Social Science Research Lead

BLN24; McLean (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous medical, dental, and vision plans

Work-life balance flexibility

Remote working opportunities

Job summary

BLN24 is seeking a Social Science Research Lead to support the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. This role demands expertise in social science research to enhance NOAA's understanding of environmental challenges.

The ideal candidate should have a minimum of six years' experience and a relevant degree, with strong analytical and communication skills. BLN24 offers generous benefits, a supportive workplace, and opportunities to maintain work-life balance through flexibility and remote work options.

Qualifications

• Minimum six years of experience in social science, behavioral science, or economic research.
• Working knowledge of SBES research principles and methodologies.
• Experience in preparing technical reports and supporting stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support SBES research initiatives and program evaluations.
• Conduct stakeholder analyses and literature reviews.
• Integrate social science findings into operational programs.

Skills

Research principles and methodologies

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Sociology or related discipline

Master's degree preferred

PhD highly desirable

Job description

Job Title: Social Science Research Lead

Position Overview

BLN24 has an exciting opportunity for a Social Science Research Lead to supportNationalOceanic and Atmospheric Administration. This position provides subject matter expertise, scientific leadership, and programmatic support for social, behavioral, and economic sciences (SBES) research that advances NOAA's ability to understand, communicate, and respond to weather, climate, water, and societal challenges. Working closely with NOAA leadership, researchers, Cooperative Institutes, Federal agencies, and academic partners, this individual will strengthen the integration of social science research into NOAA programs, decision support capabilities, and research‑to‑operations initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support SBES research initiatives, portfolio management, and evaluation of funding programs, cooperative agreements, and scientific partnerships that inform NOAA programs, services, and decision support capabilities.
• Apply qualitative, quantitative, and mixed‑methods research approaches to conduct stakeholder analyses, literature reviews, research syntheses, and program evaluations that identify emerging priorities, research gaps, and opportunities for improvement.
• Support research‑to‑operations (R2O) and transition‑to‑operations (T2O) initiatives by integrating social science findings into operational programs, ensuring compliance with IRB, PRA, and research governance requirements.
• Coordinate scientific workshops, conferences, stakeholder engagements, and interagency collaborations, and prepare technical reports, white papers, briefing materials, presentations, and stakeholder‑facing products to communicate research findings and program outcomes.
• Support compliance activities related to Institutional Review Boards (IRB), Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA), and other research governance requirements.
• Present research findings at scientific conferences, professional society meetings, workshops, and stakeholder forums while contributing to continuous improvement and knowledge‑sharing initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Sociology, Social Science, Behavioral Science, Economics, Public Policy, Communications, Geography, Psychology, or related discipline; Master's degree preferred, PhD highly desirable.
• Minimum six (6) years of experience conducting, supporting, evaluating, or leading social science, behavioral science, economic, or interdisciplinary research initiatives.
• Working knowledge of SBES research principles, methodologies, and applications, including experience designing or evaluating qualitative, quantitative, or mixed‑methods research.
• Experience preparing technical reports, briefing materials, scientific communications, and stakeholder‑facing deliverables, and supporting stakeholder engagement, workshop facilitation, or cross‑organizational initiatives.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required NOAA facility, security, and IT access.

What BLN24 brings to the Game

BLN24 benefits include generous medical, dental, and vision plans. You can join one of the fastest growing companies headquartered in the Washington DC Metro Area, offering opportunities across sectors while maintaining stability. Flexibility allows each individual to balance work and personal life, with remote working opportunities available depending on projects.

BLN24 is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe people are our strength and understand diverse talents are key to our success. We are an equal opportunity employer and place a high value on diversity and inclusion at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of any protected attribute, including race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital or veteran status, pregnancy or disability, or any other basis protected under applicable law. In accordance with applicable law, we make reasonable accommodations for applicants' and employees' religious practices and beliefs, as well as any mental health or physical disability needs.