Advance Your Career as a Social Scientist with the IRS
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is much more than a tax agency; it is a data-driven institution that manages the financial backbone of the United States. We are currently searching for a dedicated Social Scientist to join our Taxpayer Services division. This GS-14 level position is ideal for experienced researchers who want to apply their expertise in behavioral psychology and socioeconomic studies to improve taxpayer experiences and compliance programs nationwide.
Job Responsibilities
As a Social Scientist, you will serve as a technical expert responsible for the end-to-end management of research projects. Key duties include:
- Research Initiation: Defining the scope, methodology, and objectives for behavioral and socioeconomic studies.
- Data Analysis: Utilizing statistical methods to profile taxpayer behavior and market segments.
- Strategic Advising: Providing guidance to management on program goals and policy implementation.
- Reporting: Developing comprehensive reports and presenting findings to executive-level stakeholders to drive operational changes.
Requirements
To be eligible for this position, you must meet specific federal requirements, including:
- Experience: One year of specialized experience at the GS-13 grade level.
- Education: A degree in behavioral or social sciences or a combination of education and experience.
- Documentation: A well-structured, two-page resume that highlights your specific impact in research roles.
- Time-in-Grade: Current federal employees must meet TIG and TACA requirements.
Qualifications Comparison Table
| Criteria | Requirement Level |
|---|---|
| Grade Level | GS-14 |
| Experience | 1 Year at GS-13 level |
| Security Level | Moderate Risk |
| Work Schedule | Day Shift (Mon-Fri) |
Salary Overview
This position offers a highly competitive annual salary ranging from $133,007 to $187,093, commensurate with experience and the locality of the selected duty station.
Benefits
Employees of the IRS enjoy a robust benefits package, including:
- Health, vision, and dental insurance options.
- Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- Enrollment in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching contributions.
- Opportunities for flexible work schedules and telework.
Application Tips
- Be Precise: Include exact dates and hours per week on your resume.
- Formatting Matters: Keep the document to two pages and use a professional, sans-serif font.
- Tailor Your Content: Focus on your individual contributions rather than simply repeating the job announcement.
- Submit Early: Don't wait until the final hour of the closing date to upload your documents.
If you are a driven social scientist looking to apply your research skills to one of the most significant data sets in the country, this role offers unparalleled growth. Apply today to contribute to the mission of the IRS and the future of taxpayer services.
Why This Social Scientist Job Matters
Transform national taxpayer data into actionable insights—join the IRS as a Social Scientist and shape the future of tax administration.
Social Scientist Job Overview
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is seeking a highly skilled Social Scientist to join the Taxpayer Services organization. In this GS-14 role, you will act as a technical authority, applying social psychology and socioeconomic principles to understand taxpayer behavior. You will lead high-level research projects, identify behavioral segments, and provide critical recommendations that influence agency operations and compliance strategies.
Requirements for Social Scientist
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Completion of a probationary period if applicable.
- Possession of a government-issued charge card for official travel.
- One year of specialized experience at the GS-13 level or equivalent.
- Must meet Time-in-Grade (TIG) requirements for federal employees.
- Must meet the 90-day Time After Competitive Appointment (TACA) requirement.
- Ability to independently lead research studies using social science and statistical methods.
Preferred Qualifications for Social Scientist
- Advanced degree in behavioral or social sciences.
- Expertise in identifying behavioral profiles and market segments.
- Proven experience presenting complex research findings to executive-level stakeholders.
- Demonstrated technical leadership in formulating and executing research plans.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary structure.
- ✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options.
- ✓Federal retirement benefits including FERS and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- ✓Flexible work arrangements, including potential telework and staggered hours.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development in a high-impact government agency.
💡 How to Apply Social Scientist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Social Scientist Job
- Preview the online questionnaire on the USA Staffing portal.
- Prepare a resume limited to two pages, following federal formatting guidelines.
- Gather supporting documents such as transcripts, SF-50s, and performance appraisals.
- Complete the online application via the USAJobs link before the deadline.
- Monitor your status through the USAJobs dashboard for notifications.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume to two pages and avoid using photos or sensitive personal information.
- Ensure your resume includes specific dates (MM/DD/YYYY) and hours worked per week for each role.
- Do not simply copy and paste the job description; tailor your resume to reflect your actual accomplishments.
- Ensure your email is active and check your spam folder for official correspondence.
- Submit your application well before the 11:59 PM ET deadline on the closing date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is federal experience required for this role?
No, while federal experience is beneficial, you may qualify through equivalent experience in the private or public sector.
Can I work remotely?
The position is designated for specific duty locations and is not a fully remote position, though telework eligibility may apply.
What is the GS-14 salary range?
The annual salary range for this position is $133,007 to $187,093 depending on the locality and step.
What is the duty location for this job?
Positions are available in Washington, D.C., Atlanta, GA, and Lanham-Seabrook, MD.
Is a security clearance required?
While a formal security clearance is not required, the position is designated as 'Moderate Risk' and requires suitability/fitness adjudication.
Job from Internal Revenue Service
The Department of the Treasury and the IRS are dedicated to applying tax laws with integrity and fairness. As an IRS employee, you contribute to an organization that processes over 200 million tax returns annually and collects over $2 trillion in revenue. We value diverse backgrounds and offer a professional environment where your work directly impacts national economic systems.