Social Media Research Scientist

Position description

Peraton has a need for multiple social scientists with experience translating empirical research findings into USG policy relevant recommendations at the operational and strategic levels. Experience with information operations  (IO) supporting clients in the DOD and/or USG information research and analysis (e.g. public affairs, intelligence, law enforcement, diplomacy, broadcasting, and foreign affairs) are strongly preferred. The ability to work on a team in a collaborative environment is a requirement. This position is located on a US Military Installation, US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), MacDill AFB, Tampa FL. 

The candidate will help develop and track measures of performance (MoP) and effectiveness (MoE) to assess social media operations, actions, and activities, as well as provide required social media assessment inputs to USSOCOM JMWC. The candidate will also help the team develop a broader understanding of indigenous populations abroad and inform broadertrends in social media development, as required. The selected applicant will serve as a principal or coprincipal investigator on several projects designing and analyzing primary research in multiple locations across the globe. The ability to fulfill these and other requirements for multiple end-users under tight deadlines is a must. 
Strong social scientific methodological skills are required, preferably with an understanding of quantitative methodologies as well. Ideally, the candidate will also have a working knowledge of contemporary USG security and foreign policy concerns across multiple Geographic Combatant Commands (GCC), especially as pertains to social media activities and usage. He or she will help coordinate multiple projects on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis (as required), design and develop graphics and illustrations for publications including formal presentations, proposals, reports, etc., and prepare and analyze specific reports as required. Strongwriting skills for concise and succinct executive summaries of large disparate data and contextual campaign analysis is necessary. In addition, the ideal candidate will have experience in DOD analysis and assessment environments and the ability to brief and write executive-level reports addressing command objectives. 

Duties and Responsibilities 

• Support JMWC-CORE population survey requirements and understanding of emerging social media usage, to include framework development, collection of measures of performance (MoP) and effectiveness (MoE), and predictive modeling
• Serve as a link to Counter Threat Messaging Support Program (CTMSP) research and assessment resources
• Coordinate survey requirements with USSOCOM and affiliated Geographic and Functional Combatant Commands
• Perform duties as a principal (or co-principal) investigator on opinion research projects intended to support JMWC research requirements
• Facilitate and deliver JMWC MISO product testing support

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications 

• Master's degree and 8 years of relevant experience or PhD with 4 years of relevant experience
• Experience in research design and analysis of non-western populations
• An advanced degree (MA, PhD,) in Political Science / International Relations, Area Studies, Sociology, Geography, Anthropology, or other related social science field.
• Experience as a principal investigator on a large research grant or equivalent industry experience (experience in a DOD research environment is also valuable, but not required)
• Experience in using statistical analysis software (i.e. SPSS, R, etc.)
• Experience with digital media and mass communication platforms
• Experience with technical innovation supporting social science and behavioral change
• Active/Current DoD Top Secret/SCI Clearance

Preferred Qualifications:

• Publications in peer-reviewed journals related to the position description above
• Joint intelligence or operational experience with US DoD GeographicalCombatant Commands
• Experience in Joint military assessments

Application instructions

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