Research Associate, Threat Reduction

Dexis; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Dexis in Washington, DC is seeking a highly qualified Research Associate to support evaluation work for the State Department’s ACN/CTR FIRST program. You will analyze program data, perform open-source research, and contribute to reports, dashboards, and infographics for CTR.

The position runs for 12 months starting October 1, 2026, contingent on award. Candidates should have a BA and experience in applied research, M&E, and writing; a Master’s and clearance are preferred.

Qualifications

• BA in a relevant field plus one year of work experience.
• Experience with applied research and M&E for donor-funded projects.
• Understanding of M&E principles and KIIs.
• Familiarity with qualitative analysis software and survey design.
• Quantitative analysis in Excel and strong writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Support data collection via interviews, surveys, and notes.
• Conduct qualitative research, literature reviews, and desktop studies.
• Assist with KIIs with diverse stakeholders in select countries abroad.
• Clean, code, and manage large qualitative data sets.
• Develop indicators to assess FIRST programming and support data visualization.
• Draft reports, findings, presentations, and briefs; assist with deliverables.

Skills

Qualitative research

M&E

Survey design

Data analysis (Excel)

Strong writing

Communication

Education

BA in National Security / IR / International Development

Master's degree in National Security / IR / International Development

Tools

NVivo

SurveyMonkey

Data visualization tools

Job description

Dexis is a dynamic professional services firm dedicated to partnering with government and community leaders both in the U.S. and internationally to achieve critical social outcomes in a rapidly changing world.

At Dexis, you will experience a corporate culture of inclusiveness, respect, fairness, and trust. You will be given the means and mentorship needed to succeed, and your creativity will be rewarded.

About The Position

Dexis is looking for a highly qualified Research Associate to support work with the Department of State’s (State) Bureau of Arms Control and Nonproliferation, Office of Cooperative Threat Reduction (ACN/CTR). This project will evaluate CTR’s Foundational Infrastructure for the Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology (FIRST) program, a line of effort focused on promoting the safe use of U.S.-based small modular nuclear reactors abroad. Evaluation tasks will primarily include analyzing available FIRST program data and reports, conducting open-source research on partner countries, and contributing to major reports assessing the FIRST program’s success in achieving its desired outcomes. The RA will actively participate in learning sessions and regular meetings with the client and support the project team in developing infographics and dashboards for CTR’s use.

This evaluation is 12 months with an anticipated start date of October 1, 2026. This position is contingent upon award.

Responsibilities

• Support data collection efforts remotely through interviews, note-taking, surveys, and other data collection instruments.
• With guidance from the project team, conduct qualitative research, literature reviews, and other desktop studies.
• Support virtual key informant interviews (KIIs) as requested with a range of stakeholders, including Department of State staff, implementers of FIRST programming, nuclear/radiological security experts, and partner country officials in select countries abroad.
• Clean, code, and manage large volumes of qualitative data.
• Work with project team members to develop customized indicators to assess FIRST programming.
• Provide support for data visualization and analysis.
• Draft reports, findings from evaluations, presentations and briefs, and other products.
• Provide additional support, including copy editing, preparation of deliverables, and other tasks as needed.
• Manage electronic files and tracking systems to ensure compliance with Dexis policies and standard practices.
• Help ensure compliance with Dexis processes, contractual requirements, and U.S. Government regulations.
• Help identify and resolve common problems, escalating and tracking more complex issues to their resolution.

Qualifications

• Minimum BA in a relevant field (National Security, International Relations, International Development, etc.) plus one year of relevant work experience (including part-time work, if applicable).
• Experience working on applied research and project monitoring and evaluation for donor-funded projects (experience with Department of State-funded projects highly desirable).
• Understanding of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) principles (i.e. indicators, project evaluation, KIIs, 18 FAM 300, Managing for Results, etc.).
• Familiarity with manual or software-based qualitative analysis techniques.
• Familiarity with survey development and analysis.
• Quantitative analysis capabilities, including developing findings from large amounts of data in Excel.
• Strong writing and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant field (National Security, International Relations, International Development, etc.) preferred.
• Active Secret clearance.
• Three years of professional experience.
• Quantitative and qualitative research experience.
• Experience with data visualization tools Familiarity with qualitative analysis software such as NVivo.
• Familiarity with SurveyMonkey.
• Familiarity with CTR Global Threat Reduction (GTR) programming and/or USG threat reduction programming.
• Familiarity with chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) security or U.S. nuclear policy in general.
• Project management experience, especially for U.S. Government (USG) - funded projects.
• Business development experience, including bid management, technical writing, and recruiting.

Dexis is on a mission to help solve today's most pressing global political, social, and economic challenges and create a world where all people are safe and prosperous. As a Dexis employee, you will be challenged, empowered, and mentored. Our motto is \"find a way or make a way\" - that's how Dexis goes \"all in.\" How will you?

Dexis is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, pregnancy, disability, age, genetic information, military service, veteran status, ethnicity, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, childbirth and related medical conditions, including lactation, or any other protected class under applicable law.

As part of a competitive benefits package for eligible employees, Dexis provides healthcare insurance in addition to other staff welfare benefits and perks.