Overview
The Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) is a non-profit federally funded research and development center. IDA provides answers to questions posed by the Department of Defense and other agencies that require careful analysis. 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.
Responsibilities
The Joint Advanced Warfighting Division (JAWD) has an immediate opening for an Adjunct Research Staff Member (ARSM) with a background in national security analyses at the intersection of strategy implementation and force development, particularly with emphasis on concept development and experimentation. Practical experience is of equal importance to relevant analytical skills and educational background. Adjunct professional staff at IDA are expected to be able to work independently, as a member of a study team, or to lead teams of highly qualified researchers and analysts.
Research Staff are expected to be familiar with standard methods for collecting, compiling, summarizing, analyzing and presenting qualitative and quantitative data/information. They should be able to develop or apply appropriate methods to support the needs of particular studies or analyses (for example structured interviews, working groups, and seminars). As members of interdisciplinary research teams, researchers must demonstrate strong communication (oral and written) and interpersonal skills with the ability to contribute effectively to a team approach to problem solving.
The national security issues that IDA addresses change constantly, and researchers are expected to be adaptable and self- motivated, demonstrate a capacity for independent thought, sound judgment, and creativity in analyzing complex policy, operational, and technical problems. IDA research teams may travel to US government or US security partner locations (typically, but not always headquarters or office-like locations). Researchers may be required to conduct field research activities as projects require.
Duties Include:
- Participating in research teams charged with conducting analyses using appropriate analytical tools, research methods, and best practices.
- Managing, as required, project teams (schedule, resources, and deliverables) as well as government sponsor relationships associated with current and related future projects.
- Presenting complex analyses to a wide range of audiences both orally, visually, and in writing.
- Lead planning meetings with individuals and organizations outside of IDA and interact with senior Government representatives
- Supporting or leading; the analysis of topics relating to strategy and force development including the assessment of emerging concepts and experimentation plans.
Qualifications
- A Master’s degree is required (Strategy, Political Science, International Relations, Public Policy or related discipline).
- 15 or more years of relevant work experience.
- Specific training or experience in: strategy development and key aspects of force development (concepts, experimentation, force structure and design).
- Highly qualified candidates will have successfully served in roles supporting force development in the Department, or other related/associated national security and research institutions.
- Candidates may be asked to provide a writing sample demonstrating research and writing skills.
Desired Qualifications
About IDA
The Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) is a private, nonprofit corporation headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, just outside Washington, DC. IDA’s mission is to answer the most challenging U.S. security and science policy questions with objective analysis leveraging extraordinary scientific, technical, and analytic expertise.
IDA supports an inclusive work environment. Working here requires energy, commitment, flexibility, and teamwork. Whether you’re a graduate student ready to start your career, a professional looking for your next challenge, or a member of the military transitioning to the private sector, IDA offers exciting opportunities to learn and grow while contributing to U.S. national security.
Sponsors rely on IDA for dispassionate, fact-based, and rigorous high-quality research and advice that emphasize objectivity and the public interest. IDA’s status as an FFRDC facilitates strong partnerships with our U.S. Government sponsors and provides IDA trusted access to classified government information and sensitive corporate proprietary information.
Why work at IDA?
IDA, as a non-profit, is uniquely positioned to answer the most challenging U.S. security and science questions with objective and rigorous analysis leveraging extraordinary scientific, technical, and analytic expertise. This position is located in Alexandria, VA, just outside Washington, D.C.
IDA offers the following benefits and resources to their employees:
Comprehensive benefits including diverse health insurance options, generous 10% contribution to retirement, maternity/paternity leave, 20 days paid time off, and relocation reimbursement.
Mission-oriented work at a non-profit that supports and protects our warfighters
Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) due to IDA's non-profit status.
Professional development including tuition reimbursement, internal and external trainings, and funding for researcher-pitched projects and publications.
A strong employee and corporate work-life balance, including options for flex time.
A brand-new facility located in Alexandria’s high-tech corridor in Potomac Yard; and close proximity to local dining and shopping.
Easy access to Potomac Yard Metro stop and Potomac Yard DASH bus stop. Employer contributes $315/month (IRS max) to commuter benefits.
Compensation
We support transparency, equity, and fairness in our compensation program and provide a reasonable estimate of the salary range based on data-driven market analysis for each position. While it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range, a reasonable estimate of the salary range for this role is $113,353 - $277,494. Individual salary within this range will be commensurate with the incumbent’s experience, unique skills and qualifications, and other relevant factors.