Research Analyst - Emerging Technologies
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 identifying potential operational applications. The researcher would support the U.S. government in developing and evaluating emerging technologies, such as terrestrial and space-based sensors, manufacturing methods, algorithm development, computing, and communication. The ideal candidate is a researcher with expertise 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
Qualifications:
- A Ph.D. in Physics, Chemistry, Applied Math, Engineering, Materials Science or related field is required.
- The candidate must have a proven record of research and accomplishment in their field.
- Past experience working with DoD research organizations or sponsors is preferred.
- Must have the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of small project teams.
- Experience communicating effectively with research sponsors in designing studies and disseminating results preferred.
- Experience with programming languages and environments. Experience in Python, R, Stata, Mathematica, and/or MATLAB is highly desired.
- Experience using machine learning or AI methods to solve problems within the candidate’s technical specialty is also desired.
- Successful completion of a criminal background check is required.
- U.S. Citizenship is required