Research Associate - Entry Level

Institute for Defense Analyses; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 67,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health insurance

Retirement contribution 10%

Paid time off and relocation support

Job summary

Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) in Alexandria, VA is seeking a Research Associate to support the Science, Systems and Sustainment Division (S3D) and STPI. You will perform data-driven analyses, develop visualizations, and prepare briefings and reports for government sponsors.

Successful candidates will have a strong quantitative background, experience with Python/Matlab/R, and the ability to work across multidisciplinary teams in a fast-paced environment while supporting national security

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in physical sciences, engineering, computer science, or related fields.
• Demonstrated analytical skills and ability to conduct independent research.
• Experience with data analysis and research methods.
• Familiarity with NLP or AI tools is a plus.
• Ability to work in multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide qualitative and quantitative analytic support to government sponsors.
• Assist in the preparation of documents (briefings and reports).
• Identify and prepare useful data sources for analysis.

Skills

Data analysis

Python

Matlab

R

NLP

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in physical sciences/engineering/computer science

Tools

Matlab

R

SPSS

Job description

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 operates three Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDC's).

Why Work for IDA?

We are seeking a Research Associate to support projects in both the Science, Systems and Sustainment Division (S3D, as the home division) and Science and Technology Policy Institute (STPI, as the secondary division). Researchers within IDA are self-starting scientists and engineers who advise Department of War (DoW), Department of Homeland Security, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), and other agency officials and selected audiences on challenges of national and global significance. We provide independent analytical products to help solve problems facing senior executives and military officials across the Federal government. IDA scientists and engineers offer our sponsors insight into technology trends and the impact of emerging advances by bringing rigor to technology readiness assessments, science and technology ecosystem characterization including workforce analysis, and independent perspectives on technology risks and mitigation strategies. The Research Associate will facilitate data-driven decision-making by conducting research using methods such as statistical analysis, natural language processing, literature review, computer code development, or modeling and simulation. Strong problem-solving skills are critical, and duties will also include report writing, developing visualizations of data and research results, presenting results, and other project-related tasks as directed by research staff. Projects may cross the full domain of science and technology; therefore, applicants should be willing to regularly learn new topics that concern national security and science and technology policy.

Primary Responsibilities

• Provide qualitative and quantitative analytic support to government sponsors (e.g., analysis of scientific research developments and progress in areas of interest to defense sponsors, analysis of policy and program data, analysis of scientific and industrial capabilities relevant to sponsor interests).
• Assist in the preparation of documents (e.g., briefings and reports on the design, conduct, and findings of data analyses, graphs that clearly present findings from analyses)
• Identify and prepare useful data sources for analysis to address questions of sponsor interest.

What Will You Need?

• We are seeking a highly analytical person who is able to both collaborate on cutting‑edge research projects within S3D and STPI while also conducting independent research in support of S3D's DoW and STPI's OSTP and other agency sponsors.
• An ideal candidate will enthusiastically and proactively develop new data sources and analytical methodologies to help address complex and challenging research questions in a fast‑paced environment.
• Bachelors or Masters degree in physical sciences, engineering, computer science, or related fields as well as demonstrated analytical skills and the ability to conduct independent research.
• Expertise in topics related to natural language processing, autonomous systems, robotics, AI, S&T policy, or researcher networks will be viewed as a plus. Experience in a research setting with natural language processing methods and related language‑based machine learning or artificial intelligence tools is particularly desired.
• Data analysis experience using Python, Matlab, R, or similar languages.
• Ability to work within multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Some travel may be required.
• Successful completion of a background check is required.
• U.S. citizenship is required.

Why work at IDA?

IDA, as a non‑profit, is uniquely positioned to answer the most challenging U.S. security and science questions with objective and rigorous analysis leveraging extraordinary scientific, technical, and analytic expertise. This position is located in Alexandria, VA, just outside Washington, D.C.

IDA offers the following benefits and resources to their employees:

• Comprehensive benefits including diverse health insurance options, generous 10% contribution to retirement, maternity/paternity leave, 20 days paid time off, and relocation reimbursement;
• Mission‑oriented work at a non‑profit that supports and protects our 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 culture of work‑life balance, including flex time, partial telework, and limiting work communication to core business hours;
• The opportunity to craft your own unique research portfolio of distinct value to the national security enterprise.
• A brand‑new facility located in Alexandria's high‑tech corridor in Potomac Yard; amenities include a gym, cafeteria and close proximity to local dining and shopping; and
• Easy access to Potomac Yard Metro stop and Potomac Yard DASH bus stop. Employer contributes $340/month (IRS max) to commuter benefits.

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 $67,335 – $190,249. 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.