What is Behavioral Scientist Jobs?
Behavioral scientists are professionals who study the behavior and actions of people, animals, and organizations. They use their knowledge of psychology, sociology, and anthropology to understand human behavior and solve problems in various fields. Behavioral science jobs can be found in government agencies, non-profit organizations, research institutions, and private businesses. They play an important role in improving human lives by developing and implementing evidence-based interventions, policies, and programs.
What usually do in this position?
Behavioral scientists perform various tasks, depending on their area of expertise and the industry they work in. They conduct research studies, collect and analyze data, create surveys and questionnaires, design and implement interventions, and evaluate the effectiveness of programs. They also collaborate with other professionals, such as psychologists, sociologists, educators, and healthcare providers, to address complex social problems. Some behavioral scientists specialize in specific areas, such as consumer behavior, human factors, or organizational behavior.
Top 5 Skills for Position
- Research skills: The ability to design and conduct research studies, collect and analyze data, and interpret findings.
- Analytical skills: The ability to think critically, solve problems, and make evidence-based decisions.
- Communication skills: The ability to communicate complex ideas and findings to different audiences, both orally and in writing.
- Collaboration skills: The ability to work effectively with teams, stakeholders, and partners from diverse backgrounds and disciplines.
- Project management skills: The ability to plan, organize, and execute projects, meet deadlines, and manage resources efficiently.
How to become this type of specialist?
To become a behavioral scientist, you typically need a graduate degree in psychology, sociology, anthropology, or a related field. Some positions may require a Ph.D. or Psy.D. degree, especially in academic and research settings. You may also need to gain practical experience through internships, research assistantships, or entry-level jobs. In addition, you should develop strong research, analytical, communication, and collaboration skills, as well as a deep understanding of human behavior and social systems.
Average salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for sociologists, which includes behavioral scientists, was $83,420 in May 2020. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $49,450, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $152,760. The salary can vary depending on factors such as the employer, location, education, experience, and job duties.
Roles and types
Behavioral science jobs can be found in various industries and sectors, including:
- Government agencies: such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Department of Defense (DOD)
- Non-profit organizations: such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and the Pew Research Center
- Research institutions: such as universities, think tanks, and consulting firms
- Private businesses: such as marketing firms, human resources departments, and healthcare organizations
Some of the roles that behavioral scientists may hold include:
- Research analyst
- Program evaluator
- Behavioral interventionist
- Social scientist
- User experience (UX) researcher
- Consumer insights analyst
- Organizational development specialist
Locations with the most popular jobs in USA
Behavioral science jobs are available in many locations throughout the United States, but some areas have more opportunities than others. According to BLS data, the top five states with the highest employment level of sociologists are:
- California
- Virginia
- Illinois
- Washington
- Washington, D.C.
What are the typical tools?
Behavioral scientists use a variety of tools and techniques to conduct research and analyze data. Some of the common tools include:
- Statistical software: such as SPSS, SAS, or R, to analyze quantitative data
- Qualitative software: such as NVivo, ATLAS.ti, or MAXQDA, to analyze qualitative data
- Survey tools: such as Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, or Google Forms, to create and administer surveys
- Observation tools: such as video cameras, audio recorders, or note-taking apps, to collect observational data
- Intervention tools: such as behavior change apps, online platforms, or group sessions, to implement interventions and evaluate their effectiveness
In conclusion
Behavioral science jobs offer exciting opportunities to make a positive impact on society by applying knowledge and skills in psychology, sociology, and anthropology. To become a successful behavioral scientist, you should pursue a graduate degree, gain practical experience, and develop strong research, analytical, communication, and collaboration skills. With the right education, training, and tools, you can help solve complex social problems and improve the lives of people, animals, and organizations.