Lead Innovation at the Defense Personnel Analytics Center

The Department of Defense (DoD) is at the forefront of evidence-based policy and human capital management. The Defense Human Resources Activity (DHRA) is currently seeking a highly qualified Supervisory Social Scientist to join their ranks as a Deputy Director at the Defense Personnel Analytics Center (DPAC). If you are a seasoned researcher with a passion for driving systemic change through data, this GS-15 opportunity offers a chance to influence the security and readiness of the United States military.

Job Responsibilities

In this role, you will do more than manage projects—you will shape the research agenda for the entire department. Key responsibilities include:

Scientific Vision: Establishing the technical roadmap for the organization's research portfolio.
Technical Authority: Serving as the final reviewer for the methodological rigor of all statistical assessments.
Leadership Engagement: Briefing senior leadership (SES/Flag Officers) and congressional staff on research findings and policy implications.
Mentorship: Leading a team of senior social scientists and managing their professional development.

Requirements

To be considered for this competitive position, you must meet the following criteria:

Experience: One year of specialized experience at the GS-14 level (or equivalent).
Education: Possession of the appropriate educational background in behavioral or social sciences as specified in the 0101 series standards.
Documentation: You must provide official or unofficial transcripts to verify your education.
Formatting: You must adhere strictly to the two-page resume limit.

Comparison Table: Qualifications and Expectations

Criteria	Requirement/Expectation
Grade Level	GS-15
Security Clearance	Secret
Resume Limit	2 Pages Max
Education	Required (Transcripts)
Primary Location	Alexandria, VA

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a salary range of $169,279 to $197,200 per year. Beyond the base compensation, federal employees benefit from:

Extensive health insurance options through the FEHB program.
Competitive retirement planning through FERS.
Substantial leave accrual and paid federal holidays.
Access to work-life balance initiatives, including telework opportunities.

Application Tips

Focus on Quality: Since you are limited to two pages, ensure your resume highlights leadership achievements rather than just routine tasks.
Check Your Formatting: Use at least a 10-point font and 0.5-inch margins. Non-compliant resumes are disqualified instantly.
Tailor Your Narrative: Explicitly map your experience to the "Specialized Experience" bullet points in the job description.

Serving as the Deputy Director at DPAC is an opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of military personnel. If you are an experienced leader in the social sciences looking to apply your expertise at the highest level of government, apply today via USAJOBS.

Why This Supervisory Social Scientist (Deputy Director) Job Matters

Shape the future of the Department of Defense by leading high-impact personnel analytics as the Deputy Director of 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 for the Defense Personnel Analytics Center (DPAC). In this high-level GS-15 role, you will provide critical technical leadership, overseeing large-scale research projects and social science initiatives that directly influence military readiness, policy-making, and workforce management. This is a unique opportunity for an expert in the field to guide institutional research agendas that have profound national security implications.

Requirements for Supervisory Social Scientist (Deputy Director)

U.S. Citizenship is required.
Must meet the Individual Occupational Requirements for the 0101 Social Science series.
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 grade level.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
Submission of a two-page maximum resume in PDF format.
Submission of academic transcripts verifying required education.
Compliance with Selective Service registration requirements for males born after 12/31/1959.

Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Social Scientist (Deputy Director)

Extensive experience in managing multi-year strategic research programs.
Proven track record of providing data-driven recommendations to SES or Flag Officer-level leadership.
Demonstrated ability to chair inter-agency committees or lead statistical standard-setting bodies.
Expertise in bridging social science theory with practical, high-stakes policy implementation.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal health, dental, and vision insurance programs.
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
✓Comprehensive life insurance coverage.
✓Generous paid annual leave, sick leave, and federal holidays.
✓Opportunities for professional growth and leadership development.
✓Telework eligibility.

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

Application Steps for Supervisory Social Scientist (Deputy Director) Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less in length.
Complete the online questionnaire via the provided link.
Upload all required documentation, including transcripts and SF-50 forms if applicable.
Submit your application package by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date.
Monitor your status via the USAJOBS Application Manager portal.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume strictly under two pages to avoid immediate disqualification.
Ensure your resume clearly quantifies your leadership and project management experience.
Submit all documents as PDFs to preserve formatting and page limits.
Do not wait until the last minute; give yourself time to troubleshoot potential file upload issues.
Use the resume builder tool in USAJOBS to ensure you capture all necessary federal information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a security clearance required for this role?

Yes, this position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.

What is the maximum page count for the resume?

The resume must be two pages or less. Resumes exceeding two pages will be immediately removed from consideration.

Is this position eligible for telework?

Yes, this position is eligible for telework, depending on agency guidelines.

Job from Defense Human Resources Activity

The Defense Personnel Analytics Center (DPAC) functions as the analytical engine for the DoD. Its mission is centered on the well-being and readiness of the Total Force. Through advanced social science research and rigorous personnel analytics, DPAC provides the insights necessary for senior leadership to navigate complex policy challenges. As a team member, you will contribute to an organization that values scientific integrity and the practical application of data to real-world personnel challenges.