Research Analyst – Emerging Technologies - Experienced
Overview
The Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) operates three Federally Funded Research and Development Centers supporting federal decision making – two serving the Department of Defense (DoD) and one serving the Office of Science and Technology Policy in the Executive Office of the President of the United States. IDA assists the United States Government in addressing important national security issues, particularly those requiring scientific and technical expertise.
The Science and Technology Division (STD) of the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) has an immediate need for a Research Analyst. The scientists and engineers in STD offer insight into technology trends and the impact of scientific advances on national security missions by bringing rigor to scientific assessments and by providing independent perspectives on technology risks and mitigation strategies.
Responsibilities
The Science and Technology Division at IDA provides research and analysis on a wide variety of scientific and technical problems that overlap with issues of national security. The Division conducts technology assessments critical to planning and implementing research and development programs, supporting acquisition decisions, understanding foreign technology capability, and utilizing technology for individual and group training. The researcher would support the U.S. government in developing and evaluating emerging technologies, such as terrestrial and space-based sensors, quantum sciences, biosciences, manufacturing methods, algorithm development, computing, and/or communication. The ideal candidate is a researcher with extensive experience in their field, but one that is also interested in, and capable of, supporting the full spectrum of projects within STD. Statistical skills and computer programing skills will expand the range of work opportunities. Prior experience in the DoD science and technology enterprise (at least 5 years) is highly desired, as is experience with project management and directing junior research staff.
Qualifications
- A Ph.D. in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Applied Math, Materials Science or related field is required.
- The candidate must have a proven record of research and accomplishment in their field.
- The candidate must have the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of small project teams.
- The candidate should have experience with programming languages and environments. Experience in Python, R, Stata, Mathematica, and/or MATLAB is highly desired.
- U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance is required.
- Successful completion of a pre-employment background check is required.
At least three years of post-graduate work experience (via DoD research organizations, academic research, industry, or fellowships/internships/post-doctoral) performing any combination of the following:
- Developing and implementing research plans
- Selecting appropriate methodologies and analytic tools for research
- Developing and deploying data collection and analysis strategies including those involving novel data sources or sensors and those involving literature reviews
- Implementing and applying software appropriate to the research problem (e.g., statistical analysis, text analytics, engineering modeling software, machine learning tools, database management tools)
- Scoping and executing projects for the Department of Defense and other government agencies
- Communicating effectively with research sponsors in designing studies and disseminating results
- Directing junior research assistants
U.S. Citizenship is required
Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance is required
Equal Opportunity Employer