Research Scientist

CNA Corporation; United States; On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

CNA Corporation is seeking a senior-level analyst to routinely produce analyses on complex problems and to develop innovative analytic solutions. The role demands deep client knowledge, strong communication, and the ability to lead projects with minimal supervision.

Ideal candidates have 5+ years of research experience and a Master’s degree in a related field; PhD preferred. Clear ability to mentor staff and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams is essential.

Qualifications

• Education: Master’s degree in International relations, political science, history, or related discipline; PhD preferred.
• Experience: 5+ years of research and analysis; US Government experience a plus.
• Skills: strong research design, independent execution, multi-disciplinary work, communication, and client interaction.

Responsibilities

• Produce analyses on structured and unstructured problems to CNA standards with minimal direction.
• Maintain deep institutional knowledge of primary clients and support mentoring.
• Lead projects of low to medium size with supervision and deliver high-quality analytic products on time and budget.
• Support business development by engaging with managers and clients on follow-on work.
• Interact with clients at peer level and higher, presenting findings effectively.
• Influence sponsor decisions by providing actionable recommendations.
• Communicate complex results succinctly in executive briefs.
• Mentor new staff and participate in corporate initiatives to improve CNA projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Research design

Independent execution

Multi-disciplinary work

Critical thinking

Planning & organization

Interpersonal skills

Oral & written communication

Client interaction & influence

Team mentorship

Education

Master's degree in International relations or political science or history

PhD preferred

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION AND/OR DUTIES

1. Routinely produces analysis on structured and unstructured problems that meets CNA’s quality standards with limited direction and general supervision. Demonstrates ability to develop and apply creative and innovative analytic solutions to complex problems with assistance/support from more senior staff. Shows the ability to synthesize analytic results into a broader context. Can lead complex analytic projects with supervision. Begins to make connections and synthesize ideas across multiple, related studies.

2. Develops and maintains deep, specific institutional knowledge and expertise of primary clients/sponsors; their culture, organization, and issues. Uses that knowledge to support training & mentoring of new staff, to support on-going work, and to support development and shaping of new work for existing clients/ sponsors.

3. Balances responsiveness to guidance with independent action. Contributes productively and harmoniously to the work of others; treats everyone respectfully, professionally and fairly. Independently identifies opportunities for collaboration within team, division, and operating unit. Supports supervisor's initiatives and helps make vision a reality. Recognizes and acknowledges contributions from subordinates.

4. Supports business development efforts and/or marketing activities by interacting with CNA managers and current clients/sponsors on securing follow on work (e.g., small grants, or above core projects), expanding or developing new ideas for future projects, and occasionally working with potential clients/sponsors on developing new project ideas. Occasionally serves as internal reviewer of technical proposals.

5. Interacts regularly and independently with clients/sponsors and related parties. Typical interactions are at the "peer equivalent" level, but some level of interaction at senior level. Can effectively represent CNA as an organization.

6. Influences decisions by sponsors/ clients; provide sponsors/clients with implementable recommendations. Occasionally supports efforts to enhance CNA's reputation via publishing and outreach activities.

7. Demonstrates strong and effective communications skills, to include ability to summarize and synthesize larger pieces of work into effective executive summaries/executive briefings. Can effectively present work to more senior and larger audiences. Effectively communicates with & engages colleagues at all levels of the organization.

8. Works under limited direction and general supervision from division management. Can lead projects of low to medium size and/or complexity, as well as significant tasks on large or more complex projects. Effectively manages all aspects of assigned projects, to include delivery of high-quality analytic products on-time, and on-budget.

9. Plays a supporting role in the mentoring and training of new staff individually or as a member of a project team. Regularly demonstrates initiative in pursuing improvements in the quality of our projects and analytic products. Participates in corporate initiatives when asked to do so, and makes contributions to initiatives focused on making CNA a better place to work.

10. Performs other duties as assigned.

OB REQUIREMENTS

1. Education: Minimum Master’s degree in a International relations, political science, history, or related discipline, PhD preferred.

2. Experience: Typical minimum requirements 5+ years of experience in research and analysis. Time spent in US Government is a plus.

3. Skills:

• Knowledge of research design and research methods highly desired
• Ability to work on progressively more difficult projects/analyses, including directing portions of large research projects or small to medium projects under general supervision
• Ability to operate independently and proactively in the execution of assignments
• Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary environment
• Strong critical thinking skills
• Strong planning and organizational skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Strong and effective oral and written communication skills
• Ability to interact directly and effectively with clients and influence their decisions.

4. Other: Ability to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret Security Clearance.

Required documents

1. Resume - Please upload your resume

2. Cover letter - Please upload a cover letter as part of your application that introduces yourself, summarizes your relevant skills and experiences, and describes why you would be a valuable asset to CNA’s RSP Division.

3. Writing Sample - Please upload a research paper or journal article that demonstrates your writing and research skills (draft copies are acceptable).