Overview

The Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) performs integrated, interdisciplinary studies of plans and policies related to national security strategy, the structure and capabilities of U.S., allied, and adversary forces and supporting infrastructure. In addition, IDA assists U.S. and partner nations in development, implementation, and assessment of the management processes necessary to sustain efficient and effective national security establishments.

Challenging career opportunities now exist at IDA. IDA takes great pride in the high caliber and timeliness of its analyses, which are produced in an atmosphere that encourages independent thinking and objective results. Work at IDA is conducted in a team environment and often involves a multi-disciplinary approach. Researchers work closely with, and are in frequent contact with, government sponsors. Consequently, strong communications skills will be greatly valued.

Responsibilities

IDA is seeking candidates for the research staff to be a part of its institutional capacity building and security sector assistance portfolio teams. The work involves supporting the development of governance and management capacities within foreign defense and security ministries of U.S. government partners and allies. Specific areas of focus include the development of policy and strategy that links to a multi-year resource planning and allocation process as well as the development of personnel, training, acquisition and logistics processes able to link national objectives and defense ministry guidance to military formations and defense organizations.
Research Associates (RAs) work under the guidance and direction of IDA Research Staff Members (RSMs). Some research tasks will be narrowly focused; others will address a broader spectrum of concerns. In response to assignments provided by IDA RSMs, RAs contribute to research teams with information gathering; modeling and simulation; data manipulation, analysis and presentation; and drafting of reports and briefings. RAs are members of interdisciplinary research teams and must demonstrate good 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, sound judgment, credible research methods, and creativity in applying quantitative and qualitative analysis methods to complex policy problems.

IDA’s institutional capacity building work involves performing work overseas in the ministry of the US security partner being supported. Frequent overseas travel (on average, roughly 1-2 week deployments four to six times per year) is an essential and necessary component of the work.

While not traveling, candidates should be willing and able to work at IDA’s Potomac Yard offices in Alexandria, VA. Part-time remote work may be possible.

Finally, contributions to other SFRD research program areas (such as joint capability analyses; risk identification and management; organizational design and assessment; and analysis of the efficacy of particular programs or operational concepts) are possible.

Qualifications

• A minimum of a bachelor’s degree with experience in national or international security, operations research, economics, engineering, logistics, quantitative political science, or methodologically similar disciplines is required. A Master’s degree in one or more areas referenced above is preferred.
• At least five years’ experience in military and/or defense analysis. Experience serving in the US armed forces or allied forces is preferred.
• Ability to communicate complex concepts simply and clearly in written and spoken contexts is essential.
• The ability and willingness to travel is required. Expect up to six overseas trips per year, each of one to two weeks duration, to the capital cities of the world’s lesser-developed countries.
• Candidates selected will be subject to a security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for at least a Secret-level clearance in order to access classified information.
• Candidates are required to complete an on-line application and submit a resume. At later stages of the candidate evaluation process, candidates will be required to submit a copy of their transcripts, a writing sample and a cover letter outlining their interest in the position and how skill sets, experiences, and education align with the defined responsibilities, and the contact information for at least three references whom we can contact.
• Successful completion of a criminal background check is required.