Principal Scientist I

Vienna, VA
Full Time
Mission Support
Experienced
Principal Scientist I

Position Summary
DarkStar Intelligence seeks a Principal Scientist I to support a multi-agency research program with IC-wide impact, focusing on operations, training, and policy development for the High-Value Interrogation Group (HIG). The role involves providing technical expertise, overseeing research design and implementation, building collaborative relationships with federal, state, and international partners, and delivering tailored briefings and publications to senior stakeholders. The ideal candidate holds a TS/SCI with polygraph, a master’s degree in psychology or a related field (or equivalent experience), and at least two years of post-degree national security research experience. Subject matter expertise in social and behavioral sciences, cognitive neuroscience, or neuropsychology, along with a strong record of communication and collaboration, is essential. This is an opportunity to advance cutting-edge, ethical, science-based intelligence operations.

Location: Vienna, VA
Schedule (FT/PT): Full-Time
Travel Required: No
Shift: Day
Remote Type: No Remote
Security Clearance: Current TS/SCI
Polygraph: Current Counterintelligence Polygraph

Primary Duties and Responsibilities
  • Assist the Lead Government Program Manager (PM) in the oversight of a Research Program with IC-wide accountability and influence.
  • Provide technical expertise to accomplish the multi-agency mission and objectives.
  • Provide guidance to non-specialists in an understandable manner.
  • Prepare tailored informational briefings and work products.
  • Build collaborative networks with Federal, State, and local law enforcement and international partners and allies.
  • Assist in the oversight of a large and diverse research portfolio in support of operations, training, and policy development for the HIG.
  • Complete tasks given by the FBI Chief Research Psychologist to maintain the research program.
  • Support workstreams by receiving, responding to, and documenting research and training requests.
  • Create and conduct applications for research to support internal developments in training opportunities.
  • Engage with the U.S. and international research communities whose work is relevant to the activities of the HIG.
  • Monitor relevant research publications for data, methods and principles that can be useful to the operations, analysis, and training activities of the HIG.
  • Support competitive calls, such as Broad Agency Announcements, via the creation of materials and development of topic areas.
  • Maintain program documentation on timescales, milestones, and completeness to support management reviews.
  • Provide consultation to teams on pre-deployment interrogation plan and on the application of HIG-methods on on-going operations.
  • Interact on a regular basis with other USG and international operational personnel to share research findings, develop new collaborative opportunities, and ensure effective use of USG resources by leveraging research and field tests already ongoing and/or support by other USG and international scientific agencies.
  • Write and edit publications for communication within the IC as well as outside the IC about research relevant to effective interrogations (e.g., Research Dissemination Reports, review articles, etc.).
  • Agenda development and implementation support for the annual HIG Research Symposium, Research Out-Briefs Day, and Research Committee meetings.
  • Prepare and conduct tailored briefings on the HIG Research Program and findings to stakeholders, senior policy makers.
  • Attend relevant national and international conferences and courses.
  • Guide, Design and Implement Research methods and analysis plans.
  • Draft responses to weekly taskers, data calls, and Weekly Activity Reports (WAR) in a timely manner.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Clearance: TS/SCI with a current polygraph.
  • A bachelor’s degree in psychology, social sciences, or a closely related technical domain, combined with highly relevant work experience in research design, methodology, and data analytics.
  • At least two (2) years of post-degree experience conducting or managing research in support of national security.
  • Demonstrated experience briefing scientific research to a wide range of stakeholders.
  • Subject matter expertise in social and behavioral sciences, cognitive neuroscience, or neuropsychology.
  • Ability to establish robust, independent peer review assessments to evaluate USIC programs, papers, and projects.
  • Note: At the discretion of the Government, specialized experience may be substituted in lieu of specific educational requirements.
Desired Qualifications
  • A master’s degree in psychology, social sciences, or a closely related technical domain is highly preferred.
  • A strong record of publications in peer-reviewed journals.
  • Proven ability to identify and develop research opportunities in cutting-edge technology and ethical, science-based approaches to interviews, interrogations, and intelligence gathering.
  • Active engagement with IC working groups and communities of interest in the social and behavioral sciences.
Salary Range
Contact [email protected] for information regarding the salary range for this proposal effort

About DarkStar Intelligence

DarkStar Intelligence is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB). We are dedicated to advancing mission support and tradecraft development for our clients while emphasizing employee retention and client satisfaction. We deliver high-quality, intelligence-based solutions grounded in our “Core Four” values: humility, passion, agility, and ownership. Our team members embody humility by prioritizing the mission over personal recognition, bringing passion through relentless enthusiasm for problem-solving and innovation. With agility, they adapt swiftly to changing mission requirements and excel in team dynamics. Above all, our personnel take full ownership of their work, holding themselves accountable to deliver results and uphold the highest standards of excellence. We strive to make our country safer and create a lasting impact through these values.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

At DarkStar Intelligence LLC, we believe that Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) is not just a policy but a core value that defines our approach to building a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace. We are committed to fostering an environment where everyone is valued based on their skills, abilities, and qualifications and where employment decisions are made solely on merit.

We uphold a zero-tolerance stance on discrimination of any kind. Our commitment ensures that no one is discriminated against based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Our EEO principles are embedded in every facet of the employment process—from recruitment and hiring to promotions, transfers, training, and career development. We also apply this commitment to maintaining an inclusive work environment, equitable compensation and benefits, fair performance evaluations, and respectful terminations. At DarkStar Intelligence, diversity and inclusion are more than policies; they are essential to who we are and how we operate.

EEO Flyer: shorturl.at/abpNX

Employee Benefits

At DarkStar Intelligence LLC, we believe investing in our employees means providing a comprehensive benefits package designed to support their personal and professional well-being. We offer a variety of benefits to meet the diverse needs of our team:

Core Benefits:

  • Health Coverage: Medical, Dental, and Vision plans to ensure you and your family access essential care.
  • Income Protection: Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability to give you peace of mind.
  • Retirement Planning: A 401(k) plan to help you build a secure financial future.
  • Work-Life Support: Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Legal Services for added support whenever needed.
  • Paid Time Off: Generous PTO, 11 paid Federal Holidays, plus a Floating Holiday to celebrate what matters most to you.

Voluntary Benefits:

  • Identity & Legal Protection: LegalShield and IDShield protect your identity and provide access to legal resources.
  • Additional Coverage: Whole Life Insurance, Accident Insurance, and Critical Care Insurance for extra protection and peace of mind.

At DarkStar Intelligence, we are committed to providing benefits that empower you to thrive inside and outside the workplace. We value your contributions and strive to ensure you feel supported every step of the way.

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