Research Analyst - Entry-Level PhD

$112,924 - $263,335/Yr

Institute For Defense Analyses - Alexandria, VA

Full-time - Entry Level

Alexandria, VA

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

The Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) is seeking an entry-level Research Analyst to join the Science, Systems, and Sustainment Division (S3D) in Alexandria, VA. This position is ideal for candidates with a PhD in fields such as Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Applied Mathematics, or Operations Research. The Research Analyst will play a crucial role in supporting a wide range of research initiatives that address complex national security challenges. The work environment at IDA is collaborative and multidisciplinary, fostering independent thinking and teamwork. The Research Analyst will be involved in various tasks, including assessing military systems' performance, evaluating the effectiveness of force mixes in missions, and analyzing the impacts of climate on national security. The position requires a commitment to producing high-quality analyses in a timely manner, contributing to the organization's reputation for excellence in research.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to scientifically sound research and provide technical review for others' research products.
• 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, 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.

Requirements

• PhD 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.
• Successful completion of a criminal background check is required.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with data analysis and modeling techniques.
• Familiarity with national security issues and military operations.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits including diverse health insurance options.
• Generous 11% contribution to retirement.
• Maternity/paternity leave.
• 20 days paid time off.
• Relocation reimbursement.
• Tuition reimbursement for professional development.
• Internal and external training opportunities.
• Funding for researcher-pitched projects and publications.
• Flex time and partial telework options.
• Access to a brand-new facility with amenities including a cafeteria and gym.
• Employer contributes $300/month to commuter benefits.