Research Analyst - Science Policy (Entry Level PhD)
Overview
The IDA Science and Technology Policy Institute (STPI) is a non-profit, federally funded research and development center that provides objective and independent analytical support to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and other Federal departments and agencies on science and technology (S&T) policy issues. For more information about STPI, please see https://www.ida.org/ida-ffrdcs/science-and-technology-policy-institute
STPI takes pride in the high caliber and timeliness of its analyses, which are produced in a collaborative atmosphere that encourages independent and critical thinking to achieve objective results. Work at STPI often involves multidisciplinary research in diverse teams. STPI staff work closely and regularly interact with federal sponsors.
STPI has immediate openings for an early career Research Analyst with a science, social science, or engineering background. Candidates with a strong interest in technology transfer, space, applied policy research, or social science are encouraged to apply.
Responsibilities
- Work with OSTP and other Executive Offices of the President, Federal agencies, and interagency committees and staff to envision, coordinate, and evaluate national initiatives and policies related to Science & Technology (S&T)
- Determine appropriate methods to solve complex S&T policy problems, collect and analyze qualitative or quantitative data, and communicate the results of those analyses clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, to sponsors
- Execute project tasks (e.g., conduct literature reviews, synthesize information, writing reports and other documents) under limited supervision
- May be assigned as project leader to one or more projects to assist in and provide technical direction for project planning, requirements, budgetary objectives, and assignment of responsibility and authority
- Work effectively as a member of a multidisciplinary team
Qualifications
- Prospective applicants must have a Ph.D. or equivalent. A degree in a biological, physical, or life science; social science; humanities; data science; mathematics or statistics; economics; or engineering field is preferred.
- Demonstrated skills in qualitative or quantitative research methods.
- Experience working in a collaborative environment preferred.
- Strong oral and written communications skills are essential. Experience communicating and writing about science and technology policy preferred.
- Ability to apply technical and analytical skills to a broad portfolio of science and technology policy issues preferred.
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.
U.S. Citizenship is required
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.