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) performs interdisciplinary analyses of plans and policies related to national security strategy, and has an opening for a Research Assistant or Associate (RA) to assist with quantitative analyses across this research portfolio.
Responsibilities:
As full-time professional staff members, RAs work closely with IDA Research Staff Members on various research tasks in a mentoring environment. Some research tasks are narrowly focused, while others address a broad spectrum of issues. RAs contribute to research teams by gathering information; modeling and simulation; data manipulation, analysis and presentation; and drafting of reports and briefings. Accordingly, RAs are expected to have demonstrated proficiency in technical areas and to be familiar with computer languages and computational and data processing software. Because RAs are members of interdisciplinary research teams, strong interpersonal communications skills and a team approach to problem solving are required. As the defense landscape changes constantly, RAs are expected to be adaptable and self- motivated, demonstrating a capacity for independent thought and sound judgment, and creativity in applying quantitative analysis methods to complex policy problems. RAs may also assist in the planning and coordination of field research activities, and accompany research teams conducting field research. RAs are encouraged to further their educational development by pursuing and/or completing the PhD in their analytical discipline (with the possibility for scholarship grants); those distinguish themselves may be offered the opportunity to become Research Staff Members themselves.
Qualifications:
- Individuals from 2 educational tracks will be considered: (1) ABD PhD candidates in economics (preferred fields in applied microeconomics or applied econometrics, with exposure to computational macro), or in applied mathematics, and (2) those with a completed Bachelors and/or Master’s degree in economics, statistics, or mathematics.
- Demonstrated significant coursework and a high level of academic achievement (GPAs of 3.5 and above) in quantitative analysis disciplines is essential; work in empirical microeconomics, econometrics, and/or economic simulation is strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to assemble and organize large, complex data sets and produce descriptive statistics using statistical analysis software applications (such as STATA, MATLAB, R, SPSS, or SAS) or modern database software is essential.
- Demonstrated ability to produce parsimonious, presentation-quality tables, graphs, charts, and diagrams depicting complex statistical relationships using statistical processing software, Excel, and Power Point.
- Ability to communicate complex concepts simply and clearly in written and spoken contexts is essential.
- Prior work experience in the military, government, or non-governmental organizations performing national security related work is a plus.
- US Citizenship is required; applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
Candidates will be asked to provide a writing sample and are highly encouraged to submit a cover letter outlining their interests, skill set, experiences, and education - include with resume and GPAs as one document.
Recent graduates (5-years or less) should provide undergraduate and graduate transcripts (unofficial copies will suffice).
Please email Colin Doyle at cdoyle@ida.org or colin.doyle.ctr@ida.pentagon.smil.mil for more information.
IDA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
IDA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
