Research Associate

The Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) is an independent, non-profit corporation that operates three federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs). This position is in our Systems and Analyses Center located in Alexandria, VA 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. We are seeking highly motivated and skilled Research Associates to join the Operational Evaluation Division (OED). These roles are crucial in supporting our research projects with robust data analysis, programming, and database management.

Research Associate Position Overview

IDA's Operational Evaluation Division (OED) collaborates with the Department of War (DoW) and other government agencies to independently test and evaluate military technology to provide our warfighters with safe, effective, and usable military systems and ensure taxpayer funds are used appropriately. Research Associates are responsible for conducting research, developing and managing databases, performing data analysis, and generating reports for our national security sponsors. The ideal candidates will have strong programming skills, a solid understanding of database construction and management, and experience in data analysis and reporting.

What You'll Be Doing

• Assist in the design, planning, observation, and analysis of assessments of military systems.
• Perform data analysis using statistical or other analytic methods and software tools.
• Develop, manage, and maintain databases and data management systems to store and organize data.
• Assist in the preparation of briefings and reports that clearly present findings from analyses.

Skills & Qualifications

• Education:
  • BS in Computer Science, Statistics, Data Science, Physics, Chemistry, or a related STEM field + 4 years of related experience OR
  • MS in Computer Science, Statistics, Data Science, Physics, Chemistry, or a related STEM field + 2 years of related experience.
• Strong programming skills.
• Proficiency in Python, R, or similar data analytics tools and software.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex or technical information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness to travel.
• Must successfully complete a background check.
• Candidates must meet eligibility requirements for obtaining a TS/SCI clearance. A current clearance is preferred.

Preferred Skills & Qualifications:

• Knowledge of machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques.
• Ability to work in both Windows and Linux operating systems.
• Military or civilian DoW acquisition or test experience.

This Research Associate posting covers multiple openings in the following OED areas:

• Naval Warfare - Support operational tests of Navy ships, submarines, unmanned platforms, electromagnetic warfare systems, weapons, and combat systems.

• T&E Capabilities, Partnerships, and Policy (CAP) - Help develop web applications and dashboards for trend analysis across many acquisition programs, and help incorporate LLM-based tools into ongoing analyses.

• Land & Expeditionary Warfare (LEW) - Support operational and live-fire tests of ground combat vehicles and weapons, artillery and missile systems, tactical communications, helicopters, soldier systems, and air-defense systems, with a focus on operational performance and risk to warfighters.

• Exercises and Experimentation (EEP) - Help plan, design, and analyze assessments of multi-domain Department of War capabilities, including full-spectrum cyberspace operations, in contested, threat-representative conditions.

• Space and Strategic Warfare Systems (SSWS) - Help plan, design, and analyze assessments of missile defense, space, software, and AI systems against realistic threats across complete mission threads.

• Air Warfare - Support the design, planning, and observation of operational tests of fighter and bomber aircraft, uncrewed air vehicles, air-launched weapons, sensors, electronic warfare systems, and command and control systems.

Why work at IDA?

• Comprehensive benefits including diverse health insurance options, generous 10% contribution to retirement, parental leave, and 20 days of paid time off;
• Mission-oriented work at a non-profit that supports and protects our warfighters; as a non-profit, IDA employees are eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF);
• Professional development including tuition reimbursement, internal and external training, and funding for researcher-pitched projects and publications;
• A strong employee and corporate culture of work-life balance;
• A brand-new facility located in Alexandria's high-tech corridor in Potomac Yard; amenities include cafeteria, gym, and close proximity to local dining and shopping; and
• Easy access to Potomac Yard Metro stop and Potomac Yard DASH bus stop. Employer contributes up to $340/month (IRS max) to commuter benefits.

What are the next steps?

• Complete the application and submit your resume.
• The application process consists of three interviews.
  • A short screening call with HR;
  • A 30 min - 60 min screening call with researchers; and
  • In person interview with various researchers and staff; includes giving a ~30-minute presentation on a research project.
• Prior to the in-person interview, you will be asked to provide:
• Transcripts (unofficial accepted);
• 3 letters of recommendation; and
• A writing sample.

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 $83,104-$176,635. Individual salary within this range will be commensurate with the incumbent's experience, unique skills and qualifications, and other relevant factors.