Behavioural Scientist

Spektrum supports apex purchasers (NATO, UN, EU and National Government and Defence) and their Tier 1 supplier ecosystem with a wide range of specialist services. We provide our clients with professional services, specialised aerospace and defence sales, delivery, and operational subject matter expertise. We are looking for personnel to join our team and support key client projects.

Who we are supporting

Allied Command Transformation (ACT) is NATO’s leading agent for change: driving, facilitating, and advocating the continuous improvement of Alliance capabilities to maintain and enhance the military relevance and effectiveness of the Alliance. The main objectives of ACT are: providing appropriate support to NATO missions and operations; leading NATO military transformation; and improving relationships, interaction and practical cooperation with partners, nations and international organisations. ACT therefore leads Alliance concept development, capability development, training and lessons-learned initiatives and provides unfettered military support to policy development within NATO.

The program 

Capability Development & Management Support (CDMS)

 DCOS Capability Development (CAPDEV) acts as the Supreme Allied Commander Transformation's Director for guidance, direction and coordination of the activities and resources of the Capability Development Directorate.

The Requirements Division will execute all tasks and activities needed to support requirements management for NATO capabilities

The Capability Requirements (CR) Branch will develop the Capability Requirements Brief and recommended courses of action to resolve issues through the life cycle management of requirements using matrixed, cross-functional project-specific Requirements Management teams.

The Requirements Forward Branch (Mons) is responsible for conducting requirements development and management representation and engagement-related functions in Europe.

The Capability Division coordinates the development of capabilities from capability planning through acceptance and then disposal with management entities, NATO Headquarters staff and the NATO Governance Structure

The Capability Forward Branch (Mons) coordinates with ACO, NCIA, NSPA, NATO HQ, territorial Host Nations, and NATO Centres of Excellence (COEs) to support the development of capabilities.

Strategic Plans and Policy (SPP) supports Allied Command Transformation in formalizing military advice to shape future military strategy, political guidance, and other policy documents supporting NATO’s strategic objectives.

Role Responsibilities

• Identify Directly supporting a key NATO project within ACT by integrating cognitive effects thinking into product development and execution.


• Designing, executing and analysing experiments within the NATO Command Structure, or NATO exercises.


• Supporting the development and implementation of the NATO Cognitive Warfare Concept.


• Engaging with the Cognitive Warfare Community of Interest at designated workshops, conferences and other associated forums.


• Supporting the design and integration of cognitive and behavioural effects into NATO wargames and exercises.


• Aid with design and implementation of training related to cognitive vulnerability and cognitive enhancement. (individual and whole force)

Essential Skills and Experience

• Technical understanding of human behaviour, cognitive effects, and decision-making processes.


• Technical understanding of human behaviour, cognitive effects, and decision-making processes.


• Ability to analyse and model how individuals and target groups respond to various stimuli, including messaging, propaganda, and influence tactics.


• Knowledge of psychological theories related to behaviour change, persuasion, and influence.


• Crafting and implementing strategies to influence target audience perception, behaviour, and decision-making, especially in a military or political context.


• Understanding of the psychology of persuasion and manipulation, especially in the digital age, where information is rapidly disseminated.


• Familiarity with both traditional and modern media (social media, digital platforms) to disseminate messages for strategic influence and shaping outcomes.


• Ability to develop and manage complex information campaigns to achieve specific goals.

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Communication and Narrative Building
  
  
  
  • Strong skills in constructing and delivering compelling narratives that align with strategic goals.
  
  
  • Expertise in the creation and dissemination of impactful messages, considering cultural, psychological, and contextual factors.
  
  
  • Ability to craft persuasive mixed-media content tailored to specific audiences, including those with diverse or conflicting interests.
  
  
  
  


• Data Analytics and Cognitive Modelling
  
  
  
  • Proficiency in analysing large datasets to understand trends in behaviour, sentiment, and cognitive responses.
  
  
  • Use of tools and software for behavioural analysis, psychometrics, and sentiment analysis.
  
  
  
  


• Interdisciplinary Collaboration
  
  
  
  • Ability to work across mixed military/civilian teams, integrating insights from a range of disciplines and functional areas.
  
  
  
  

Education

• A bachelor’s degree in Behavioural Science, or related field.

Language Proficiency

• Advanced Proficiency in English

Working Location

• Norfolk, VA, USA

Working Policy

• On-Site

Contract Duration

• June 2025 – December 2029

Security Clearance

• Valid National or NATO Secret personal security clearance