proper application of social science methods and statistical analysis.