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Behavior Scientist Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Behavior Technician

Chesapeake, VA ยท On-site

$17 - $22/hr

Applied Behavior Analysis, Behavior Science, Child Development, Counseling, Early Childhood Education, Education, Human Development, Liberal Studies, Nursing, Psychology, Psychiatry, Speech and ...

Behavior Technician

Chesapeake, VA ยท On-site

$17 - $22/hr

Applied Behavior Analysis, Behavior Science, Child Development, Counseling, Early Childhood Education, Education, Human Development, Liberal Studies, Nursing, Psychology, Psychiatry, Speech and ...

Behavior Technician

Chesapeake, VA ยท On-site

$17 - $22/hr

Applied Behavior Analysis, Behavior Science, Child Development, Counseling, Early Childhood Education, Education, Human Development, Liberal Studies, Nursing, Psychology, Psychiatry, Speech and ...

Behavior Technician

Fairfax, VA ยท On-site

$22 - $28/hr

Applied Behavior Analysis, Behavior Science, Child Development, Counseling, Early Childhood Education, Education, Human Development, Liberal Studies, Nursing, Psychology, Psychiatry, Speech and ...

Behavior Technician

Fairfax, VA ยท On-site

$22 - $28/hr

Applied Behavior Analysis, Behavior Science, Child Development, Counseling, Early Childhood Education, Education, Human Development, Liberal Studies, Nursing, Psychology, Psychiatry, Speech and ...

Behavior Technician

Fairfax, VA ยท On-site

$22 - $28/hr

Applied Behavior Analysis, Behavior Science, Child Development, Counseling, Early Childhood Education, Education, Human Development, Liberal Studies, Nursing, Psychology, Psychiatry, Speech and ...

ABA Behavior Technician III

Henrico, VA ยท On-site

$20 - $26/hr

Bachelor's degree in a behavioral science such as psychology, sociology, counseling, applied behavioral science, etc. is preferred. Specific experience with children who have Autism, intellectual or ...

ABA Behavior Technician III

Henrico, VA ยท On-site

$20 - $26/hr

Bachelor's degree in a behavioral science such as psychology, sociology, counseling, applied behavioral science, etc. is preferred. Specific experience with children who have Autism, intellectual or ...

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Behavior Scientist information

See Virginia salary details

$20

$38

$54

How much do behavior scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavior scientist in Virginia is $38.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33.61 and $42.16 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a behavior scientist?

Behavior scientists are professionals who study how people and animals behave, often focusing on the underlying psychological, social, and environmental factors that influence actions and decisions. They use research methods and data analysis to understand patterns in behavior and develop strategies to encourage positive changes. Behavior scientists work in various settings such as healthcare, education, business, and government, contributing to programs and policies that improve individual and societal outcomes.

What are some of the main challenges behavior scientists face when working with multidisciplinary teams?

Behavior Scientists often collaborate with professionals from fields like data science, design, public health, and engineering. A common challenge is effectively communicating complex behavioral theories and research findings to team members with different backgrounds. Bridging these knowledge gaps requires strong interpersonal skills and the ability to translate scientific concepts into actionable strategies. Additionally, aligning behavioral interventions with broader project goals and timelines can be demanding but also offers valuable opportunities for professional growth and impact.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a behavior scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Behavior Scientist, you need a solid background in psychology, behavioral analysis, and research methods, usually supported by an advanced degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R), data collection platforms, and IRB protocols is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, communication, and collaboration skills distinguish top performers in this role. These skills enable accurate study design, insightful data interpretation, and effective application of findings to influence behavior and inform policy.

What can you do with a behavior scientist degree?

A behavior scientist degree prepares individuals to analyze and modify human behavior through research, data analysis, and intervention strategies. Career options include roles in clinical settings, research institutions, healthcare organizations, and government agencies, often requiring skills in data collection, statistical tools, and behavioral theories.

What jobs do behavior scientists do?

Behavior scientists study human and animal behavior to understand and modify actions through research, data analysis, and intervention strategies. They often work in clinical, educational, or organizational settings, applying behavioral theories and tools like behavior assessments and reinforcement techniques. Their work may involve designing programs, conducting experiments, and collaborating with other professionals to improve outcomes.

What qualifications do you need to be a behavior scientist?

To become a behavior scientist, a bachelor's degree in psychology, behavioral science, or a related field is typically required, with many roles requiring a master's or doctoral degree. Relevant skills include data analysis, research methodology, and knowledge of behavioral theories, often complemented by experience with statistical software and certifications in behavioral analysis or research methods.

What job categories do people searching Behavior Scientist jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Behavior Scientist jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Behavior Scientist jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Behavior Scientist job openings:

Infographic showing various Behavior Scientist job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,399 per year, or $38.7 per hour.

