Overview

The Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) assists the United States Government in addressing important National Security issues, particularly those requiring scientific and technical expertise.

Research Associates (RA) are members of our full-time professional staff. RAs typically work as members of study teams and at the direction of senior study leaders and analysts. IDA takes great pride in the high caliber and timeliness of its analyses, which are produced in an atmosphere that encourages independent thinking and objective results.

We have an immediate opening for an RA to join our team working directly with the Department of Homeland Security on economic and legal analysis to support the Office of SAFETY Act Implementation. The SAFETY Act provides industry with incentives to invest in the development and deployment of anti-terrorism technologies by establishing a system of litigation and risk management protections.

Responsibilities

RAs will generally perform fact-finding tasks, develop preliminary analyses, and shape findings and recommendations for the team. RAs are expected to be familiar with standard information collection, compilation, summary and analysis methods; able to develop or apply appropriate methods to support needs of particular studies or analyses; use strong communication (oral and written) and interpersonal skills to contribute effectively to a team approach and problem solving. Other duties include:

• Participate in developing and maintaining information sources and contacts as directed; may attend meetings to collect information related to projects.
•   Research topics independently, compile data and present information both orally and in writing.
•  Contribute to the creation/writing of task report(s) or paper(s).
•  Required to interact with Governmental or industrial representatives.
•   There are no direct supervisory or budgetary responsibilities.

Qualifications

•  A Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in business, economics, political science, government, or data science. Some experience with actuarial science, financial accounting, law, or insurance is a plus.
•  Experience in quantitative, econometric, statistical, or computational methods are a plus.
•  Successful candidates need to exhibit strong analytical and communication skills, a capacity for independent thought and sound judgment.
• Candidates will be asked to provide a writing sample.
• Travel may be required, though usually minimal.
• Candidates selected will be subject to a security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information as required.