Behavioral Research Scientist

Location: San Francisco, CA (preferred)
Type: Full-Time
Team: Research

Company Overview

At Blok, we’re building the simulation engine powering the next generation of adaptive software. Our multi-agent system predicts how different types of users will respond to digital experiences before any code is shipped. Product teams use Blok to simulate onboarding flows, test risky design changes, and de-risk product bets without waiting weeks for live traffic.

Job Summary

We are looking for a Behavioral Research Scientist to help shape the cognitive and behavioral foundations of our agents. This role involves applying cognitive and behavioral research at scale, significantly impacting how digital products are designed. You will join a team that is at the intersection of AI, behavioral science, and product experimentation.

Responsibilities

• Ground AI agents in validated behavioral and cognitive frameworks by modeling decision-making, attention, heuristics, and risk.
• Translate behavioral theories into practical agent architectures, assisting in defining clusters and user personas.
• Collaborate with Machine Learning (ML) researchers to integrate behavioral traits, constraints, and variability into agents’ planning and reasoning processes.
• Design in silico experiments to test agent responses to interface or flow changes and benchmark realism.
• Analyze simulation data for emerging behavioral patterns and edge cases, informing future iterations of the agentic foundation model.
• Help evolve the agentic foundation model toward more realistic, adaptive simulations of human users.

Qualifications

• PhD or postdoctoral experience in Cognitive Science, Behavioral Economics, Psychology, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field.
• Proven experience conducting original research on decision-making, learning, or behavioral modeling, especially in digital contexts.
• Passion for applying research to real-world systems with a focus on depth and rigor.
• Proficiency in interpreting data and collaborating with engineers in a fast-paced environment.
• Bonus: Experience with agent-based modeling, reinforcement learning (RL), or AI safety/alignment.
• Bonus: Experience working with product teams, experimentation tools, or UX researchers.

Preferred Skills

• Advanced statistical analysis and modeling skills.
• Familiarity with programming languages like Python or R for data analysis.
• Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly to diverse audiences.

Experience

Prior research experience in behavioral science or related fields is essential, ideally with publications or projects that reflect your expertise.

Environment

This position is based in San Francisco, CA, with options for flexible hours and hybrid remote work. You will be part of a fast-moving team dedicated to understanding human behavior in digital contexts.

Salary

Salary Range: $140,000 - $160,000 depending on experience, along with a generous equity package.

Growth Opportunities

This role offers the chance to work directly with customers, run impactful experiments, and see the results of your models in short time frames. Opportunities for advancement into senior research roles or leadership positions within the company are available.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and mental health benefits.
• Paid time off and flexible working hours.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.