Behavioral Science Expert

Leidos Health & Services Sector is seeking a Behavioral Science Expert to support the Department of Defenses personnel testing and assessment mission by providing senior behavioral science leadership across research psychometrics test development and evaluation activities. The role contributes directly to the development administration and continuous improvement of assessments used to classify and select individuals for military service.

**This job posting is in anticipation of future work**

The contract provides comprehensive scientific analytic and operational support to the DoD for the development administration evaluation and continuous improvement of its personnel testing and assessment programs. Support includes behavioral science research psychometric analysis test development operational test administration data collection statistical modeling and technical assistance for computer-based and paper-and-pencil testing systemsincluding the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) language proficiency tests and other accession-related assessments. The contractor delivers research studies analytic products test specifications scoring algorithms technical documentation and system support to ensure the validity reliability fairness and operational effectiveness of DoDs testing enterprise used to classify and select individuals for military service.

Key Responsibilities:

• Apply psychological principles to DoD personnel issues.

• Develop and refine tests (like the ASVAB) for selection classification and career guidance considering behavioral indicators.

• Use metrics to inform policy and understand personnel trends.

• Lead conceptualization of advanced assessment research and measurement models.

• Provide expert oversight of psychometrics validation and construct development.

• Advise leadership on emerging behavioral science trends affecting assessment programs.

• Ensure scientific rigor and quality across behavioral science deliverables.

• Mentor senior and junior behavioral staff.

Required Qualifications:

• Uniquely skilled and nationally known experts in a behavioral science field as demonstrated through publications conference presentations committee participation and professional society leadership (APA SIOP NCME AERA).

• Education: Ph.D. in a behavioral science field (e.g. Psychology Cognitive Science Industrial-Organizational Psychology Educational Measurement Human Factors)

• Experience:

  • 15 years relevant experience in large-scale assessment programs particularly high-stakes high-volume testing environments.

  • Prior experience leading psychometric design test lifecycle management and validity research for adaptive hybrid or multidimensional assessments.

  • Demonstrated success influencing executive-level stakeholders scientific review boards and policy-making entities.

  • Experience leading interdisciplinary teams of psychometricians behavioral scientists analysts and software engineers.

• Skills:

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

  • Strong attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy.

  • Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

  • Demonstrated ability to work independently as a member or leader of a team.

  • Demonstrated ability to plan prioritize and manage own work and the work of others.

  • Demonstrated commitment to meeting high standards for product and service quality.

  • Desire to learn and develop inventive methods that respond to client needs.

  • Ability to establish methodological vision guide long-term research strategy and oversee complex behavioral science initiatives involving measurement validation and policy integration.

  • Ability to present complex technical information to senior DoD leadership interagency groups and scientific panels with clarity and authority.

  • Ability to integrate behavioral science psychometrics analytics and technology to support adaptive testing innovations.

• Security Clearance: Must possess or be able to obtain a DoD Common Access Card (CAC) and successfully complete a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) fingerprint check and a National Agency Check with Written Inquiries (NACI) Citizenship is required.

• Location: This position is eligible for 75% remote work with occasional on-site work as required by customer and/or contract needs. Candidate must be located or willing to relocate within commuting distance of Seaside CA.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with or within the DoD.

• Familiarity with DTAC and its mission and objectives.

• Knowledge of military accession recruiting and classification processes.

• Mastery of Item Response Theory (IRT) Classical Test Theory (CTT) multidimensional models test equating scaling form construction and automated item assembly.

• Expert understanding of APA AERA NCME testing standards; Human Subjects Protection; and defensible documentation practices.

At Leidos we dont want someone who fits the moldwe want someone who melts it down and builds something better. This is a role for the restless the over-caffeinated the ones who ask whats next before the dust settles on whats now.

If youre already scheming step 20 while everyone else is still debating step 2 good. Youll fit right in.

Original Posting:

Pay Range:

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job education experience knowledge skills and abilities as well as internal equity alignment with market data applicable bargaining agreement (if any) or other law.