Senior Research Specialist - (Geospatial /Stats Focus)

CNA Corporation; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

CNA Corporation is seeking a Senior Research Specialist with a focus on Geospatial and Statistics to support its Center for Homeland Security and Infrastructure Resilience. The role involves data collection, analysis, and contributing to project proposals. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree and at least 2 years of relevant experience, along with proficiency in Microsoft Office and strong communication skills. Join a team dedicated to developing data-driven solutions for national security.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of relevant experience required.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree plus at least 2 years of relevant experience or a Master’s degree.

Responsibilities

• Gather, process, and analyze data using standard research methodologies.
• Communicate effectively in oral and written formats.
• Work independently on well-structured tasks.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Database Management

Interpersonal Skills

Oral Communication

Written Communication

Critical Thinking

Organizational Skills

Research Techniques

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Master’s Degree

Job description

Senior Research Specialist - (Geospatial /Stats Focus)

CNA, Arlington, Virginia, United States of America

Job Description

PRIMARY PURPOSE

CNA’s Center for Homeland Security and Infrastructure Resilience develops data-driven, analytic solutions to address complex and emerging problems. We conduct analysis and planning, build decision-support tools, and create training and exercises that support the safety and security of our nation’s residents, visitors, environment, infrastructure, economy, and cyberspace.

Support project and other corporate needs including (1) collecting, processing, vetting, and analyzing pertinent data, (2) conducting technical assistance activities such as planning and organizing meetings and seminars, and (3) supporting proposal development by collecting and organizing resumes, past performance reports, and corporate capabilities. Act as primary data collector and contribute substantively to CNA studies and proposals, including project planning, report preparation, and quality reviews.

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 problem solving. Our employees are committed to helping clients develop effective, data-driven solutions to better manage their programs. We seek creative and innovative individuals to help carry out our mission.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND/OR DUTIES

1. Apply standard research methodologies to gather, process, and analyze data. Use relevant database software to organize and present data and generate reports. Demonstrate intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Office and other CNA software. Structure tasks such as literature reviews, environmental scans, and interviews. Draft report sections and begin to structure moderate scope problems and research or proposal development tasks. Capable of constructing briefings using MS PowerPoint and possesses intermediate to advanced skills with MS Word and Excel.
2. Develop familiarity with the missions and organizational structure of the division or team’s major clients or sponsors. Build institutional knowledge of at least one primary client/sponsor, identify key personnel, and understand their importance to CNA.
3. Participate in project team meetings. Support preparation for client interactions, identify client POCs, and maintain awareness of communication between the project team and client POCs. Contribute to meetings with clients and project teams as needed.
4. Gain sufficient understanding or expertise on specific tasks, issues, or data to contribute positively to project outcomes.
5. Learn about CNA’s organization, key personnel, SOPs, and business environment. Understand project development processes, including initiating and closing projects, hiring subcontractors, monitoring revenue and costs. Contribute to financial discussions at the project level.
6. Communicate effectively in oral and written formats. Present and summarize data clearly. Draft report sections, briefings, or other deliverables in accordance with standards.
7. Work independently on well-structured tasks, estimating time and resources needed. Work under supervision on broader tasks. Track personal project spending and understand project budgeting and financial tracking.
8. Maintain a positive attitude in interactions. Take responsibility for actions and outcomes. Proactively seek process improvements and contribute to a better work environment.
9. Perform other duties as assigned.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

1. Education: Bachelor’s degree plus at least 2 years of relevant experience or a Master’s degree.
2. Experience: Minimum 2 years’ relevant experience required.
3. Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office, database management, interpersonal, oral and written communication, critical thinking, organizational skills, and research techniques.

***Voluntary (but highly desired) document***

Please include a personal statement with your application to share your goals, interests, and influences, demonstrating your potential value to CNA. Guidelines are available here. Personal statements are optional and will not be used for elimination.

CNA is committed to equal employment opportunities and complies with all applicable laws. All applicants are subject to background checks, and U.S. citizenship is required for positions requiring access to classified information.