Research Analyst

CNA - Arlington, VA

Full-time - Entry Level

Arlington, VA

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

CNA's China and Indo Pacific Affairs (CIP) division is looking for a Research Analyst to be part of their China Studies Program team. We are looking for candidates that have professional level Mandarin language capabilities and who specialize in China studies, to work on projects that focus on military and security issues related the People's Republic of China (PRC). Staff at this level will be lead smaller/less complex activities or will serve as an important contributing team member on projects focused on PRC military and security issues, to include work on the political, military, diplomatic, economic, technological, informational, nuclear, space, and cyber domains. The CIP division supports the Navy and Marine Corps, as well as other DOD sponsors by providing timely, data-based analyses on a wide range of security issues across the Indo-Pacific region, providing decision-makers the context they need to make informed choices and plans. CNA fosters an inclusive culture that values diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Our flexible and engaging work environment encourages iterative and creative collaboration at every stage of the problem solving process. Our employees are committed to helping clients develop effective solutions to better manage their programs through scientific, data-driven approaches. We are looking for creative and innovative individuals to help carry out our mission.

Responsibilities

• With minimal or no guidance, meets CNA's quality standards when working on well-structured pieces of a project.
• Demonstrates ability to develop sound analytic frameworks and associated analytic methodologies/techniques for addressing both structured and unstructured problems.
• Contributes productively and harmoniously to the work of others; treats everyone respectfully, professionally and fairly.
• Supports business development efforts and/or marketing activities by maintaining strong client relationships through high quality work.
• Interacts with sponsors/clients under the supervision of an experienced colleague.
• Makes significant contributions to research publications and analytic products for individual projects.
• Demonstrates ability to communicate results of work in a clear and concise fashion.
• Works with minimal or no guidance on focused, well-structured pieces of projects.
• Exhibits a positive attitude in interactions with colleagues and clients/sponsors.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Minimum Master's degree in a relevant field, PhD preferred.
• Typical minimum requirements Ph.D. & 0+ years or Master's & 2+ years of experience in research and analysis.
• Professional-level Mandarin Chinese language skills strongly desired.
• Ability to make significant contributions to projects/analyses.
• Strong analytic curiosity/creativity.
• Ability to operate independently in the execution of assignments.
• Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary environment.
• Strong critical thinking skills.
• Knowledge of research techniques.
• Strong planning and organizational skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to interact positively and somewhat independently with clients.

Nice-to-haves

• Time spent living and studying or working in China or Taiwan preferred.
• Experience conducting research using both Chinese- and English-language materials.
• Experience working for or with US military or government organizations strongly desired.

Benefits

• Equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment.
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.