Details
Posted: 21-Jun-22
Location: Alexandria, Virginia
Type: Full Time
Preferred Education: Doctorate
Overview:
The Institute for Defense Analyses is a federally funded research and development center supporting the Department of Defense and other federal agencies that require rigorous and objective analysis of national security issues. The Strategy, Forces and Resources Division (SFRD) at IDA performs integrated, interdisciplinary studies of plans and policies related to national security strategy and homeland security and defense. The Division assists the U.S. and allied nations in analyses to provide defensive capabilities (which could be technical, medical, and/or procedural) against state or terrorist use of weapons of mass destruction against US military forces or civilians. Our analyses are highly technical and involve considerable modeling and simulation.
Challenging career opportunities now exist in our Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) defense analysis group. IDA takes great pride in the high caliber and timeliness of its analyses, which are produced in an atmosphere that encourages independent thinking and objective results. Work at IDA is conducted in a team environment and often involves a multi-disciplinary approach. Researchers work closely with and are in frequent contact with government sponsors. Consequently, strong communications skills will be greatly valued.
Responsibilities:
Research Analysts are mid-to-senior level members of IDA’s research staff. They typically possess extensive experience along with educational and professional credentials in their areas of expertise. Research Analysts are principally responsible for delivering scientifically sound research and technically reviewing other research products. Research Analysts are responsible for forming and leading teams in performing abroad spectrum of analytic functions from defining problems, determining appropriate approaches, modeling or developing, and applying analytical tools to illuminate those problems; guiding junior staff in the application of the selected approaches and tools; interpreting results; and communicating findings (using both written and verbal means). The Research Analyst will work with the CBRN analysis group within SFRD as well as with analysts from throughout IDA on a diverse set of topics, including CBRN planning assessments and scenario analysis, requirements determinations, material tradeoff and performance analysis, and doctrine and TTP development.
Qualifications:
Highly qualified individuals are sought, particularly self-starting professionals. Successful candidates need to exhibit strong analytical and communication skills, a capacity for independent thought and sound judgment. Candidates will need to exhibit excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrate the ability to contribute effectively to a team approach to problem solving.
- A PhD in operations research, physics, chemistry, biology, math, engineering, or methodologically similar highly quantitative disciplines is required; Master’s degree with a minimum of 10 years’ experience or, a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 15 years’ experience plus a record of progressive professional education and certification in operations research or CBRN also accepted.
- At least two assignments to different four-star staffs with at least one of these assignments as an O-6.
- Successful completion of Senior-Service or Senior-Level Professional Military Education (a War College graduate).
- Successful O-5 level operational command.
- Familiarity with modeling, simulation and other quantitative techniques especially those employed in the analysis of, prioritization among, and selection of CBRN defense capabilities, military strategies, and courses of action necessary for the planning and execution of CBRN contested military (including non-kinetic) operations.
- A pattern of assignments involving some or all of these responsibilities.
- Candidates are encouraged to submit a cover letter outlining how their skill set, experiences, and education align with the defined responsibilities.
- Candidates must be prepared to provide a writing sample.
- A command of modeling and quantitative techniques including proficiency in modern programming languages or an ability to identify sources and assemble and organize large data sets for subsequent analysis is desired but not required.
- Candidates must identify three references capable of attesting to the candidate’s skills in relation to the job qualifications described above.
- Candidates selected will be subject to a background check, security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
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. Click here to learn more about IDA's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
