Research Scientist (China Studies Program)

CNA; Virginia, Arlington (MN, TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Research Scientist to join their China Studies Program team. This role requires professional-level Mandarin language capabilities and expertise in China studies, focusing on military and security issues related to the People's Republic of China. The ideal candidate will lead projects, produce high-quality analyses, and contribute to business development efforts, all while working in a collaborative and inclusive environment. If you're passionate about research and eager to make an impact in the field of security studies, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in research and analysis required.
• Professional-level Mandarin skills and ability to work independently.

Responsibilities

• Produce high-quality analysis on PRC military and security issues.
• Lead complex analytic projects and support business development efforts.

Skills

Mandarin Chinese

Critical Thinking

Research Techniques

Interpersonal Skills

Oral Communication

Written Communication

Planning and Organizational Skills

Education

Master's degree in relevant field

PhD in relevant field

Job description

CNA, 3003 Washington Blvd, Arlington, Virginia, United States of America Req #748

Friday, February 21, 2025

PRIMARY PURPOSE

CNA’s China and Indo Pacific Affairs (CIP) division is looking for a Research Scientist to be part of their China Studies Program team. We are looking for candidates that have professional level Mandarin language capabilities and who specialize in China studies, to work on projects that focus on military and security issues related to the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

Staff at this level will typically lead smaller and/or less complex projects, play a critical role as a team member on projects with specific technical/scientific expertise, operate as a field representative, and produce high-quality analysis focused on PRC military and security issues, including work on the political, military, diplomatic, economic, technological, informational, nuclear, space, and cyber domains.

The CIP division supports the Navy and Marine Corps, as well as other DOD sponsors by providing timely, data-based analyses on a wide range of security issues across the Indo-Pacific region, providing decision-makers the context they need to make informed choices and plans.

CNA fosters an inclusive culture that values diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Our flexible and engaging work environment encourages iterative and creative collaboration at every stage of the problem-solving process. Our employees are committed to helping clients develop effective solutions to better manage their programs through scientific, data-driven approaches. We are looking for creative and innovative individuals to help carry out our mission.

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 ongoing 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; provides 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, including the 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, including the 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.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

1. Education: Minimum Master’s degree in a relevant field, PhD preferred. Relevant degree fields may include—but are not limited to—China studies, Asia studies, Indo-Pacific studies, political science, security studies, economics, and foreign policy.
2. Experience: Typical minimum requirements are 5+ years of experience in research and analysis. Time spent living and studying or working in China or Taiwan preferred. Experience conducting research using both Chinese- and English-language materials and experience working for or with US military or government organizations is strongly desired.
3. Skills:

• Professional-level Mandarin Chinese language skills strongly desired. Applicants may be asked to complete a translation assessment and submit a writing sample.
• 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.
• Knowledge of research techniques.
• 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.

Other: Ability to obtain and maintain an Active Secret Security Clearance.

Required Documents

• Resume
• Writing sample

***Voluntary (but highly desired) document***
Please include a personal statement as part of your application. A personal statement is a chance for us to get to know you. The statement is your opportunity to share your goals, interests, influences and show us that you will be a valuable asset to our organization. Please click here for personal statement guidelines – Click here.
Personal statements will not be used as an elimination criteria for this position. They will only be used to enhance a candidate’s application.

CNA is committed to providing equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service and protected veterans, or other non-merit based factors. In addition to federal legal requirements, CNA complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. These protections extend to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting and hiring practices, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training and career development programs. For more information about EEO protections, please view the EEO is the law posters here: "EEO is the Law" Poster, "EEO Poster Supplement". The pay transparency policy is available here: Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Poster. To be considered for hire, all individuals applying for positions with CNA are subject to a background investigation. For positions requiring access to classified information, U.S. citizenship is required. Individuals will also be subject to an additional government background investigation, and continued employment eligibility is contingent upon the ability to obtain and maintain an active security clearance.

• CNA, 3003 Washington Blvd, Arlington, Virginia, United States of America