Job Description

The Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) is a non-profit federally funded research and development center. IDA provides answers to questions posed by the Department of Defense and other agencies that require careful analysis. IDA takes great pride in the high caliber and timeliness of its analyses, which are produced in an atmosphere that encourages independent thinking and objective results.

Responsibilities

The Joint Advanced Warfighting Division (JAWD) has an immediate opening for a Research Associate (RA) with a strong interest in national security challenges, demonstrated analytical skills and relevant educational training. Full-time professional staff at IDA are expected to be able to work independently, as a member of a study team, or under the direction of senior study leaders and analysts.

Research Staff are expected to be familiar with standard methods for collecting, compiling, summarizing, analyzing and presenting quantitative and qualitative data/information. They should be able to apply appropriate quantitative and analytic methods to support the needs of particular studies or analyses. As members of interdisciplinary research teams, researchers must demonstrate strong communication (oral and written) and interpersonal skills with the ability to contribute effectively to a team approach to problem solving.

The national security issues that IDA addresses change constantly, and researchers are expected to be adaptable and self- motivated, demonstrate a capacity for independent thought, sound judgment, and creativity in analyzing complex policy, operational, and technical problems. As part of the research process, IDA research teams may travel to US government or US security partner locations (typically, but not always headquarters or office-like locations). Researchers may be asked to assist in these field research activities as projects require.

Duties Include:

• Participating in and leading research efforts using appropriate analytical tools, research methods, and best practices (for example; operations research techniques, structured analytic techniques, or data analysis and econometric methods).
• Presenting complex analyses to a wide range of audiences both orally, visually, and in writing.
• Supporting the design, development, and execution of studies, models and simulations, and wargames.
• Contributing to written task reports, papers, and briefings to Government officials on subjects relating to a wide range of topics including (but not limited to) defense innovation, red teaming, operational concepts, and future military capabilities.
• Planning, supporting, and facilitating data gathering, research exchanges, and meetings with individuals and organizations outside of IDA.
  

Qualifications

• A Bachelors or Masters degree (Political Science, Operations Research, International Security/Strategy, and related disciplines. In addition, relevant degrees with an emphasis on data science, applied mathematics or statistics will be considered.
• Experience or academic training in defense and national security related areas.
• A demonstrated ability to conduct research and analysis independently within a flat organizational structure is required.
• The ability to communicate research and analysis simply and clearly in accepted research writing styles (such as MLA, APA, or Chicago style) is required. Candidates will be asked to provide a writing sample demonstrating research and writing skills.
• Candidates are highly encouraged to submit a cover letter outlining their interests, skill set, experiences, and education.

Desired Qualifications:

• Proficiency in relevant analytic tools and methods.
• Interest in publishing in professional literature outlets.
• 4+ years of relevant work experience.
  

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 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 transitioning to the private sector, IDA offers exciting opportunities to learn and grow while contributing to U.S. national security.

Sponsors rely on IDA for dispassionate, fact-based, and rigorous high-quality research and advice that emphasize objectivity and the public interest. IDA’s status as an FFRDC facilitates strong partnerships with our U.S. Government sponsors and provides IDA trusted access to classified government information and sensitive corporate proprietary information.

Why work at IDA?

IDA, as a non-profit, is uniquely positioned to answer the most challenging U.S. security and science questions with objective and rigorous analysis leveraging extraordinary scientific, technical, and analytic expertise. This position is located in Alexandria, VA, just outside Washington, D.C.

IDA offers the following benefits and resources to their employees:

• Comprehensive benefits including diverse health insurance options, generous 10% contribution to retirement, maternity/paternity leave, 20 days paid time off, and relocation reimbursement.

• Mission-oriented work at a non-profit that supports and protects our warfighters

• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) due to IDA's non-profit status.

• Professional development including tuition reimbursement, internal and external trainings, and funding for researcher-pitched projects and publications.

• A strong employee and corporate work-life balance.

• A brand-new facility located in Alexandria’s high-tech corridor in Potomac Yard; amenities include a cafeteria, gym, and close proximity to local dining and shopping.

• Easy access to Potomac Yard Metro stop and Potomac Yard DASH bus stop. Employer contributes $300/month (IRS max) to commuter benefits.

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 $68,681 - $194,054. Individual salary within this range will be commensurate with the incumbent’s experience, unique skills and qualifications, and other relevant factors.