Become a Leader in Defense Analytics: Supervisory Social Scientist (Deputy Director)

Are you a visionary leader with a passion for social science and national security? The Defense Human Resources Activity (DHRA) is looking for a Deputy Director to join the Defense Personnel Analytics Center (DPAC). This is an elite opportunity to shape the policies that support the men and women serving in our military.

Role Overview

As the Deputy Director, you will provide the technical and scientific backbone for the organization. You will manage a portfolio of projects that have direct national security implications, ensuring that every research report, statistical model, and policy recommendation meets the highest standard of scientific integrity.

Job Responsibilities

Scientific Vision: Establish and guide the scientific mission of the organization.
Technical Authority: Serve as the final approval for methodological rigor in social science research.
Executive Communication: Represent the organization to Congressional committees and senior defense leaders.
Policy Advocacy: Chair the Inter-Service Survey Coordinating Committee (ISSCC).
Supervision: Mentor and manage a team of high-performing social scientists.

Requirements and Qualifications

To qualify for this GS-15 position, you must demonstrate the following:

Requirement	Description
Experience	One year of specialized experience at the GS-14 level.
Leadership	Proven experience in scientific oversight of large-scale analytics.
Clearance	Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance.
Education	Degree in behavioral or social science (or equivalent).

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary range of $169,279 – $197,200 per year. In addition to salary, you will receive federal benefits including:

Robust Health and Life Insurance.
Generous Retirement programs (Pension + TSP).
Flexible leave policies and federal holidays.

Application Tips

Format Matters: Your resume must not exceed two pages. Over-length resumes are automatically disqualified.
Focus on Impact: Quantify your achievements. Describe how your research changed a specific policy or improved operational efficiency.
Documentation: Have your transcripts and SF50 ready before the deadline.

This role is for an expert who wants their work to matter at the highest level of government. If you are ready to lead and innovate in the field of defense analytics, apply today to start your journey with the Defense Personnel Analytics Center.

Why This Supervisory Social Scientist (Deputy Director) Job Matters

Shape the future of the Total Force as a Deputy Director with the Defense Personnel Analytics Center.

Supervisory Social Scientist (Deputy Director) Job Overview

The Defense Human Resources Activity (DHRA) is seeking a visionary Supervisory Social Scientist to serve as the Deputy Director of the Defense Personnel Analytics Center (DPAC) in Alexandria, Virginia. This high-level GS-15 role is pivotal in driving evidence-based research that directly impacts the readiness, well-being, and security of military personnel. You will lead large-scale research portfolios, establish scientific standards, and provide critical data-driven policy recommendations to senior Department of Defense leadership.

Requirements for Supervisory Social Scientist (Deputy Director)

One year of specialized experience at the GS-14 level or equivalent.
Expertise in developing multi-year strategic plans for research or analytics programs.
Proven track record of providing scientific leadership for large-scale social science, statistical, or data analytics projects.
Experience briefing senior leadership (GS-15, SES, or Flag Officers) on research findings and policy implications.
Must meet the individual occupational requirements for the 0101 Social Science series (Degree in behavioral/social science or a combination of education and experience).
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Social Scientist (Deputy Director)

Demonstrated ability to chair inter-agency committees or working groups.
Advanced experience in establishing statistical standards for department-wide data collection.
Strong background in translating organizational goals into prioritized research agendas.
Expertise in methodological rigor and quantitative modeling within a federal or military context.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary package.
✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options.
✓Federal retirement benefits, including pension and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
✓Telework eligibility as per agency policy.
✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
✓Opportunities for professional development and leadership growth.

💡 How to Apply Supervisory Social Scientist (Deputy Director) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Supervisory Social Scientist (Deputy Director) Job

Log into or create your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a resume that does not exceed the two-page limit.
Collect all required supporting documents, including transcripts and SF50 (if applicable).
Submit your application through the online portal before the deadline.
Complete the required USA Hire Assessment within 48 hours of closing if notified.
Track your application status via the USAJOBS dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume strictly to two pages; documents exceeding this limit will result in disqualification.
Clearly articulate your leadership experience and your ability to influence policy decisions.
Ensure your transcripts clearly show your name, the institution, and degrees earned.
Proofread your application to ensure all required fields in the questionnaire are completed accurately.
Save your resume and documents as a PDF to ensure formatting is preserved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is telework available for this position?

Yes, this position is eligible for telework, allowing for flexibility in the work environment.

What is the security clearance requirement?

The position requires a Secret security clearance to handle sensitive personnel information.

Can I use education as a substitute for experience?

No, at the GS-15 grade level, you must possess the required specialized experience; education alone is not a substitute for the mandatory work experience.

What is the closing date?

The position closes on November 9, 2026.

Is relocation assistance offered?

Please refer to the specific agency announcement guidelines as relocation is listed as False for this position.

Job from Defense Human Resources Activity

The Defense Personnel Analytics Center (DPAC) is a premier analytical unit within the Department of Defense. Its mission is to improve the readiness, well-being, and security of the Total Force through evidence-based research and high-level personnel analytics. By joining DPAC, you become part of an organization that influences critical defense policy.