Social Scientist, SME

CACI; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

CACI's Social Scientist, SME role supports national security by applying behavioral, cultural, political, and social science research to inform operational planning. You will work with military planners and intelligence professionals, conducting qualitative and quantitative studies, developing audience profiles, and delivering assessment reports.

This full-time position requires active TS/SCI clearance and 10+ years of experience, with opportunities to influence operations in complex

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI clearance
• MA/MS in a relevant field (e.g. behavioral sciences, social sciences, anthropology, sociology, psychology)
• 10+ years' experience supporting military operational planning and/or assessments for OIE, IW, Sensitive Activities, or compartmented activities
• Experience briefing or delivering concepts to executive/senior-level 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

Responsibilities

• Conducts 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 applying rigorous social science methodologies to support operational planning in multi-national environments
• Leads 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
• Creates data collection plans and coordinate stakeholder collection of social, cultural, economic, political, and religious indicators
• Provides data visualization and translates empirical research findings into operational assessments for decision-makers
• Designs, evaluates, and oversees opinion research through surveys, flash polls, focus groups, and in-depth interviews
• Develops audience profiles and analyzes key communicators, networks, and regional or transregional state/non-state influence
• Creates and delivers formal assessment reports through briefs, presentations, and inputs to Command-and-Control systems
• Leads innovative social science research initiatives and evaluates external studies for methodological strength and operational relevance

Skills

Social science research

Data analysis

Briefing executives

Research instrument design

AI/ML tools

Education

MA/MS in behavioral sciences or related field

PhD in relevant field

Tools

AI/ML enabled tools

Job description

Job Title: Social Scientist, SME

Job Category: Science

Time Type: Full time

Minimum Clearance Required to Start: TS/SCI

Employee Type: Regular

Percentage of Travel Required: Up to 25%

Type of Travel: Local

Anticipated Posting End: 2/28/2027

The Opportunity:

Join a team dedicated to advancing national security through innovative irregular warfare and operations expertise. CACI is seeking Social Scientists to support mission-critical efforts that help U.S. and partner forces better understand the human dimension of conflict and competition. By applying behavioral, cultural, political, and social science research methods, you will provide data-driven insights that inform operational planning, influence activities, and strategic decision-making in some of the world's most complex environments.

Working across Geographic and Functional Combatant Commands, you will collaborate with military planners, intelligence professionals, and operational leaders to assess the information environment, analyze audience behaviors and influence networks, and evaluate the effectiveness of operations. Your research and analytical expertise will directly contribute to developing evidence-based recommendations that improve mission effectiveness and support national security objectives.

This is an opportunity to apply rigorous qualitative and quantitative research methodologies to real-world challenges while influencing operational outcomes at the strategic and operational levels. Candidates who are passionate about human behavior, social research, and solving complex global problems in dynamic environments will find meaningful opportunities to make a measurable impact while growing their careers with CACI.

Responsibilities:

• Conducts 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 applying rigorous social science methodologies to support operational planning in multi-national environments
• Leads 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
• Creates data collection plans and coordinate stakeholder collection of social, cultural, economic, political, and religious indicators
• Provides data visualization and translates empirical research findings into operational assessments for decision-makers
• Designs, evaluates, and oversees opinion research through surveys, flash polls, focus groups, and in-depth interviews
• Develops audience profiles and analyzes key communicators, networks, and regional or transregional state/non-state influence
• Creates and delivers formal assessment reports through briefs, presentations, and inputs to Command-and-Control systems
• Leads innovative social science research initiatives and evaluates external studies for methodological strength and operational relevance

Qualifications:

Required

• Active TS/SCI clearance
• MA/MS in a relevant field (e.g. behavioral sciences, social sciences, anthropology, sociology, psychology)
• 10+ years' experience supporting military operational planning and/or assessments (7 years with BA/BS) for OIE, IW, Sensitive Activities, or compartmented activities)
• Demonstrated experience briefing or delivering written concepts to executive/senior-level (GO/FO/SES) decision makers
• Demonstrated experience designing, administering and/or evaluating research instruments and activities in support of military operations
• Demonstrated experience integrating data analytic tools, to include AI/ML enabled tools, in support of assessments and research

Desired

• PhD in relevant field
• Demonstrated expertise applying social science and data analysis to military evaluations and assessments for OIE, IW, and Sensitive Activities
• 5 years' 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
• Demonstrated experience supporting formal assessments of Psychological Operations and integration of HPEM

What You Can Expect:

A culture of integrity. At CACI, we place character and innovation at the center of everything we do. As a valued team member, you'll be part of a high-performing group dedicated to our customer's missions and driven by a higher purpose - to ensure the safety of our nation.

An environment of trust. CACI values the unique contributions that every employee brings to our company and our customers - every day. You'll have the autonomy to take the time you need through a unique flexible time off benefit and have access to robust learning resources to make your ambitions a reality.

A focus on continuous growth. Together, we will advance our nation's most critical missions, build on our lengthy track record of business succes