Policy Research Associate

QED-C®, the Quantum Economic Development Consortium, seeks an intellectually sophisticated and analytically rigorous Policy Research Associate to develop and contribute to a portfolio of projects at the intersection of technology policy, scholarship, and practice. QED-C is an industry association with the mission to grow the quantum economy through community-building and collaboration, serving member organizations operating in more than 20 countries.

About the role

The Policy Research Associate will conduct research that informs policy, strategy, and decision-making on issues of interest to the quantum industry. This role works closely with QED-C management and volunteer leadership in a dynamic research environment that values intellectual rigor, perspective on emerging challenges, and collaboration. The position requires a hybrid schedule from the SRI International office in Arlington, VA and reports to the QED-C Deputy Director.

The portfolio includes member-funded and externally funded research and policy initiatives. The associate will apply sophisticated methodologies, including quantitative and qualitative techniques, to develop findings and recommendations conveyed in various formats. The role also contributes to proposal efforts to promote the development and sustainability of QED-C's research portfolio.

Responsibilities

• Contribute substantively to the conception, development, and dissemination of research and policy analysis.
• Support a portfolio of projects by conducting rigorous inquiry, producing high-quality written analyses, engaging with stakeholders, and assisting in the development and stewardship of externally funded research awards.
• Lead the production of research products, including policy briefs, technical reports, white papers, journal articles, presentations, sponsor deliverables, and executive-level briefing materials.
• Undertake original research on issues of strategic importance, including literature reviews, data collection and analysis, monitoring policy and technology domains, and synthesizing findings and recommendations.
• Exercise independent judgment in framing research questions, assessing evidence, and identifying implications for policy and practice.
• Produce near-final drafts of publications, presentations, and proposals requiring minimal rework.
• Support interviews and convenings by preparing background materials, summarizing discussions, capturing key insights, and cultivating relationships with collaborators and sponsors.
• Contribute to the development and sustainability of QED-C's research portfolio, including proposal development, background research for funding opportunities, and preparing materials for sponsor engagement.
• Translate ambiguous needs into structured work plans, clear research questions, and appropriate methodologies.
• Proactively communicate risks and recommend mitigations to QED-C management.
• Support dissemination and public impact through presentation, marketing, and outreach activities to extend the reach and influence of research findings.
• May represent the organization in professional settings.

Requirements

• Must submit a cover letter and a list of publications illustrating relevant themes in academic, governmental, nonprofit, consulting, or industry settings (can be submitted with the resume or as a separate attachment).
• Master's degree in economics, science & technology studies, international relations, security studies, or related interdisciplinary fields bridging technology and policy.
• Experience selecting and implementing quantitative and qualitative methods to answer policy questions.
• Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills to inform and persuade diverse audiences, including executives.
• Ability to travel occasionally to QED-C and closely related meetings.
• Ability to work a hybrid schedule from the SRI office in Arlington, VA.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated interest in addressing real-world technology policy challenges and familiarity with proposal development activities.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple concurrent workstreams.
• Experience working effectively in a project-based research environment with multiple stakeholders and evolving priorities.
• Experience employing quantitative analytical tools and methods, including statistical analysis, econometrics, data visualization, or computational research techniques.
• Experience mentoring junior staff and coordinating contributions across multidisciplinary teams.
• Familiarity with policy analysis frameworks and applied research methodologies.
• Writing samples will be requested during the interview process.

Pay

The salary range is $63,873–$84,636. Ranges vary based on geographic location, market competitiveness, and equity amongst internal employees in similar roles. Positions may qualify for SRI's Pay for Outstanding Performance program or the annual Performance Based Compensation program.

Benefits

SRI offers a competitive benefits package. For details, visit https://www.sri.com/resources/benefits/.