Principal People Scientist, People Strategy & Analytics

Capital One Group

Mclean, VA โ€ข On-site

$131 - $150/hr

Other

Posted 16 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Consult with clients to frame problems, answer questions, and design solutions to improve the associate experience

  • Build and drive programs and solutions for measurement, validation, and experimentation

  • Analyze the impact of programs and generate insights to support data-driven decision making


Job description

Principal People Scientist, People Strategy & Analytics

The People Strategy and Analytics team at Capital One is on a mission to transform the associate experience โ€“ from hiring to onboarding to career development โ€“ so that all talent can flourish. As a Principal People Scientist on the People Strategy & Analytics team, you will use organizational science, measurement techniques, behavioral insights, and advanced analytics to help drive that transformation. Our ideal candidate will display a strong balance of analytical and problem solving skills, business consulting, and communication competencies, as well as the ability to work in a dynamic team environment. Youโ€™ll be on a crossโ€‘functional team that includes analysts, data scientists, and other people scientists. This role will primarily specialize in enterprise listening strategies like surveying & measurement design, but will also have frequent opportunities to collaborate with key HR partners in areas like Talent & Performance Management, People Leadership and Diversity, Inclusion, & Belonging. Projects will focus on improving the associate experience and unlocking best practices in the talent strategy space. A typical day will include client consultation, measurement design, program design, insights generation, and analysis.

Your main responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
  • Consultation: Bring your expertise in organizational science principles and analysis to help our clients frame problems, answer questions, and design solutions to improve the associate experience
  • Design: Build and drive key programs and solutions for our partners, including strategies for measurement and validation
  • Experimentation: Partner with clients and teams across Capital One to design experiments to understand key drivers of associates and behavior
  • Insights & analysis: Analyze the impact of our programs and combine those insights with the latest thinking in organizational science to help our clients make dataโ€‘driven, informed decisions
Successful team members demonstrate competencies in these areas:
  • Purpose: You feel a deep personal connection to improving the associate experience and are motivated by applying organizational science in a missionโ€‘driven way
  • Analytical thinking: A proven track record of decision making and problem solving based in analytics. Conceptual thinking skills must be complemented by a strong quantitative orientation. Identify opportunities for improvement and use data to make strategic and tactical recommendations.
  • Execution: Develop and test hypotheses, design solutions, assess operational feasibility, support implementation efforts, and develop plans and tools for monitoring outcomes
  • Partnership: Collaborate effectively with other team members and HR clients
  • Business communication: Strong written and oral communication skills, including visualization skills (i.e., able to โ€œtell the storyโ€ and highlight key insights in a clear and concise manner that is easily understood by stakeholders)
  • Results focus: Drives for results and achieves important goals; applies strong organizational skills and detail orientation, even amidst ambiguity
Basic Qualifications:
  • Master's degree
  • At least 1 year of professional work experience in Industrial and Organizational Psychology OR Organizational Behavior OR Behavioral Science
  • At least 1 year of data analysis experience conducting analyses, and building statistical models in R, Python, or SQL
  • At least 2 years of experience in consulting with external or internal clients across a variety of seniority levels and technical experience
Preferred Qualifications:
  • PhD in Industrial and Organizational Psychology or Organizational Behavior or Behavioral Science
  • At least 2 years professional work experience in Industrial and Organizational Psychology or Organizational Behavior
  • Knowledge of advanced statistical methodologies, including regression, or longitudinal analysis, or Bayesian modeling
Salary information:

The minimum and maximum fullโ€‘time annual salaries for this role are listed below, by location. Please note that this salary information is solely for candidates hired to perform work within one of these locations, and refers to the amount Capital One is willing to pay at the time of this posting. Salaries for partโ€‘time roles will be prorated based upon the agreed upon number of hours to be regularly worked.

  • McLean, VA: $131,300 - $149,800 for Principal People Scientist
  • Richmond, VA: $119,400 - $136,200 for Principal People Scientist

Candidates hired to work in other locations will be subject to the pay range associated with that location, and the actual annualized salary amount offered to any candidate at the time of hire will be reflected solely in the candidateโ€™s offer letter.

This role is also eligible to earn performance based incentive compensation, which may include cash bonus(es) and/or long term incentives (LTI). Incentives could be discretionary or non discretionary depending on the plan.

Capital One offers a comprehensive, competitive, and inclusive set of health, financial and other benefits that support your total wellโ€‘being. Learn more at the Capital One Careers website. Eligibility varies based on full or partโ€‘time status, exempt or nonโ€‘exempt status, and management level.

This role is expected to accept applications for a minimum of 5 business days.

No agencies please.

Capital One is an equal opportunity employer (EOE, including disability/vet) committed to nonโ€‘discrimination in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Capital One promotes a drugโ€‘free workplace.

Capital One will consider for employment qualified applicants with a criminal history in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable laws regarding criminal background inquiries, including, to the extent applicable, Article 23โ€‘A of the New York Correction Law; San Francisco, California Police Code Article 49, Sections 4901-4920; New York Cityโ€™s Fair Chance Act; Philadelphiaโ€™s Fair Criminal Records Screening Act; and other applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations regarding criminal background inquiries.

If you have visited our website in search of information on employment opportunities or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation, please contact Capital One Recruiting at 1-800-304-9102 or via email at RecruitingAccommodation@capitalone.com. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.

For technical support or questions about Capital One's recruiting process, please send an email to Careers@capitalone.com

At Capital One, weโ€™re building a leading information-based technology company. Still founderโ€‘led by Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Richard Fairbank, Capital One is on a mission to help our customers succeed by bringing ingenuity, simplicity, and humanity to banking. We measure our efforts by the success our customers enjoy and the advocacy they exhibit.

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