Research Associate - Entry Level

IDA is a private, nonprofit corporation headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia that answers challenging U.S. security and science policy questions with objective analysis leveraging scientific, technical, and analytic expertise. IDA operates three Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs).

About the role

We are seeking a Research Associate to support projects in both the Science, Systems and Sustainment Division (S3D) and the Science and Technology Policy Institute (STPI). Researchers at IDA advise Department of War (DoW), Department of Homeland Security, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), and other agencies on national and global challenges. The role involves facilitating data-driven decision-making through research methods such as statistical analysis, natural language processing, literature review, computer code development, or modeling and simulation.

Responsibilities

• Provide qualitative and quantitative analytic support to government sponsors, including analysis of scientific research developments, policy and program data, and scientific and industrial capabilities.
• Assist in preparing documents such as briefings, reports, and graphs that clearly present findings from analyses.
• Identify and prepare useful data sources for analysis to address sponsor questions.
• Conduct independent research and collaborate on cutting-edge projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Develop new data sources and analytical methodologies to address complex research questions.
• Write reports, develop visualizations, present results, and perform other project-related tasks as directed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in physical sciences, engineering, computer science, or related fields.
• Demonstrated analytical skills and ability to conduct independent research.
• Experience with data analysis using Python, Matlab, R, or similar languages.
• Expertise in natural language processing, autonomous systems, robotics, AI, S&T policy, or researcher networks is a plus.
• Experience in a research setting with natural language processing methods and related machine learning or AI tools is particularly desired.
• Ability to work within multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Successful completion of a background check is required.
• Some travel may be required.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance options.
• Generous 10% employer contribution to retirement.
• Maternity/paternity leave.
• 20 days paid time off.
• Relocation reimbursement.
• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).
• Professional development including tuition reimbursement, internal and external trainings, and funding for researcher-pitched projects and publications.
• Flexible work arrangements, including partial telework and core business hours.
• Employer contributes $340/month (IRS max) to commuter benefits.
• Access to a brand-new facility with a gym, cafeteria, and close proximity to local dining, shopping, and public transportation (Potomac Yard Metro and DASH bus).

Pay

A reasonable estimate of the salary range for this role is $67,335 - $190,249. Individual salary within this range will be commensurate with experience, skills, and qualifications.