Behavioral Science Lead - Nonverbal Assessment and Human Performance

Mission1; McLean (VA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work from home

Job summary

Mission1 is seeking an applied behavioral scientist to translate research into practical measurement methods, product requirements, and user guidance. The role focuses on non-invasive assessment, nonverbal sensing, kinesics, and interview dynamics.

The candidate will design studies, develop data plans, and establish validation criteria while collaborating with leadership and technical teams to improve human performance and evaluator workflows.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, behavioral science, cognitive science, human factors, or related field.
• Experience conducting behavioral research or developing/validating behavioral assessment methods.
• Expertise in nonverbal behavior, kinesics, or interpersonal communication.
• Strong knowledge of experimental design, statistics, reliability, and validity.
• Ability to translate research findings into practical requirements and recommendations.
• Williness to sign an NDA before receiving confidential project information.

Responsibilities

• Review and synthesize research on non-invasive assessment, nonverbal sensing, kinesics, facial movements, microexpressions, and interpersonal communication.
• Develop frameworks for measuring observable behavior, including eye movements, gaze, head pose, posture, gestures, and facial movements.
• Establish methods for individualized behavioral baselines and assess changes over time while accounting for context and normal variability.
• Apply knowledge of interview dynamics and communication to inform interview-support tools and evaluator workflows.
• Develop study designs and data plans covering research questions, participant selection, measurement methods, data quality, and statistical analysis.
• Define meaningful performance measures, including observation accuracy, missed events, reporting quality, cognitive workload, and usability.
• Assess confounding factors such as stress, fatigue, cultural differences, and recording conditions.
• Prepare concise research summaries and contribute to development documentation and stakeholder briefings.

Skills

Behavioral research

Experimental design

Statistical analysis

Nonverbal behavior

Interpersonal communication

Measurement reliability

Validity

Observing behavior

Education

Bachelor’s degree in psychology or related field

Master’s or PhD preferred

Equivalent relevant experience

Tools

Non-invasive behavioral assessment tools

Job description

Position Overview

We are seeking an applied behavioral scientist with expertise in non-invasive behavioral assessment, nonverbal communication, kinesics, and interview dynamics. This role will help translate behavioral research into practical measurement methods, product requirements, and scientifically grounded user guidance.

The ideal candidate combines knowledge of observable human behavior with strong experimental design, statistical analysis, and validation skills. Experience with video-based behavioral analysis, nonverbal sensing, microexpression research, or polygraph research and practice is desirable.

You will work directly with company leadership and technical specialists to shape research priorities, guide development, and evaluate whether proposed capabilities improve human performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Review and synthesize research on non-invasive assessment, nonverbal sensing, kinesics, facial movements, microexpressions, and interpersonal communication.
• Develop frameworks for measuring observable behavior, including eye movements, gaze, head pose, posture, gestures, and facial movements.
• Establish methods for individualized behavioral baselines and assess changes over time while accounting for context and normal variability.
• Apply knowledge of interview dynamics and communication to inform interview-support tools and evaluator workflows.
• Develop study designs and data plans covering research questions, participant selection, measurement methods, data quality, and statistical analysis.
• Design feasibility studies comparing evaluator performance with and without technology assistance.
• Define meaningful performance measures, including observation accuracy, missed events, reporting quality, cognitive workload, and usability.
• Assess confounding factors such as stress, fatigue, cultural differences, individual characteristics, and recording conditions.
• Develop clear user-facing explanations that describe behavioral observations, plausible interpretations, and uncertainty.
• Establish validation criteria and evidence requirements for product claims.
• Support research ethics, participant consent, privacy practices, and institutional review requirements, as applicable.
• Prepare concise research summaries and contribute to development documentation, technical proposals, and stakeholder briefings.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support behavioral research, technology development, and program objectives.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum bachelor’s degree in psychology, behavioral science, cognitive science, human factors, communication science, or a closely related discipline; equivalent relevant experience will be considered.
• Demonstrated experience conducting behavioral research or developing and validating behavioral assessment methods.
• Expertise in nonverbal behavior, kinesics, interpersonal communication, or a closely related field.
• Strong knowledge of experimental design, statistical analysis, measurement reliability, and validity.
• Experience systematically observing, categorizing, or measuring human behavior.
• Ability to distinguish observable behavioral changes from unsupported conclusions about intent, emotion, or deception.
• Ability to translate research findings into practical requirements and recommendations.
• Strong written communication skills and the ability to work independently within a small, multidisciplinary team.
• Willingness to sign an NDA before receiving confidential project information.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in a relevant discipline.
• Experience with non-invasive behavioral assessment or nonverbal sensing technologies.
• Research experience involving microexpressions, including measurement challenges and interpretation limits.
• Familiarity with polygraph methods, research, and limitations; examiner certification is welcome but not required.
• Experience supporting government, national defense, investigative, or security organizations.

Flexible work from home options available.