Research Associate – Quantitative Analysis

Institute for Defense Analyses; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 69,000 - 194,000; Full time

Job summary

The Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) in Alexandria, VA, seeks a Research Associate for the Cost Analysis and Research Division (CARD). You will contribute to data‑driven analyses, build statistical models, and support interdisciplinary teams for sponsors.

Candidates should hold a quantitative degree, have strong communication skills, and experience with data analysis and programming in R, Python, or STATA. U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain a security clearance are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in a quantitative field is required.
• Strong communications skills are essential.
• Ability to work independently and in project teams is vital.
• Experience with data collection, normalization, analysis, and visualization is desirable.
• Programming in R, Python, or STATA is a plus.
• Ability to obtain and maintain security clearances; U.S. Citizenship required.
• Prior work experience is preferable.

Responsibilities

• Research topics independently.
• Compile, cleanse, and analyze data.
• Build and develop statistical models.
• Assist in developing and maintaining information sources.
• Attend and participate in project meetings.
• Interact with Governmental sponsors and industrial representatives.
• Provide presentations of analyses and contribute to reports and papers.

Skills

Communications

Teamwork

Data analysis

R/Python/STATA

Education

Applied Math / OR / Stats

Job description

Overview

The Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) is a Federally‑Funded Research and Development Center supporting the Department of War (DoW) and other federal agencies. IDA’s mission is to provide objective analyses of national security issues and related national challenges, particularly those requiring extraordinary scientific and technical expertise. IDA takes great pride in the high caliber and timeliness of its analyses, which are produced in an atmosphere that encourages collaboration, independent thinking, and objective results.

The Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) is a Federally‑Funded Research and Development Center supporting the Department of War (DoW) and other federal agencies. IDA’s mission is to provide objective analyses of national security issues and related national challenges, particularly those requiring extraordinary scientific and technical expertise. IDA takes great pride in the high caliber and timeliness of its analyses, which are produced in an atmosphere that encourages collaboration, independent thinking, and objective results. An opportunity now exists in our Cost Analysis and Research Division (CARD) for a Research Associate. Candidates should be interested in working on a diverse set of emerging problems using advanced analytic techniques to derive data‑driven insights for our sponsors. Work at IDA is conducted in a team environment and often involves a multi‑disciplinary approach. Researchers work closely with each other and are in frequent contact with government sponsors. Consequently, strong communications and interpersonal skills will be greatly valued.

Responsibilities

IDA is seeking a Research Associate to join the Cost Analysis and Research Division (CARD). Research Associates directly contribute to IDA research efforts as part of interdisciplinary research teams. The candidate for this position will support various analyses within CARD and may also work with analysts from other divisions at IDA. A Research Associate in CARD will likely be asked to:

• Research topics independently.
• Compile, cleanse, and analyze data.
• Build and develop statistical models.
• Assist in developing and maintaining information sources.
• Attend and participate in project meetings.
• Interact with Governmental sponsors and industrial representatives.
• Provide presentations of analyses.
• Contribute to the writing of reports and papers.

Minimum Job Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master’s Degree in Applied Mathematics, Operations Research, Economics, Statistics, Data Science, Decision Science, Management Science, Accounting (or a similar field) is required.
• Demonstrated strong communications skills are essential.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of project teams is vital.
• Experience working with data, including data collection, normalization, analysis, and visualization is highly desirable.
• Prior work experience is preferable.
• Skills working with programming languages (e.g., R, Python, STATA) are a plus.
• Ability to obtain and maintain necessary security clearances is mandatory.
• U.S. Citizenship is required.

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 $68,681-$194,054. 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.

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