Overview

The Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) is a Federally-Funded Research and Development Center supporting the Department of War (DoW) and other federal agencies. IDA’s mission is to provide objective analyses of national security issues and related national challenges, particularly those requiring extraordinary scientific and technical expertise. IDA takes great pride in the high caliber and timeliness of its analyses, which are produced in an atmosphere that encourages collaboration, independent thinking, and objective results.

An opportunity now exists in the Cost Analysis and Research Division (CARD) for an experienced Research Staff Member - Research Analyst.  CARD engages in applied research supporting resource allocation decisions spanning a broad set of topics within the Department of War and for other Federal Agencies.   Our research staff provide independent and objective analyses on a wide range of national security issues, particularly those requiring scientific, technical, and quantitative expertise. Candidates should have demonstrated experience working on a diverse set of challenging problems throughout their career.

Work at IDA is conducted in a team environment and often involves a multi-disciplinary approach.  Researchers work closely with and are in frequent contact with government sponsors.  Consequently, strong communication and interpersonal skills will be greatly valued.

Responsibilities:

• Researches, tests, studies, analyzes, predicts, and/or evaluates issues within a project

• Individually or in team, prepares reports documenting conclusions and/or findings; may present findings of the final report to task sponsor and/or select audience(s)

• May be assigned as project leader to one or more projects to assist in and provide technical direction for project planning, requirements, budgetary objectives, and assignment of responsibility and authority

• Works with other researchers and sponsors to identify, prioritize, and communicate emerging issues for IDA, its sponsors, and the community

• Develops and sustains working relationships with sponsors

• Mentors and develops careers of junior staff

Minimum Job Qualifications:

Education/Experience: MS+8 years of experience or Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics, Operations Research, Engineering, Economics, Statistics, Data Science, Computer Science, Decision Science, or Physics.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Demonstrated leadership and execution of research projects

• Knowledge of DoW organizations, functions, and processes is desirable

•  Experience with cost estimation is a plus

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision in an unstructured environment

•  Excellent communication skills

• Proven innovative thinking and problem-solving abilities

• Ability to interact professionally with government or industry representatives

• Travel may be required

•  U.S. Citizenship is required

• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance is required

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 $123,490-$274,746.  Individual salary within this range will be commensurate with the incumbent’s experience, unique skills and qualifications, and other relevant factors.