behavioural scientist
Snapshot
Ever wondered why people make the choices they do? As a behavioural scientist, you’ll delve into the intricacies of human behaviour, using research and observation to understand motivations and influence positive change within organizations and communities.
Behavioural scientists play a vital role in understanding and shaping human actions. Your days might involve designing and conducting research studies, analysing data to identify patterns in behaviour, and developing strategies based on these findings. You'll work to improve outcomes in areas like public health, policy, marketing, and organisational effectiveness. While the focus is often on human behaviour, some behavioural scientists also study animal behaviour to gain broader insights into behavioural principles.
- • Conducting research using various methods (surveys, experiments, observations) to understand human behaviour.
- • Analysing data and drawing conclusions about the factors influencing behaviour.
- • Developing and implementing interventions or strategies to modify behaviour and achieve desired outcomes.
Where this occupation is in demand
Reported labour shortages and surpluses, by year. Published for occupation groups, not for individual job titles.
Deeper colour: reported the same way in more consecutive years.
Figures cover Legal, social and cultural professionals — 186 jobs including this one.
In shortage: Denmark, Italy.
Longest-running shortage: Italy, 2 years.
Select a place on the map to see its figures.
About this source›
Source: ELA/EURES labour shortages and surpluses. Readings are published at occupation-group level, and cover Europe. Editions differ in annex layout and country coverage, so a change between years does not always mean the labour market changed. Countries in grey were not reported, which is not the same as being in balance.
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Could behavioural scientist fit you?
Answer three quick questions. This is not a full assessment — it is a teaser to help you decide whether to compare your profile.
Do you enjoy tasks that require Analytical Thinking?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Persistence?
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Future Outlook for behavioural scientist
The outlook for behavioural scientist reflects a balanced mix of automation exposure and durable, human-led work.
How are these scores calculated?
The Resilience Score (0–100) estimates how structurally protected this occupation is from automation and AI disruption, based on task-level analysis. Higher scores mean more human-judgment-intensive tasks. AI Exposure shows the estimated percentage of task hours that current AI capabilities could affect. These are model-derived structural indicators, not predictions about individual job security.
How could behavioural scientist change as AI adoption grows?
This role is likely to change gradually, with AI supporting selected tasks rather than replacing the whole occupation.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How could behavioural scientist change as AI adoption grows?
This role is likely to change gradually, with AI supporting selected tasks rather than replacing the whole occupation.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How AI may change this role
Deterministic, model-based interpretation of current role signals — not a guarantee of replacement.
What still depends on people
- provide clinical psychological counselling
- interact professionally in research and professional environments
- evaluate research activities
Where AI may become a co-pilot
- apply statistical analysis techniques
- manage open publications
- demonstrate disciplinary expertise
Tasks most exposed to automation
- synthesise information
- apply for research funding
- report analysis results
Vital Signs & AI Vectors
AI Exposure Vectors
0-100%Exposure to AI-assisted analysis, pattern recognition, and predictive modelling tasks
Exposure to content generation, creative augmentation, and large language model tools
Exposure to physical automation, robotics, and sensor-driven task displacement
Exposure to workflow automation, decision-support software, and process digitisation
Technical Details
NexFuture v3.0 estimates automation exposure natively from ESCO essential-skill groups, weighted by skill mass and calibrated against expert anchors. Scores are probabilistic estimates, not guarantees. See the NexFuture Methodology White Paper for full details.
Measures automation exposure. It does not measure pay, demand, or how many jobs exist near you.
What people in this role usually do
Healthcare & Human Services
A typical day as a behavioural scientist
09 09:00 · Morning apply for research funding
10 10:30 · Mid-morning apply research ethics and scientific integrity principles in research activities
12 12:00 · Midday manage intellectual property rights
14 14:00 · Afternoon operate open source software
15 15:30 · Late afternoon apply knowledge of human behaviour
17 17:00 · Wrap-up apply scientific methods
Task order is illustrative. Individual days vary.
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animal behaviour
The natural behavioural patterns of animals, i.e. how normal and abnormal behaviour might be expressed according to species, environment, human-animal interaction and occupation.
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anthropology
The study of development and behaviour of human beings.
