Overview

The Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) is a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) that supports the Department of War (DoW) and other federal agencies with rigorous and objective analysis of national security issues.

This position is in the Global Dynamics and Intelligence Division (GDI). GDI delivers timely, expert analysis and insights on challenging and sensitive national security questions for U.S. government sponsors. GDI supports an array of offices across the whole of government, particularly agencies within the defense and intelligence communities. GDI researchers understand important regional perspectives of allies and partners, and they identify opportunity areas to bolster the success of U.S. strategic and operational objectives. GDI presents its capabilities through four research portfolios, three that are geo-strategically focused (Indo-Pacific, Eurasia, and Global Coverage), and one that is functionally oriented (Intelligence and Security).

Responsibilities

IDA is seeking candidates for a position as a Research Associate with experience and expertise regarding China. This role supports IDA’s cutting-edge work tackling some of the most pressing China-related challenges and will support projects for DoW and the IC. Work will be conducted primarily in a SCIF at IDA’s headquarters in Alexandria, VA.

Research Associates are self-starting early- to mid-career professionals who exhibit strong research, analysis, writing, and problem-solving skills. They are expected to work as part of a team supporting military officials and senior decisionmakers across the Federal government. Some China-related research projects will be narrowly focused, while others will address a broader spectrum of concerns. Research Associates work collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams led by substantive experts to develop deliverables for sponsoring organizations. Such deliverables can include written analyses, oral briefings, wargames and simulations, and other assessments.

Qualifications

• Candidates must have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree. 

• Candidates must have experience working on contemporary China-related issues and demonstrated knowledge of China’s political system, foreign policy, defense policy, military theory and capabilities, and/or national security strategies.

• Expertise in the following areas is highly desired:

  • China’s contemporary goals and strategies and their implications for U.S. interests 

  • China’s military modernization and joint operational concepts

• Candidates with professional-level proficiency in reading Mandarin Chinese will be given preference.

• Candidates must possess strong research and analysis skills and the ability to fuse all-source information into clear and concise conclusions and recommendations.

• Candidates will be asked to provide a writing sample demonstrating research and writing skills.

• Candidates must have strong oral and written communication skills, demonstrated capacity for independent thought and sound judgment, and the ability to contribute effectively to a team approach to problem-solving.

• Candidates are required to have an active Top-Secret clearance and either current SCI access or eligibility for SCI access. Candidates who do not meet this requirement will not be considered.

• Candidates familiar with the U.S. national security, defense, and/or intelligence communities, as well as strong skills analyzing military capabilities, are highly desired.
   

About IDA

The Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) is a private, nonprofit corporation headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, just outside Washington, DC. IDA’s mission is to answer the most challenging U.S. security and science policy questions with objective analysis leveraging extraordinary scientific, technical, and analytic expertise.

IDA supports an inclusive work environment. Working here requires energy, commitment, flexibility, and teamwork. Whether you’re a graduate student ready to start your career, a professional looking for your next challenge, or a member of the military transitioning to the private sector, IDA offers exciting opportunities to learn and grow while contributing to U.S. national security.

Sponsors rely on IDA for dispassionate, fact-based, and rigorous high-quality research and advice that emphasize objectivity and the public interest. IDA’s status as an FFRDC facilitates strong partnerships with our U.S. Government sponsors and provides IDA trusted access to classified government information and sensitive corporate proprietary information.
 

Why work at IDA?

IDA, as a non-profit, is uniquely positioned to answer the most challenging U.S. security and science questions with objective and rigorous analysis leveraging extraordinary scientific, technical, and analytic expertise. This position is located in Alexandria, VA, just outside Washington, D.C.

IDA offers the following benefits and resources to their employees:

• Comprehensive benefits including diverse health insurance options, generous 10% contribution to retirement, maternity/paternity leave, 20 days paid time off, and relocation reimbursement.

• Mission-oriented work at a non-profit that supports and protects our warfighters

• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) due to IDA's non-profit status.

• Professional development including tuition reimbursement, internal and external trainings, and funding for researcher-pitched projects and publications.

• A strong employee and corporate work-life balance.

• A brand-new facility located in Alexandria’s high-tech corridor in Potomac Yard; amenities include a cafeteria, gym, and close proximity to local dining and shopping.

• Easy access to Potomac Yard Metro stop and Potomac Yard DASH bus stop. Employer contributes $300/month (IRS max) to commuter benefits.

Compensation

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 $67,335 - $190,249.  Individual salary within this range will be commensurate with the incumbent’s experience, unique skills and qualifications, and other relevant factors.