Research Analyst - Science Policy

Institute for Defense Analyses; Alexandria (VA); Hybrid; USD 113,000 - 277,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance options

Relocation reimbursement

Professional development

Job summary

The Science and Technology Policy Institute (STPI) at IDA in Alexandria, VA seeks a Senior Policy Analyst to conduct method-driven research at the intersection of science, technology, and public policy. You will prepare reports for OSTP and federal sponsors, publish findings, mentor junior researchers, and help manage multi-task projects across disciplines, including energy, IT, AI, and life sciences.

IDA offers competitive compensation, benefits, relocation support, and professional growth

Qualifications

• BS + 8 years of relevant experience, MS + 6 years, or a Ph.D. in a discipline appropriate to the position such as economics, public policy, engineering, physical or life sciences, IT, international affairs, or a related technical or social science field
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent, rigorous research applying a defined methodology on questions at the intersection of science, technology, and public policy
• Proven ability to publish findings and present them orally to sponsors and other technical or policy-focused audiences
• Demonstrated innovative thinking and problem-solving ability, including the capacity to translate complex technical material into terms useful to non-technical policymakers
• Ability to work effectively in an unstructured environment and manage multiple concurrent projects
• Comfort engaging with senior government officials and industry representatives, including navigating sponsor relationships within the Executive Office of the President and other federal agencies
• Demonstrated adaptability to meaningfully contribute across S&T policy domains outside one's core expertise
• Strong collaboration skills and the ability to work effectively across research teams, including staff drawn from other IDA-operated research centers
• U.S. citizenship required
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance required

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent, method-driven research and analysis on assigned S&T policy questions, applying analytical and empirical research approach
• Prepare written reports, briefs, and other deliverables for OSTP and other federal sponsors
• Respond to formal sponsor tasking, including requests for information, congressionally mandated studies, and support to federal advisory bodies and interagency initiatives
• May serve as project leader, directing planning, scope, budget, and staffing for one or more tasks, including staff drawn from across IDA's research centers
• Track developments and trends in an assigned S&T policy domain on an ongoing basis, surfacing emerging issues for sponsors and STPI leadership
• Build and sustain sponsor relationships that support IDA's credibility as an independent, trusted adviser and surface future collaboration opportunities
• Present findings orally to sponsors, advisory committees, and other select audiences
• Contribute technical depth to projects outside one's core discipline, reflecting STPI's cross-disciplinary portfolio spanning energy, resilience, life sciences, information technology, AI, innovation policy, and related fields
• May mentor or guide early-career researchers and fellows
• Other duties as assigned

Skills

Policy analysis

Independent research

Written & oral communication

Cross-disciplinary collaboration

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree in economics, public policy, engineering, sciences, IT, or international affairs

Master's degree in a related field

PhD in a discipline related to the position

Job description

Overview

The Science and Technology Policy Institute (STPI), an IDA-operated Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC), provides independent, objective analysis of science and technology policy issues for the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and other federal science agencies. Research staff at STPI apply rigorous, method-driven inquiry to questions at the intersection of science, technology, and public policy and help the nation's most senior S&T decision-makers understand emerging developments, evaluate federal R&D investments, and anticipate the long-term implications of policy choices.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent, method-driven research and analysis on assigned S&T policy questions, applying analytical and empirical research approach
• Prepare written reports, briefs, and other deliverables for OSTP and other federal sponsors
• Respond to formal sponsor tasking, including requests for information, congressionally mandated studies, and support to federal advisory bodies and interagency initiatives
• May serve as project leader, directing planning, scope, budget, and staffing for one or more tasks, including staff drawn from across IDA's research centers
• Track developments and trends in an assigned S&T policy domain on an ongoing basis, surfacing emerging issues for sponsors and STPI leadership
• Build and sustain sponsor relationships that support IDA's credibility as an independent, trusted adviser and surface future collaboration opportunities
• Present findings orally to sponsors, advisory committees, and other select audiences
• Contribute technical depth to projects outside one's core discipline, reflecting STPI's cross-disciplinary portfolio spanning energy, resilience, life sciences, information technology, AI, innovation policy, and related fields
• May mentor or guide early-career researchers and fellows
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• BS + 8 years of relevant experience, MS + 6 years of relevant experience, or a Ph.D. in a discipline appropriate to the position such as economics, public policy, engineering, physical or life sciences, information technology, international affairs, or a related technical or social science field
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent, rigorous research applying a defined methodology on questions at the intersection of science, technology, and public policy
• Proven ability to publish findings and present them orally to sponsors and other technical or policy-focused audiences
• Demonstrated innovative thinking and problem-solving ability, including the capacity to translate complex technical material into terms useful to non-technical policymakers
• Ability to work effectively in an unstructured environment and manage multiple concurrent projects
• Comfort engaging with senior government officials and industry representatives, including navigating sponsor relationships within the Executive Office of the President and other federal agencies
• Demonstrated adaptability to meaningfully contribute across S&T policy domains outside one's core expertise
• Strong collaboration skills and the ability to work effectively across research teams, including staff drawn from other IDA-operated research centers
• U.S. citizenship required
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance required

Why work at IDA?

• Competitive salary and benefits, including diverse health insurance options, generous 10% 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).
• 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, partial telework options, and expectation of communication only during core business hours.
• Located in Alexandria's high-tech corridor, IDA's Potomac Yard facility is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, workspaces 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.

Compensation

We support transparency, equity, and fairness in our compensation program and provide a reasonable estimate of the salary range based on data-driven market analysis for each position. While it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range, a reasonable estimate of the salary range for this role is $113,353 - $277,494. Individual salary within this range will be commensurate with the incumbent's experience, unique skills and qualifications, and other relevant factors.

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 identify, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

IDA is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an email to [e-mail] and let us know the nature of your request and contact information.