Research Analyst - PhD Entry Level - System Evaluation Division
Overview
The Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) has an immediate opening in the System Evaluation Division (SED) for a Research Staff Member with deep technical expertise and computational or modeling skills. The ideal candidate is an experienced researcher with an eagerness to support the broad spectrum of research conducted in SED. The long-standing mission of SED is quantitative analysis and modeling of military systems and operations. Topics SED examines include performance of individual military or intelligence systems; effectiveness of various force mixes in a mission or campaign context; test and evaluation of systems in development; and the military utility of new concepts, technologies, or system architectures. IDA takes great pride in the high caliber and timeliness of its analyses, which are produced in a collegial atmosphere that encourages independent thinking, teamwork, and objective results. IDA provides an inclusive work environment and a comprehensive and competitive salary and benefits package. More information on the mission and research of the System Evaluation Division can be found on our webpage at https://www.ida.org/ida-ffrdcs/systems-and-analyses-center/system-evaluation-division
Responsibilities
Research Staff Members are mid- to senior-level members of IDA’s career research staff, typically with Doctorate degrees or extensive research, practical, or operational experience. Research Staff Members are responsible for contributing to scientifically sound research and providing technical review for others’ research products. IDA addresses diverse and ever-changing topics. Research Staff Members are expected to be adaptable, self-motivated, and committed to life-long learning; capable of working independently or as a member of an interdisciplinary research team; and able to work multiple projects concurrently. Specific research-related activities expected of Research Staff Members include:
- Develop and maintain relationships with potential sponsors and stakeholders in the national security community to identify emerging issues.
- Engage effectively with sponsors to understand their issues and constraints, and develop responsive research plans.
- Formulate research questions that address sponsors’ challenging and complex problems, and are informed by the broader context of national security.
- Identify key factors of the issue under study, and create and execute appropriate quantitative analytic methodologies, including novel computational and model-based approaches.
- Interact with government officials, military personnel, and other subject matter experts during the research process.
- Analyze, evaluate, and integrate data and model results to develop strategic and actionable insights.
- Prepare reports and presentations documenting findings, conclusions, and recommendations and effectively communicate the results of IDA’s analysis to sponsors and selected audiences.
Qualifications
- A minimum of a Doctoral degree in Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Applied Mathematics, Operations Research, or a closely related field of science, technology, or research.
- A demonstrated record of research accomplishments in the field of study.
- A demonstrated ability to perform independent research.
- Significant programming experience, preferably with modern programming environments and languages (C++, Python, R, MATLAB, etc.)
- Strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, particularly the ability to communicate technical information to technical and non-technical audiences.
- Significant interest in Department of Defense issues, military operations, and related subjects is desired.
Other Requirements
- Successful completion of a criminal background check is required.
- Travel (domestic or international) may be required.
- Candidates must submit a writing sample and provide an oral presentation to demonstrate good written and oral communication skills.
- Candidates must identify three references capable of attesting to the candidate’s skills and qualities relevant to the responsibilities of the position.
- Candidates are encouraged to submit a cover letter outlining how their experience, education, and skill set align with the responsibilities of the position.
U.S. Citizenship is required
Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance is required
IDA is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a fair recruiting process and working environment free from discrimination. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. Click here to learn more about IDA's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.