Job Description

BEHAVIORAL SCIENTIST

Thought Leadership & Financial Decision Making

Location: Remote - anywhere in the U.S.

THE OPPORTUNITY

SBS Creatix is partnering with a national financial services firm to find a Behavioral Scientist who can do more than run a study - someone who can turn behavioral research into content people outside the company actually want to read.

This role sits at the front of the firm's thought leadership work. You'll generate original research on how people make financial decisions, translate it into clear external-facing content, and help shape how financial advisors put behavioral insights to work with their clients. Think semi-research, not academic. The writing matters as much as the study design.

You'll partner closely with internal leadership while maintaining strong connections in the academic community. Client segmentation work is a major focus - figuring out which aspects of decision making matter to which audiences, then building content that speaks to them.

WHAT MAKES THIS ROLE DIFFERENT

- It's externally focused. Most behavioral science roles point inward. This one is about how the firm's thinking shows up in the market.

- Thought leadership is the job, not a side project. You'll produce the research and the content that comes out of it.

- You'll operate with minimal direction. This is a role for someone who can set their own course and run.

- Less experience design, more research and communication. The emphasis is on client segmentation and public-facing insight.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Consulting & Integration

- Apply behavioral science principles to strengthen how the firm delivers holistic advice and guidance to clients.

- Guide senior leaders in setting strategic direction and vision for key areas of the business.

- Consult with business areas to develop effective solutions, using behavioral insights to influence decision making and improve behaviors firm-wide.

- Collaborate across functions - experience and design centers of expertise, enterprise design, and other shared services teams.

Research & Experimentation

- Design and consult on research methodologies - both qualitative and quantitative - to address firm-wide business issues.

- Generate original research on client segmentation and financial decision making, then build content from it that can be shared and promoted.

- Lead and advocate for experimentation as a core business process, providing guidance on the design of experimental interventions to drive data-based decisions.

- Partner with external vendors and academic institutions to execute research projects and keep the latest advances in behavioral science applied to firm strategy.

Design Expertise & Leadership

- Support the creation and execution of enterprise design strategy, providing thought leadership that better serves clients and aligns with business objectives.

- Integrate with - and where appropriate lead - cross-disciplinary design teams tackling complex business questions, bringing behavioral science principles into design initiatives.

- Apply expertise in digital product design and common UX practices, using behavioral insights to optimize for key user behaviors.

Communication & Influence

- Represent complex data and behavioral science concepts clearly and accessibly for a range of audiences, including senior leadership and associates.

- Build behavioral science acumen across other groups within the firm.

- Produce external-facing content on financial decision making that positions the firm as a credible voice in the space.

WHAT YOU BRING

- Minimum 8 years of relevant work experience.

- Strong knowledge of behavioral science, psychology, behavioral economics, or a related field.

- Demonstrated experience producing external-facing thought leadership content, with expertise in financial decision making.

- Expertise in research design and methodology, with the judgment to independently drive decisions on methodology, prioritization, and strategic direction.

- Strong writing and communication skills - you can write for a real audience, not just a journal.

- Strong problem-solving abilities across broad and complex business challenges.

- A consultative and entrepreneurial approach to projects.

- Ability to collaborate across teams, lead large-scale initiatives, and influence senior stakeholders.

- Experience working with senior leaders and guiding them in integrating behavioral insights into key business initiatives.

- Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.

EDUCATION

- Master's degree in a relevant social science field - psychology, organizational behavior, behavioral finance, economics - or equivalent work experience.

- Doctorate preferred.

A NOTE ON YOUR APPLICATION

Writing samples are welcome and encouraged. Public-facing publications, articles, and reports tell us more about your fit than an academic bibliography will. If you've been doing this kind of work somewhere else, show us.

READY TO MAKE YOUR NEXT MOVE?

Apply now, or share this with someone in your network who fits. SBS Creatix has been a premier talent partner since 2003 - nationwide reach, St. Louis roots. We don't just fill roles, we build teams, and we guarantee our selection process.