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Behavior Scientist Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

PKH Enterprises

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Behavioral Scientist

Washington, DC · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Possess knowledge and practice of applied behavior analysis. * Ability to integrate knowledge of a source's background and personality into a formal written operational/behavioral assessment.

PKH Enterprises

Be Seen First

Behavioral Scientist

Washington, DC · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Possess knowledge and practice of applied behavior analysis. * Ability to integrate knowledge of a source's background and personality into a formal written operational/behavioral assessment.

Behavior Frontiers

Behavior Technician

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$22 - $26/hr

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

Behavior Frontiers

Behavior Technician

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$22 - $26/hr

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

Behavior Frontiers

Behavior Technician

Fairfax, VA

$22 - $28/hr

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

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How much do behavior scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavior scientist in Reston, VA is $40.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35.24 and $44.28 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 are popular job titles related to Behavior Scientist jobs in Reston, VA?

For Behavior Scientist jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Behavior Scientist jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Behavior Scientist jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Behavior Scientist jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Behavior Scientist job openings:

Behavior Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Behavior Scientist job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,367 per year, or $40.6 per hour.

Behavioral Scientist

PKH Enterprises

Washington, DC • On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago

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Job description

Behavioral Scientist/Social Scientist

Seeking an experienced Behavioral Scientist for our insider threat operational requirements on a mission-focused program within a challenging, dynamic setting located in downtown Washington DC. Successful candidate in this position will conduct behavioral research and assessments with the goal of informing the development of insider threat and security policies and procedures within a government agency. The Scientist may, among other tasks, be expected to conduct interviews, pilot studies, surveys, case studies, and program evaluations; develop metrics; analyze qualitative and quantitative data; and manage research projects.

Responsibilities

  • Provide psychological services to include participation in meetings and briefings for specific mission-related initiatives.
  • Prepare and conduct behavioral assessments.
  • Assist in identifying a source’s key personality traits, sources of social and professional influence, psychological strengths, and vulnerabilities.
  • Provide expertise in managing and testing of sources.
  • Integrate knowledge of a source’s background and personality into a formal written operational/behavioral assessment.
  • Make appropriate recommendations in challenging, ambiguous or emergency situations to facilitate the government’s decision-making process.
  • Be able to assess a source’s integrity and competence in the context of past behavior and current behavior.

Requirements:

  • Must be able to maintain a security clearance.
  • Candidates should have the ability to work independently on their assigned topics, develop appropriate project timelines, lead well-organized meetings and briefings.
  • Experience with working in the Intelligence Community.
  • Possess knowledge and practice of applied behavior analysis.
  • Ability to integrate knowledge of a source’s background and personality into a formal written operational/behavioral assessment.
  • Experience working with relevant source and case files, to include utilization of advanced source vetting and validating tools.
  • Experience working with sources and expertise in assessing a source’s psychological strengths and vulnerabilities.
  • Experience working with analysts to provide time-dominant, science-based, direct and indirect psychological assessments based on displayed indicators and human factors.
  • Experience with writing and briefing.
  • Candidates must be able to work with multiple IC agencies and entities both within and outside of the agency.
  • Master’s Degree or a Doctoral degree from an accredited college/university with specialization in behavioral psychology OR social sciences, along with 10 – 13 years of prior relevant experience.

Preferred qualification:

  • Knowledge of topics like counterintelligence, personnel security and/or insider threats.
  • PhD in Psychology or Social Science or Behavioral Science.

Company Description

PKH Enterprises (PKH) is a small, woman-owned professional services firm dedicated to helping clients address challenging policy and technology issues. The PKH team is comprised of professionals with varied backgrounds combining legal, policy and technical expertise and offers the services and experience of business process engineers, senior subject matter experts and certified project managers. Our diverse capabilities help our clients improve performance and achieve innovative solutions to their most complex business problems. Our clients turn to us as partners and trusted advisors, and depend on our ability to anticipate, recognize and address their specific needs. PKH has a reputation for excellence and remains dedicated to generating successful results for tasks at all levels of project execution.

To all recruitment agencies: PKH Enterprises does not accept unsolicited agency resumes/CVs. PKH Enterprises is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/CVs.

PKH Enterprises is an Equal Opportunity Employer.