Research Analyst

CNA - Quantico, VA

Full-time - Entry Level

Quantico, VA

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

CNA is hiring for a Research Analyst to join their Expeditionary Warfighting Program in the Operational Warfighting Division. Staff at this level will be leading smaller/less complex activities and will be serving as an important contributing team member on projects. They will work directly with clients/sponsors as part of a team at the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory in Quantico, VA that supports military experimentation and technology evaluation with a focus on INDOPACIFC operations. The Operational Warfighting division conducts field-based research and manages the Field Program. We work on projects that help the Department of the Navy and other government agencies improve operational effectiveness through analysis of training methods, organizational alignment, policy, system performance, test & evaluation, interoperability, training, operational concepts, experimentation, and tactics development. 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.
• Develops and maintains broad, general institutional knowledge of primary clients/sponsors; their culture, organization, and issues.
• 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.

Requirements

• Minimum master's degree in quantitative and technical disciplines such as physics, chemistry, engineering, operations research, statistics or a relevant field; PhD preferred.
• Typical minimum requirements: Ph.D. & 0+ years or Master's & 2+ years of experience in research and analysis.
• Previous experience working with the United States Marine Corps or United States Navy is preferred.
• 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.
• Familiarity with programming languages, such as VBA and Python.
• 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

• Active Security Clearance - Secret Level or Above.
• Willingness to travel at least 20% - 25% during the year.

Benefits

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