Research Analyst - Nuclear Weapon Effects

The Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) is seeking a Research Analyst to join the Science, Systems, and Sustainment Division (S3D).

This role is for a researcher who is able to contribute to ongoing projects involving the potential effects of nuclear weapons, the validity of models used to estimate them, and their higher order effects on military operations and planning. Modeling and simulation experience is needed, plus the ability to derive actionable recommendations for government leaders, communicated in a clear manner. You will participate in and potentially lead technically rigorous studies, develop new analytic approaches, and translate complex results into defensible insights for senior decision-makers.

Specific research-related activities expected of this position include:

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain relationships with potential sponsors and stakeholders in the national security community to identify emerging issues.
• Engage effectively with sponsors to understand their issues and constraints, and develop responsive research plans.
• Independently formulate research questions that address sponsors' challenging and complex problems, and are informed by the broader context of national security.
• Identify key factors of the issue under study, and create and execute appropriate quantitative analytic methodologies, including novel computational and model-based approaches.
• Interact with government officials, military personnel, and other subject matter experts during the research process.
• Review experimental data, perform statistical analyses, and execute parametric studies.
• Analyze, evaluate, and integrate data and model results with operational plans to understand impacts on the warfighter.
• Prepare reports and presentations documenting findings, conclusions, and recommendations and effectively communicate the results of IDA's analysis to sponsors and selected audiences.

Required Qualifications

• Education:
  • Ph.D. in physical science or engineering or
  • Master's degree in one of the above fields with at least 6 years of relevant experience beyond academic work.
• Proficiency in writing analysis code in Python, C/C++, or other widely used computer languages.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in small, high-performing, research teams.
• Strong technical communication skills, particularly the ability to communicate technical information to technical and non-technical audiences, including IDA collaborators and project leaders.
• Successful completion of a criminal background check is required.
• Travel (domestic or international) may be required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI level security clearance. Having a current TS/SCI clearance is strongly desired.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience modeling nuclear weapon effects in the context of operational implications.

The Research Environment

IDA research staff work on problems that do not have predefined solutions. Successful analysts are:

• Self-directed and intellectually curious.
• Comfortable working across disciplines.
• Able to contribute to multiple concurrent studies.
• Motivated by quantitative, high-consequence, analysis.

You will work with peers who value methodological rigor, independence of thought, and technical excellence.

We are committed to creating a workplace that fosters inclusion and values the unique perspectives and experiences of every individual. Our commitment to inclusion extends beyond recruitment; it permeates our culture, policies, and practices. We strive to provide a respectful and supportive environment where every team member can thrive and contribute their best. Click here to view our vision, mission, and guiding principles.

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
  • Full day interview with various researchers and staff; includes giving a presentation on a research project.
• Prior to the full day interview, you will be asked to provide:
  • Transcripts (unofficial accepted);
  • 3 letters of recommendation; and
  • A writing sample.

At IDA, we pride ourselves on offering a comprehensive benefits package that ensures the well-being and security of our staff and their families. We provide a range of medical plans as well as stand-alone dental and vision coverage. Our retirement plans are designed to secure the financial future of our staff, featuring a generous contribution of 10% of base salary to our Qualified Retirement Plan after six months of service. We are committed to promoting a healthy work-life balance with a flexible work environment, an Employee Assistance Plan, paid parental leave, 10 paid holidays, and generous paid time off. IDA encourages professional development and offers tuition reimbursement and other learning opportunities. Learn more about our robust benefit offerings here.

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.