Overview:

The Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) is a not-for-profit corporation that operates three Federally Funded Research and Development Centers that support the Department of Defense and other federal agencies with 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, including:

•   Structure and capabilities of U.S., allied, and adversary forces

•   Chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear defense

•   Organizational efficiency and management issues

•   Economic and human capital challenges

•   U.S. industrial base and resource management 

The Strategy, Forces and Resources Division has an opening for a Research Associate (RA) to assist with quantitative analyses and assessments in support of our Human Capital Group. 

Responsibilities: 

Research Associates (RAs) directly contribute to IDA research efforts as part of interdisciplinary, collaborative research teams. RAs apply a mix of scientific modeling, statistics, and data science skills to a variety of national security issues. RAs are expected to demonstrate technical and analytic proficiency and be familiar with scientific and data processing software and techniques. RAs must have strong writing and oral communication skills. As IDA’s research questions cover a wide range of topics, RAs must be adaptable and self-motivated, and exercise independent thought, sound judgment, conscientiousness, and creativity in analyzing complex policy problems. IDA research teams may travel to US government or US security partner field locations. RAs assist in the planning and coordination of these field research activities and will accompany research teams conducting field research, as individual projects require.

Qualifications: 

•   Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in economics, statistics, computer science, mathematics, operations research, physics, or related fields.  

•   Proficiency in one or more programming language or statistical software used in research (such as Python, R, Julia, Stata, MATLAB, C, Java, etc.).

•   The ability to communicate complex concepts simply and clearly in written and spoken contexts.

•   Experience or coursework in database management, machine learning, econometrics, or Bayesian statistics is a plus.

•   Experience with high-throughput and/or distributed computing is a plus.

•   The ability and willingness to travel is a plus.

Successful completion of a criminal background check is required

U.S. Citizenship is required

Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance is required

IDA is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a fair recruiting process and working environment free from discrimination. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. Click here to learn more about IDA’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

U.S. Citizenship is required

Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance is required