Research Scientist
$98KHigh match
High demand
Live · Guide v1.061B2 · Career GuideValidated · Lightcast Labor DataUpdated · Q2 20262026 Cohort Active
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USAF · 61B2Career Guide · Logistics · VWC.CG.61B2.R.04
61B2 · USAF · EnlistedResearch
Research
Psychologist.
Air Force 61B2 (Research Psychologist). 2,400 hours of formal training translate to 5 validated civilian career pathways with salary bands of $75K–$160K. Sourced from DoD training data and Lightcast labor signals.
Training hours2,400DoD pipeline
ACE creditACEVaries depending on specific graduate coursework. Up to 30 semester hours possible.
Tech roles3mapped to your code
Civilian pathways5validated
Cert coverage2/5direct + partial
/ 01 · Tech Roles
Roles your code maps to.
Industry tech roles your 61B2 background maps to — picked from BLS-anchored occupations using your training, cognitive skills, and systems experience.
Sort · Match descending
/ 02 · Skill Bridge
The gap, named.
What 61B2 training already gave you, and the specific gaps to close — not a generic checklist.
Already have05
- 01MATLAB (Matrix Laboratory)→ MATLAB, Python (with scientific computing libraries like NumPy, SciPy, Pandas)
- 02SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences)→ SPSS, SAS, R (statistical computing language)
- 03DoD High Performance Computing Modernization Program (HPCMP) resources→ Cloud-based high-performance computing platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) and commercial supercomputing facilities
- 04Geographic Information Systems (GIS) such as ArcGIS→ ArcGIS, QGIS (open-source GIS software)
- 05Joint Operation Planning and Execution System (JOPES)→ Project Management Software (e.g., Microsoft Project, Jira, Asana)
To learn06
The concrete gap to bridge — specific to the roles above, not a generic checklist.
+Python for Data Science (NumPy, Pandas, Scikit-learn)+Data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)+Cloud data warehousing (e.g., AWS Redshift, Google BigQuery)+Data pipeline tools (e.g., Apache Airflow, Luigi)+Agile project management methodologies+Technical documentation and communication
How VWC fits
Vets Who Code is a free, full-time software engineering accelerator for veterans, active duty, and military spouses. We close the fundamentals — terminal, web platform, AI tooling, portfolio projects — so the rest of this list becomes specialization, not square one.
See VWC Programs →/ 03 · Civilian Pathways
Where your code lands.
Management Consultant
$160KGood match
Growing demand
Skills to develop
- — MBA or relevant business certification
- — Industry-specific knowledge
Data Scientist
$120KGood match
Very high demand
Skills to develop
- — Advanced statistical modeling
- — Proficiency in Python or R
Technical Writer
$75KModerate match
Stable demand
Skills to develop
- — Excellent writing and communication skills
- — Knowledge of specific industry terminology
Market Research Analyst
$85KGood match
High demand
Skills to develop
- — SPSS or SAS software proficiency
- — Marketing principles
/ 04 · Hidden Strengths
What the code built.
Cognitive skills your 61B2 training built — and where they transfer in civilian work.
System Modeling
This role involves constructing experimental models and employing mathematical techniques, including simulation and optimization theories, to analyze complex systems and predict outcomes.
Transfers to
You can understand and create models of complex systems to predict behavior and optimize performance, a skill highly valued in various industries.
After-Action Analysis
The role requires analyzing research findings, evaluating the effectiveness of psychological operations, and preparing technical reports with recommendations for future projects.
Transfers to
Your ability to dissect complex projects, identify areas for improvement, and create actionable recommendations translates directly to improving efficiency and outcomes in a civilian setting.
Resource Optimization
Managing scientific programs, projects, and activities involves optimizing resource allocation to achieve research goals and coordinating efforts with various agencies.
Transfers to
You excel at managing resources efficiently to maximize impact, a crucial skill for any organization looking to improve productivity and reduce waste.
Adversarial Thinking
Designing and conducting research to analyze foreign target audiences to support psychological operations requires anticipating potential challenges and developing counter-strategies.
Transfers to
Your ability to anticipate challenges and develop counter-strategies is highly valuable in fields where strategic planning and risk mitigation are essential.
/ 05 · Non-Obvious Matches
Roles the recruiter won't suggest.
Adjacent civilian roles your training maps to that conventional military-to-civilian advice tends to miss.
Market Research Analyst
SOC 19-3022You've been analyzing complex data to understand target audiences, which directly translates to identifying consumer trends and preferences for businesses.
Adjacent · MatchManagement Consultant
SOC 13-1111You've been planning and managing research projects, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing changes, which is exactly what management consultants do to optimize business processes.
Adjacent · MatchBusiness Intelligence Analyst
SOC 15-2051You've got experience analyzing theories and research findings to determine applications, which makes you perfect for turning raw business data into actionable insights and strategic recommendations.
Adjacent · MatchPolicy Analyst
SOC 13-2099Your background in developing concepts, methods, techniques, and policy in influence operations positions you well to research, analyze, and recommend policies to improve government or organizational effectiveness.
Adjacent · Match/ 06 · Training & Certs
What you trained on.
Academy
Graduate Level Psychologist Training
Various Locations (e.g., Wright-Patterson AFB, Lackland AFB)2,400hHours
60wkWeeks
ACECredit
Varies depending on specific graduate coursework. Up to 30 semester hours possible.
Topics · 8
- Research Methodologies & Design
- Statistical Analysis & Modeling
- Psychological Operations Principles
- Behavioral Analysis Techniques
- Experimental Design & Data Interpretation
- Technical Writing & Reporting
- Program Management & Evaluation
- Interdisciplinary Scientific Applications
Partial coverage · 2
- Project Management Professional (PMP)60%
Requires study of the PMI PMBOK guide, focusing on the five process groups (Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring and Controlling, Closing) and ten knowledge areas (Integration, Scope, Schedule, Cost, Quality, Resource, Communications, Risk, Procurement, Stakeholder).
- Certified Research Administrator (CRA)70%
Requires in-depth knowledge of research regulations, compliance, and financial administration specific to academic and government research settings. Focus on areas like IRB, IACUC, and grant management processes.
Recommended next · 03
- Certified Analytics Professional (CAP)Adjacent
- Six Sigma Green BeltAdjacent
- Certified Professional in Data Science (CPDS)Adjacent
/ 07 · Systems Translation
What you ran, in their words.
Military systems you operated and their civilian equivalents for your resume.
| Military System | Civilian Equivalent | Domain |
|---|---|---|
| MATLAB (Matrix Laboratory) | MATLAB, Python (with scientific computing libraries like NumPy, SciPy, Pandas) | Operations |
| SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) | SPSS, SAS, R (statistical computing language) | Operations |
| DoD High Performance Computing Modernization Program (HPCMP) resources | Cloud-based high-performance computing platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) and commercial supercomputing facilities | Operations |
| Geographic Information Systems (GIS) such as ArcGIS | ArcGIS, QGIS (open-source GIS software) | Operations |
| AFRL proprietary modeling and simulation software | Commercial modeling and simulation software (e.g., AnyLogic, Simio), depending on the application domain | Operations |
| Joint Operation Planning and Execution System (JOPES) | Project Management Software (e.g., Microsoft Project, Jira, Asana) | Operations |
| Psychological Operations Toolkit (specific tools vary) | Audience analysis and social media analytics platforms (e.g., Brandwatch, Meltwater), survey design and analysis tools (e.g., Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey) | Operations |
/ Translator · Live
Translate 61B2 into a resume that ships.
Pair this guide with the VWC AI-powered translator: drop in your service record, get back ATS-optimized civilian resume language tuned to the tech roles above.