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Senior Social Scientist

Parsons, Colorado Springs, CO, United States


Job Description Parsons is looking for an amazingly talented

Sr. Social Scientist

to join our team! In this role you will get to apply social and behavioral science expertise to support Operations in the Information Environment (OIE) and Irregular Warfare (IW) by analyzing the cultural, psychological, and social dynamics that shape how audiences perceive, interpret, and respond to information and actions.

What You'll Be Doing

Provides behaviorally grounded insight that informs planning, execution, and assessment across J39 activities.

Designs and conducts qualitative and quantitative research—including surveys, interviews, focus groups, and social network analysis—to develop a nuanced understanding of target audiences, group dynamics, identity drivers, and influence pathways relevant to mission objectives.

Translates research findings into operationally actionable insights that support Target Audience Analysis (TAA), COA development, narrative design, and risk assessment.

Collaborates closely with planners, analysts, behavioral scientists, content developers, and assessment teams to ensure OIE plans, messaging, and influence approaches are culturally informed, behaviorally realistic, and ethically sound.

Advise on cultural resonance, social norms, and potential unintended effects, helping mitigate risk and improve campaign effectiveness.

Supports the development of assessment frameworks by identifying behaviorally valid indicators and proxies, interpreting results in context, and contributing to lessons learned and plan adaptation.

Ensures research methods and findings are rigorous, transparent, and compliant with applicable authorities and ethical standards, preserving commander trust and analytic credibility.

What Required Skills You'll Bring

Bachelors degree and 13+ years experience. Years of comparable experience can be used in lieu of degree. (HS diploma 17+ years, Associates 15+ years, Masters 10+ years)

Must have a current/active TS/SCI clearance or higher

Security Clearance Requirement An active Top Secret SCI security clearance is required for this position.

Salary Range $88,400.00 - $154,700.00

Benefits We value our employees and want our employees to take care of their overall wellbeing, which is why we offer best-in-class benefits such as medical, dental, vision, paid time off, 401(k), life insurance, flexible work schedules, and holidays to fit your busy lifestyle!

Equal Opportunity Statement Parsons is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other protected status.

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