Overview

The Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) is a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) supporting the Department of Defense and other federal agencies that require rigorous and objective analysis of national security issues. The Strategy, Forces and Resources Division (SFRD) performs interdisciplinary analyses of plans and policies related to national security strategy; the structure and capabilities of U.S., allied and adversary forces; chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear defense; organizational efficiency, and management issues; and human capital challenges. SFRD has an opening for a Research Analyst to contribute to analyses principally focused on national security strategy, policy, and plans that guide nuclear deterrence and assurance capabilities of the nuclear enterprise.

Responsibilities

Research Analysts at IDA are career research staff, typically with PhDs or extensive leadership experience or government service. Research Analysts engage with senior government officials to develop research programs on government policy, national security, budgetary, and program choices. Some research tasks will be narrowly focused, while others will address a broader spectrum of concerns. Research Analysts contributing to SFRD's nuclear strategy and policy program of work will provide analytic expertise to national security challenges that involve the Nation's nuclear enterprise. After defining a research question, this Research Analyst can expect to:

• Develop a research plan, to include selection of appropriate methodologies and analytic tools;
• Staff the research plan, aligning IDA's diverse talent pool to analytical needs;
• Implement the research plan, delivering expected products on an agreed-upon schedule and budget;
• Develop and deploy structured, predominantly qualitative research strategies including those involving human subjects, various survey methods, interview protocols, literature reviews, tabletop exercises (TTXs), and war games;
• Collect or oversee the collection of data;
• Develop and/or apply software appropriate to the research problem and data sources
• Interact with research subjects, including government and military officials and subject matter experts, in the research process and with research sponsors in communicating results;
• Coordinate with IDA's subject matter reviewers and technical editors as part of the review process;
• Employ written and verbal communication skills to convey research results to government sponsors and stakeholders; and
• Direct more junior research analysts and associates in development of data gathering, such as literature reviews, TTX inputs, interviews, analysis and interpretation efforts.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required:

• PhD + 3 years of relevant experience or Master's Degree + 10 years of relevant experience. Degrees must be in a discipline such as political science, international relations, strategic studies, security studies, military history or another discipline applicable to the study of nuclear weapons policy, strategy, planning, and associated military capabilities
• Demonstrated experience integrating or leveraging quantitative and qualitative research methods and inputs in the conduct of comprehensive analysis
• Demonstrated interest in or understanding of the application of International Relations theory to U.S. foreign policy choices, national security programs, and adversary strategies, objectives, and nuclear weapons programs
• Proven experience leading or operating as a member of an interdisciplinary team
• Ability to communicate complex concepts simply and clearly in written and verbal form, to peers and government officials
• Experience submitting research and analytic results to rigorous peer review
• Advanced understanding of nuclear deterrence theory and its literature, to include topics such as strategic deterrence, extended deterrence and nuclear proliferation, as well as historical strategic thought
• Basic understanding of the U.S. nuclear enterprise and its component parts in the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy
• Possession of or the ability to obtain a Top Secret SCI security clearance

Preferred:

• Evidence of undergraduate or graduate coursework in math, science, or engineering
• Skill in organizing or synthesizing large quantities of research material or data
• Experience leading a research project and managing its workplan, levels of effort, budget, and delivery schedule
• Experience interacting with U.S. government sponsors and building relationships
• Demonstrated expertise in nuclear policy, nuclear strategy, nuclear planning, nuclear command and control at the interagency, intelligence community, staff officer, operational, research organization, or university academic level
• Knowledge of the structures, roles and responsibilities of the U.S. military Services, Headquarters Staffs, Combatant Commands, and Intelligence Community
• Basic understanding of nuclear deterrence operations and nuclear weapon effects, and familiarity with the capabilities of U.S., allied, or adversary nuclear programs, delivery systems, and command and control

All candidates are required to submit a resume and detailed cover letter outlining their interest in the position, and how their skill set, experiences, education, and career goals align with the defined responsibilities and qualifications. At later stages of the candidate evaluation process, applicants will be required to submit a copy of their transcripts (undergraduate & graduate//unofficial copies will suffice), a writing sample, and provide contact information for at least three references able to evaluate applicant's skills and work history.

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 embraces diversity and 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 hoping to transition to the private sector while continuing to make a difference in the national security of your country, we offer exciting opportunities to learn and grow.

Sponsors rely on IDA for dispassionate, fact-based, and scientifically rigorous research and advice performed in a research environment free of commercial or shareholder interests where objectivity and the public interest are foremost.
The work produced by IDA is characterized by unquestioned objectivity and high quality. Because of our unique relationship with our U.S. Government sponsors, IDA enjoys unusual access to classified government information and sensitive corporate proprietary information.

Why work at IDA?

• Competitive salary and benefits, including diverse health insurance options, generous 11% contribution to retirement, 6 weeks 100% paid parental leave, 20 days paid time off, and relocation reimbursement.
• Mission-oriented work at a non-profit that supports and protects our Nation's warfighters; as a non-profit, IDA employees are eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL).
• Organization-wide commitment to diversity in the workplace and providing a working environment free from discrimination, by fostering a culture of active citizenship and implementing data-driven processes of continuous feedback and learning.
• Professional development including tuition reimbursement, internal and external trainings, and funding for researcher-pitched projects and publications.
• A strong employee and corporate culture of work-life balance, including commitment to average 40-hour work weeks through flex time, telework options, and expectation of communication only during core business hours.
• Located in Alexandria's high-tech corridor, IDA's brand new Potomac Yard facility is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, workspaces and amenities, including a cafeteria, grab-n-go cafe and gym.
• Easy access to local dining and shopping, the Potomac Yard Metro stop, and the Potomac Yard DASH bus stop. Employer contributes $300/month (IRS max) to commuter benefits.