- biology
- empirical analysis
- pedagogy
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manage findable accessible interoperable and reusable data
Produce, describe, store, preserve and (re) use scientific data based on FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) principles, making data as open as possible, and as closed as necessary.
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perform scientific research
Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.
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apply scientific methods
Apply scientific methods and techniques to investigate phenomena, by acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.
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apply research ethics and scientific integrity principles in research activities
Apply fundamental ethical principles and legislation to scientific research, including issues of research integrity. Perform, review, or report research avoiding misconducts such as fabrication, falsification, and plagiarism.
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promote open innovation in research
Apply techniques, models, methods and strategies which contribute to the promotion of steps towards innovation through collaboration with people and organizations outside the organisation.
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integrate gender dimension in research
Take into account in the whole research process the biological characteristics and the evolving social and cultural features of women and men (gender).
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draft scientific or academic papers and technical documentation
Draft and edit scientific, academic or technical texts on different subjects.
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disseminate results to the scientific community
Publicly disclose scientific results by any appropriate means, including conferences, workshops, colloquia and scientific publications.
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write work-related reports
Compose work-related reports that support effective relationship management and a high standard of documentation and record keeping. Write and present results and conclusions in a clear and intelligible way so they are comprehensible to a non-expert audience.
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publish academic research
Conduct academic research, in universities and research institutions, or on a personal account, publish it in books or academic journals with the aim of contributing to a field of expertise and achieving personal academic accreditation.
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write scientific publications
Present the hypothesis, findings, and conclusions of your scientific research in your field of expertise in a professional publication.
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manage research data
Produce and analyse scientific data originating from qualitative and quantitative research methods. Store and maintain the data in research databases. Support the re-use of scientific data and be familiar with open data management principles.
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interact professionally in research and professional environments
Show consideration to others as well as collegiality. Listen, give and receive feedback and respond perceptively to others, also involving staff supervision and leadership in a professional setting.
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operate open source software
Operate Open Source software, knowing the main Open Source models, licensing schemes, and the coding practices commonly adopted in the production of Open Source software.
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speak different languages
Master foreign languages to be able to communicate in one or more foreign languages.
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apply statistical analysis techniques
Use models (descriptive or inferential statistics) and techniques (data mining or machine learning) for statistical analysis and ICT tools to analyse data, uncover correlations and forecast trends.
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evaluate research activities
Review proposals, progress, impact and outcomes of peer researchers, including through open peer review.
Skill DNA
Work personality traits and values that define this role
See whether this role fits your Career DNA
Take the free Career DNA assessment to see how behavioural scientist aligns with your interests, work style, and future path. In less than 10 minutes, you will get a personalized fit signal and a roadmap for what to do next.
Scan to continue on mobileGrowth Pathways & Similar Roles
Explore typical career progression paths, adjacent skills, and similar roles to plan your next transition.
Where does behavioural scientist fit?
Similarity scores based on skill overlap from ESCO data.
Frequently asked questions
- What kind of background is typically needed to become a behavioural scientist?
- A strong foundation in psychology, sociology, economics, or a related field is common. Many behavioural scientists hold a Master’s degree or PhD, though experience and demonstrated skills in research and analysis can sometimes substitute for advanced degrees.
- Can a behavioural scientist work independently, or is it primarily an employee role?
- This occupation is primarily an employee-based role, typically working within organisations, research institutions, or government agencies. While freelance consulting opportunities exist, the majority of behavioural scientists are employed.
- How does the study of animal behaviour relate to the work of a behavioural scientist?
- Studying animal behaviour provides valuable insights into fundamental behavioural principles that can be applied to understanding human behaviour. Observing animal responses to stimuli and social structures can inform theories and strategies used in human behaviour research.
- Behavioural Scientist — is there a shortage in Europe?
- No. In the 2025 ELA/EURES edition, a surplus was reported in 10 of the 12 European countries that assessed this occupation group: Austria, Czechia, Germany, Greece and 6 more. 2 countries reported a shortage. These assessments are published per occupation group rather than per job title.
- Behavioural Scientist — what does it pay in the United States?
- $101,690 a year at the median, as of 2025-05. State medians run from $46,950 to $140,770. Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is a United States figure and not a projection for Europe.