Research Associate - Chemical, Biological, Radiological, & Nuclear Defense (Cbrn)

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; the structure and capabilities of US, allied, and adversary forces; chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear defense (CBRN); organizational efficiency and management issues; and human capital challenges.

SFRD has an opening for a Research Associate (RA) to support a portfolio of studies on CBRN defense, particularly biodefense. These studies examine a variety of issues including the risks posed by threats identified by the intelligence community, quantifying the potential CBRN environment that might challenge both US military forces and civilians, human physiological response to CBRN agents and effects, developing scenarios and vignettes to support exercises, modeling infectious disease spread, and assessing defensive technologies. The work is performed by interdisciplinary teams and while some tasks will be narrowly focused, others will address a broader spectrum of concerns. Our analyses are highly technical and involve considerable modeling and simulation. This work will require a willingness to learn the essentials of CBRN phenomenology and to execute quantitative analyses of the highest caliber.

Responsibilities:

Research Associates (RAs) are junior members of the full-time professional staff working under the guidance and direction of IDA Research Analysts. In response to assignments provided by IDA Research Analysts, RAs contribute to research teams with information gathering; 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. RAs are members of interdisciplinary research teams and must demonstrate good interpersonal communications skills and contribute effectively to a team approach to problem solving. The issues that IDA addresses change constantly, and 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 technical problems.

Qualifications:

• Master's or Bachelor's degree in a relevant field is required. Because of the breadth of our analyses, acceptable degrees could be in physics, mathematics, statistics, engineering, computer science, or similar fields.

• Recent experience working with programming languages used in research (e.g., Python, R, Java, C++, MATLAB, Mathematica, etc.) is required.

• Candidates must demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills.

• At later stages in the process, applicants will be required to submit a writing sample that demonstrates the technical qualifications above and a copy of their transcripts for full consideration. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

• Candidates with a doctoral degree will not be considered for this position.

• Candidates selected will be subject to a background check.

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 embraces diversity and 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 hoping to transition to the private sector while continuing to make a difference in the national security of your country, we offer exciting opportunities to learn and grow.

Sponsors rely on IDA for dispassionate, fact-based, and scientifically rigorous research and advice performed in a research environment free of commercial or shareholder interests where objectivity and the public interest are foremost.

The work produced by IDA is characterized by unquestioned objectivity and high quality. Because of our unique relationship with our U.S. Government sponsors, IDA enjoys unusual access to classified government information and sensitive corporate proprietary information.

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, telework options, and expectation of communication only during core business hours.

• Easy access to local dining and shopping. Employer contributes $300/month (IRS max) to commuter benefits.