Job Description

Adjunct Research Analysts provide technical, scientific, and analytical expertise in support of IDA’s work requiring independent and objective research, test, study and analyses of science policy and national security issues and related national challenges, particularly those requiring extraordinary scientific and technical expertise. This position supports IDA’s role as a trusted and decisive contributor to U.S. security and science and technology debates.

Responsibilities

• Researches, tests, studies, analyzes, hypothesizes, predicts, and/or evaluates issues within a project based on provided parameters, guidelines, and/or specifications of the project
• Individually or in team, prepares reports documenting conclusions and/or findings; may present findings of the final report to task sponsor and/or select audience(s)
• May be assigned as project leader to one or more projects to assist in and provide technical direction for project planning, requirements, budgetary objectives, and assignment of responsibility and authority
• Works with other researchers and sponsors to identify, prioritize, and communicate emerging issues for IDA, its sponsors, and the community
• Develops and sustains working relationships with sponsors to ensure that opportunities for further support and collaboration are surfaced

Qualifications

• At minimum, BS+10 years of experience or MS+8 years of experience or Ph.D.
• Demonstrated ability to perform independent research
• Proven ability to publish findings and present findings orally
• Able to present ideas, concepts, and theories orally and in writing
• Demonstrated innovative thinking and problem resolution
• Able to work in an unstructured environment and/or on more than one project concurrently
• Able to interact with government or industry representatives
• Travel may be required
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance is required

About IDA

The Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) is a private, nonprofit corporation headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, just outside Washington, DC. IDA’s mission is to answer the most challenging U.S. security and science policy questions with objective analysis leveraging extraordinary scientific, technical, and analytic expertise.

IDA embraces diversity and supports an inclusive work environment. Working here requires energy, commitment, flexibility, and teamwork. Whether you’re a graduate student ready to start your career, a professional looking for your next challenge, or a member of the military hoping to transition to the private sector while continuing to make a difference in the national security of your country, we offer exciting opportunities to learn and grow.

Sponsors rely on IDA for dispassionate, fact-based, and scientifically rigorous research and advice performed in a research environment free of commercial or shareholder interests where objectivity and the public interest are foremost.
The work produced by IDA is characterized by unquestioned objectivity and high quality. Because of our unique relationship with our U.S. Government sponsors, IDA enjoys unusual access to classified government information and sensitive corporate proprietary information.

Why Work at IDA?

• Mission-oriented work at a non-profit that supports and protects our Nation’s warfighters; as a non-profit, IDA employees are eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL).
• Organization-wide commitment to diversity in the workplace and providing a working environment free from discrimination, by fostering a culture of active citizenship and implementing data-driven processes of continuous feedback and learning.
• A strong employee and corporate culture of work-life balance, including commitment to average 40-hour work weeks through flex time, telework options, and expectation of communication only during core business hours.
• Located in Alexandria's high-tech corridor, IDA's brand new Potomac Yard facility is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, workspaces and amenities, including a cafeteria, grab-n-go cafe and gym.

Compensation

We support transparency, equity, and fairness in our compensation program and provide a reasonable estimate of the salary range based on data-driven market analysis for each position. While it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range, a reasonable estimate of the salary range for this role is $112,924-$263,335. Individual salary within this range will be commensurate with the incumbent’s experience, unique skills and qualifications, and other relevant factors.