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Behavioral Data Science Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

This role sits at the intersection of data science, engineering, and political analysis. The work ranges from modeling voter behavior to building internal platforms that accelerate research workflows ...

This role sits at the intersection of data science, engineering, and political analysis. The work ranges from modeling voter behavior to building internal platforms that accelerate research workflows ...

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Behavioral Data Science information

See Virginia salary details

$23.3K

$104.4K

$194.5K

How much do behavioral data science jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for behavioral data science in Virginia is $104,426.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,810.00 and $141,989.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What can I do with a behavioral data science degree?

A behavioral data science degree prepares individuals for roles such as data analyst, behavioral scientist, or user experience researcher, focusing on analyzing human behavior through data. Graduates often work with statistical tools, programming languages like Python or R, and data visualization software to inform decision-making in marketing, product development, or healthcare. These roles typically require strong analytical skills and understanding of psychological or social science principles.

What does a behavioral data scientist do?

A behavioral data scientist analyzes data related to human behavior to identify patterns and insights that can inform decision-making. They use statistical methods, machine learning, and data visualization tools to interpret complex datasets and often work with psychology, marketing, or product teams to improve user engagement and outcomes.

What is behavioral data science?

A Behavioral Data Science job focuses on analyzing human behavior using data-driven techniques from psychology, economics, and machine learning. Professionals in this field work with large datasets to understand, predict, and influence decision-making patterns. They apply statistical models, AI, and behavioral theories to areas like marketing, finance, healthcare, and policy-making. The role typically involves data collection, analysis, and interpretation to optimize user experiences and business strategies.

What types of projects or problems do behavioral data scientists typically work on?

Behavioral Data Scientists often tackle projects that involve analyzing patterns in user behavior, identifying factors that drive engagement, or developing predictive models related to decision-making. They may work on optimizing customer experiences, evaluating the effectiveness of behavioral interventions, or supporting product teams with data-driven insights. The role frequently involves collaborating with psychologists, UX researchers, and business strategists to integrate behavioral data into broader company goals. This work requires both technical analysis and the ability to communicate findings to diverse stakeholders.

Is behavioral data science in high demand?

Behavioral data science is in high demand as organizations seek to understand human behavior through data analysis, machine learning, and statistical modeling. Professionals with skills in programming, data visualization, and behavioral psychology are especially sought after across industries such as marketing, healthcare, and finance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in behavioral data science, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Behavioral Data Scientist, you need expertise in behavioral science, statistics, and data analysis, typically backed by an advanced degree in psychology, data science, or a related field. Familiarity with tools like Python, R, SQL, and data visualization platforms, as well as certifications in data analytics, is highly valued. Strong critical thinking, communication, and collaboration skills help you interpret complex data patterns and translate them into actionable insights. These abilities are crucial for effectively analyzing human behavior data and driving organizational decision-making.

What are the most commonly searched types of Behavioral Data Science jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Behavioral Data Science jobs in Virginia are:
What job categories do people searching Behavioral Data Science jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Behavioral Data Science jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Behavioral Data Science jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Behavioral Data Science job openings:
Infographic showing various Behavioral Data Science job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 90% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,426 per year, or $50.2 per hour.

Verification & Validation Data Scientist

shrm

Alexandria, VA โ€ข Hybrid

$110K - $135K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

Summary

This role exists to answer one question independently: do the synthetic-audience and automated systems actually perform as claimed? It is a verification-and-validation function drawn from data science, closer to model validation, ML evaluation, and the independent V&V discipline used in regulated and safety-critical software than to market research. The V&V Data Scientist will design and run the evaluation that benchmarks system output against ground-truth data, owns the accuracy metrics and error bounds, and certifies fitness for use, working independently of the engineer who builds the models. The separation of duties is the point: the builder does not grade their own work.

Responsibilities
  • Design and run the independent validation methodology: benchmark synthetic-audience and automated output against real panel holdout and other ground-truth data.
  • Own the evaluation metrics, test harness design, and reported accuracy bounds; quantify where each system is and is not reliable.
  • Certify fitness for use, translate results into clear โ€œvalidated for this use / not validated for that useโ€ determinations.
  • Operate independently of the AI/Synthetic Engineer: verify the models and pipelines AI/Synthetic Engineer builds without having built them.
  • Monitor for model and data drift over time; re-validate as models, prompts, and source data change.
  • Maintain the audit trail and evidence base that supports the functionโ€™s credibility with stakeholders and any external auditor.
Education & Experience RequirementsEducationยทย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  Bachelorโ€™s degree in computer science, mathematics, or engineering or relevant equivalent experience in lieu of degree.ย  Masterโ€™s degree preferred.Experience
  • Seven (7) or more years in data science, model validation, ML evaluation, or an independent V&V / QA function.
  • Demonstrated experience independently validating models or systems against ground-truth data, evaluation design, benchmarking, and error analysis.
Certifications - NAKnowledge, Skills & Abilities
  • Strong applied statistics and metrics design; fluency in accuracy, bias, calibration, and uncertainty quantification.
  • Working understanding of LLMs and synthetic-respondent systems and their failure modes โ€” enough to test them rigorously.
  • Independence and rigor: the temperament to challenge results and withhold sign-off, including from colleaguesโ€™ work.
  • Clear communication: able to tell a non-technical executive, with evidence, why a result can or cannot be trusted.
  • Ability to effectively leverage artificial intelligence (AI) tools and technologies to streamline workflows, enhance productivity, and improve overall work quality.
  • Familiarity with survey/behavioral data as a validation target preferred.
ย Physical Requirements

This position operates in a typical office environment (which includes a home office setting) and requires the ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation. Physical requirements may include:

  • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
  • Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing, handling documents, and using office equipment.
  • Occasional standing, walking, bending, and reaching.
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds as needed.
  • Clear verbal and written communication skills for effective interaction with colleagues and stakeholders.
Work EnvironmentHybrid Schedule (3 Days In-Office/2 Days Remote)

This position follows a hybrid work schedule, with Tuesday through Thursday in office and Monday and Friday remote.ย  Employees must be available during standard business hours, with core hours beginning between 8:00โ€“9:00 a.m. and concluding between 5:00โ€“6:00 p.m. local time.

Travel: ย Occasional 0 โ€“ 10%

#LI

The hiring range for this position is $110,000 to $135,000 per year. This range is an estimate, and the actual salary may vary based on the candidate's experience, skills, and qualifications. SHRM offers a competitive and comprehensive total rewards package. The benefits for this position include professional growth and development, health, dental, vision, well-being, health savings, flexible spending, retirement, open leave, and annual discretionary bonus and incentives.


SHRM logo

About SHRM

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

SHRM, the Society for Human Resource Management, creates better workplaces where employers and employees thrive together. As the voice of all things work, workers and the workplace, SHRM is the foremost expert, convener and thought leader on issues impacting today's evolving workplaces. With nearly 325,000 members in 165 countries, SHRM impacts the lives of more than 235 million workers and families globally.

Industry

Human resources consulting services

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

Alexandria, VA, US

Year founded

1948

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