Research Analyst

Cdd Spa - College Park, MD

Full-time

College Park, MD

Food Services and Drinking Places

About the position

The Research Analyst position at Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) involves providing expert analytical support to the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering's Joint Acquisition Protection and Exploitation Cell (JAPEC). The role requires collaboration with various national security entities to conduct technology risk assessments and develop strategies to protect critical technologies. The analyst will work onsite at the Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence and Security (ARLIS) in College Park, MD, and may also work at alternative sites across the National Capital Region.

Responsibilities

• Conduct collaboration with the National Counterintelligence Task Force (NCITF), National Cyber Investigative Joint Task Force (NCIJTF), and onsite USG clients.
• Respond to emergent requests for technology risk assessments by synthesizing information from diverse sources.
• Proactively engage with intelligence, security, academia, and government personnel to collect key data for assessments.
• Support the development of complex gap analyses and risk matrices for high-value dual-use or military technologies.
• Identify opportunities to maintain and potentially increase U.S. technological advantage.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in a STEM field related to OUSD (R&E) Critical Technology Areas (CTAs) such as biology, chemistry, engineering, cyber, software/computational science, aerospace, quantum, or microelectronics.
• Active Secret Clearance with the ability to obtain a Top Secret with SCI eligibility.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in conducting technical and security risk assessments.
• Experience working with an interdisciplinary team to implement security features for critical technology.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with computers, search-functionality, databases, and Microsoft Office Suite.

Nice-to-haves

• Advanced Degree (e.g., Masters, PhD) in a related STEM discipline.
• Active Top-Secret Clearance with SCI eligibility.
• Experience working on an inter-governmental Task Force or with the DoD Intelligence/Counterintelligence Community.
• Demonstrated ability to work from high-level, limited and evolving guidance to produce effective results.
• Ability to work independently and with personnel from multiple organizations.
• Familiarity with DoD technology development and acquisition policies.