Research Associate - Defense Management - Full Time - Alexandria, VA
U.S. Citizenship is required.
Overview
The Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) is a federally funded research and development center supporting the Department of Defense (DoD) and other federal agencies that require rigorous and objective analysis. Staff in IDA’s Defense Management Institute support senior defense leaders by applying qualitative and quantitative methods from public policy, political science, economics, statistics, and business management to a broad range of national security policy issues. Past and current IDA research examines: acquisition reform, personnel policies, history of defense reforms, history of the Chief Management Officer, creation of a digital repository, and reviews of the Defense Agencies.
The Defense Management Institute (at IDA) is seeking a motivated Research Associate to apply social science methods as a member of interdisciplinary project teams. This is a Master’s or Bachelor’s-level position. Research Associates in the Defense Management Institute are paired with a more senior staff member who will serve as a mentor/coach to guide their work and development during their time at IDA. Research Associates receive flexible opportunities for professional development and may pursue a wide variety of research tasks based upon their interests and skills. Applicants should be naturally curious and willing to regularly learn about new topics and research methods.
Responsibilities
Research Associates contribute to projects as members of interdisciplinary teams typically led by IDA Research Staff Members. Responsibilities may include:
- Collecting a range of data on components of the defense enterprise
- Serving as rapporteur during senior leader interviews
- Assisting with developing special programs for the Defense Management Institute
- Helping to curate an online repository of resources for the defense management community
- Translating complex research findings into written and oral products for senior defense officials and both academic and non-academic audiences
- Communicating effectively with team members and research sponsors from a wide variety of disciplinary backgrounds
- Adapting to a wide range of complex and evolving research questions
- Exercising independent thought, sound judgment, critical thinking, and creativity
- Some travel to U.S. government or U.S. security partner field locations
Qualifications
- A Master's or Bachelor’s degree demonstrating a high level of academic achievement (minimum 3.0 GPA) in a social or behavioral science field (e.g., Organizational Behavior, Public Policy, Political Science, economics, business administration; or related fields). Coursework must include research methods. Applicants with a doctoral degree will not be considered for this opportunity.
- Bachelor’s-level candidates must have at least 2 years of post-graduate relevant work experience.
- Experience with qualitative data analysis (e.g., coding data, content analysis, survey design, interviews) is required.
- Ability to synthesize previous research and other qualitative information on social or behavioral science topics is required (e.g., conduct literature reviews).
- Experience conducting or contributing to research studies or program/policy evaluations involving survey, interview, and/or focus group methodology is required. Knowledge of program evaluation concepts is desired.
- Strong written and oral communication skills are required.
- Prior work experience in or familiarity with the military, government, or nongovernmental organizations performing social/behavioral-related work is desired.
- The ability and willingness to travel on an occasional basis is desired.
- Applicants are REQUIRED to submit a writing sample that demonstrates the technical qualifications detailed above.
- Applicants within 5 years of graduation must also provide a copy of their transcripts for full consideration. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
Why work at IDA?
- Competitive salary and benefits, including diverse health insurance options, generous 11% contribution to retirement, 6 weeks 100% paid parental leave, 20 days paid time off, and relocation reimbursement.
- Mission-oriented work at a non-profit that supports and protects our Nation’s warfighters; as a non-profit, IDA employees are eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL).
- Organization-wide commitment to diversity in the workplace and providing a working environment free from discrimination, by fostering a culture of active citizenship and implementing data-driven processes of continuous feedback and learning.
- Professional development including tuition reimbursement, internal and external trainings, and funding for researcher-pitched projects and publications.
- A strong employee and corporate culture of work-life balance, including commitment to average 40-hour work weeks through flex time, partial telework options, and expectation of communication only during core business hours.
- Located in Alexandria's high-tech corridor, IDA's brand new Potomac Yard facility is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, workspaces and amenities, including a cafeteria, grab-n-go cafe and gym.
- Easy access to local dining and shopping, the Potomac Yard Metro stop (opening Fall 2022), and the Potomac Yard DASH bus stop. Employer contributes $280/month (IRS max) to commuter benefits.
What are the next steps?
- Complete the application and submit your resume, transcripts, and a writing sample.
- If you are selected to move forward in the interview process, the interview consists of three steps:
- A short screening call with HR
- A 30 min – 60 min screening call with researchers
- An on-site interview with various researchers and staff
- Prior to the full day interview, you will be asked to provide the following:
- Transcripts (unofficial accepted) for applicants within 5 years of graduation
- 3 professional or academic references
- A writing sample
IDA’s goal is to have its employees perform their job in the most productive work environment possible. IDA offers flexible work schedules and telework options on a case-by-case basis given the individuals satisfactory performance and position suitability.
IDA is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace and 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.
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.