The Applied Behavioral Science Team serves as Vanguard’s internal behavioral science consulting arm. We apply the science of how people think and act to design and test interventions that improve investors’ financial lives and deliver business value. From self-directed retail investors to retirement plan participants to clients enrolled in our advice services - we work with teams to enhance products and experiences that nudge investors to make sound financial decisions. We use mixed methods research, behavioral science theory, and experimentation to uncover why our clients deviate from sound financial principles and rigorously evaluate solutions to enhance client outcomes. Impact doesn’t stop at research - through consulting and stakeholder engagement, we find creative ways to integrate our scientific recommendations into the client experience to drive real-world impact.
In this role, you will plan, execute, and analyze research that explores the behaviors and motivations of clients, applying behavioral science principles to business initiatives. You will help identify high-priority business research questions and report findings to leaders throughout the end-to-end research process.

Core Responsibilities

• Consult with business stakeholders to identify business objectives and determine primary and secondary research methods to answer business questions. Document research questions and success measures.
• Perform contextual analysis to understand behavioral and psychological drivers of client behavior.
• Develop well informed hypotheses based on academic findings, internal research, and observed investor behavior.
• Develop and execute research plans to test hypotheses, including experiments to measure impact of behavioral science interventions. Collaborate with business partners as needed on the development and execution.
• Participate in, inform, and/or execute the design and statistical analysis of structured research based on social science theory and human decision-making principles. Develop research approaches and manage project timelines, stakeholders, scope, and deliverables.
• Analyze and interpret research results for statistical significance and form recommendations for product, experience, communication, and/or program changes to influence client behavior and outcomes.
• Prepare and deliver presentations on insights and recommended business actions. Communicate complex analytical findings and implications to business partners.
• Participate in special projects and perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Undergraduate degree or equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Minimum of five years related work experience.
• Advanced degree in social sciences focused on the study of decision making such as psychology, economics, sociology, public policy, judgement and decision making, or similar is required.
• Demonstrated expertise in mixed-methods research (e.g., surveys, lab and field experimentation) and analysis.

• Consult with business stakeholders to identify business objectives and determine primary and secondary research methods to answer business questions. Document research questions and success measures.
• Perform contextual analysis to understand behavioral and psychological drivers of client behavior.
• Develop well informed hypotheses based on academic findings, internal research, and observed investor behavior.
• Develop and execute research plans to test hypotheses, including experiments to measure impact of behavioral science interventions. Collaborate with business partners as needed on the development and execution.
• Participate in, inform, and/or execute the design and statistical analysis of structured research based on social science theory and human decision-making principles. Develop research approaches and manage project timelines, stakeholders, scope, and deliverables.
• Analyze and interpret research results for statistical significance and form recommendations for product, experience, communication, and/or program changes to influence client behavior and outcomes.
• Prepare and deliver presentations on insights and recommended business actions. Communicate complex analytical findings and implications to business partners.
• Participate in special projects and perform other duties as assigned