Social Scientist, Senior

CACI International•Tampa, FL

4d•$85,800 - $180,200

About The Position

CACI is seeking a Senior Social Scientist to support mission-critical irregular warfare and operations efforts that help U.S. and partner forces understand the human dimension of conflict and competition. The position applies behavioral, cultural, political, and social science research methods to provide data-driven insights for operational planning, influence activities, and strategic decision-making. The role works across Geographic and Functional Combatant Commands in collaboration with military planners, intelligence professionals, and operational leaders. It assesses the information environment, analyzes audience behavior and influence networks, and evaluates the effectiveness of operations. The research and analysis supports evidence-based recommendations for improving mission effectiveness and advancing national security objectives. The position applies qualitative and quantitative research methods to real-world challenges and informs operational outcomes at strategic and operational levels. It requires an active TS/SCI clearance and a relevant MA/MS, along with substantial experience supporting military operational planning or assessments.

Requirements

Active TS/SCI clearance.
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.
Experience briefing or delivering written concepts to executive- or senior-level (GO/FO/SES) decision-makers.
Experience designing, administering, and/or evaluating research instruments and activities in support of military operations.
Experience integrating data analytic tools, including AI/ML-enabled tools, in support of assessments and research.

Nice To Haves

PhD in a relevant field.
Expertise applying social science and data analysis to military evaluations and assessments for OIE, IW, and Sensitive Activities.
Five 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 AORs.
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.