Overview
The Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) is a Federally-Funded Research and Development Center supporting the Department of War (DOW) and other federal agencies. IDA’s mission is to provide objective analyses of national security issues and related national challenges, particularly those requiring extraordinary scientific and technical expertise. IDA takes great pride in the high caliber and timeliness of its analyses, which are produced in an atmosphere that encourages collaboration, independent thinking, and objective results.
An opportunity now exists in our Cost Analysis and Research Division (CARD) for an experienced Adjunct Research Staff Member - Test Resource Analyst. CARD engages in both cost and program analysis and applied research on a broad set of topics within the Department of War and for other Federal Agencies. Our research staff provides independent and objective analyses on a wide range of national security issues, particularly those requiring scientific, technical, and quantitative expertise. Candidates should have demonstrated experience working on a diverse set of challenging problems throughout their career. This particular opportunity focuses on analytical analyses and support to the Test Resource Management Center.
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 and senior officials. Consequently, strong communications and interpersonal skills will be greatly valued.
Responsibilities:
· Conduct Research and Analysis — research, test, study, analyze, predict, and evaluate issues within assigned projects to generate clear, evidence‑based insights.
· Prepare Technical Reports — prepare well‑supported reports—individually or as part of a team—documenting your findings and conclusions, and you may present your recommendations to sponsors or other stakeholders.
· Lead Project Activities — you can expect to be assigned to lead one or more projects, ensuring analytical rigor, quality, and timely execution.
· Identify Emerging Issues — work with fellow researchers and sponsors to identify, prioritize, and communicate emerging issues relevant to IDA, its sponsors, and the broader community.
· Build Sponsor Relationships — develop and sustain productive working relationships with sponsors to support mission alignment and effective project outcomes.
Minimum Job Qualifications:
Education/Experience: MS+8 years of experience or Ph.D.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
• Advanced technical expertise in material sciences or nuclear physics, with the ability to translate complex scientific concepts into clear, actionable guidance for senior DOW leadership.
• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to brief senior government and industry stakeholders.
• Research leadership with a demonstrated record of planning, executing, and delivering high impact technical studies and development efforts.
• Organizational knowledge of DOW structures, functions, and processes—particularly within the Test Resource Management Center and offices under the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering.
• Program analysis skills including cost estimation, schedule risk assessment, and evaluation of technical feasibility for complex defense programs.
• Ability to operate independently with minimal supervision in a dynamic, unstructured environment.
• Innovative problem solving and critical thinking capabilities applied to technical and programmatic challenges.
• Proven ability to interact professionally with government, military, and industry representatives.
• Willingness and ability to travel as required.
• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Must possess an active Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearance and remain eligible for continued access to SCI controlled programs.
Compensation
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.
