Research Associate, Threat Reduction

About the role

Dexis is looking for a highly qualified Research Associate to support work with the Department of State’s Bureau of Arms Control and Nonproliferation, Office of Cooperative Threat Reduction (ACN/CTR). This project will evaluate CTR’s Foundational Infrastructure for the Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology (FIRST) program, a line of effort focused on promoting the safe use of U.S.-based small modular nuclear reactors abroad. Evaluation tasks will primarily include analyzing available FIRST program data and reports, conducting open-source research on partner countries, and contributing to major reports assessing the FIRST program’s success in achieving its desired outcomes. The Research Associate will actively participate in learning sessions and regular meetings with the client and support the project team in developing infographics and dashboards for CTR’s use. This evaluation is 12 months with an anticipated start date of October 1, 2026. This position is contingent upon award.

Responsibilities

• Support data collection efforts remotely through interviews, note-taking, surveys, and other data collection instruments.
• With guidance from the project team, conduct qualitative research, literature reviews, and other desktop studies.
• Support virtual key informant interviews (KIIs) as requested with a range of stakeholders, including Department of State staff, implementers of FIRST programming, nuclear/radiological security experts, and partner country officials in select countries abroad.
• Clean, code, and manage large volumes of qualitative data.
• Work with project team members to develop customized indicators to assess FIRST programming.
• Provide support for data visualization and analysis.
• Draft reports, findings from evaluations, presentations and briefs, and other products.
• Provide additional support, including copy editing, preparation of deliverables, and other tasks as needed.
• Manage electronic files and tracking systems to ensure compliance with Dexis policies and standard practices.
• Help ensure compliance with Dexis processes, contractual requirements, and U.S. Government regulations.
• Help identify and resolve common problems, escalating and tracking more complex issues to their resolution.

Requirements

• Minimum BA in a relevant field (National Security, International Relations, International Development, etc.) plus one year of relevant work experience (including part-time work, if applicable).
• Experience working on applied research and project monitoring and evaluation for donor-funded projects (experience with Department of State-funded projects highly desirable).
• Understanding of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) principles (i.e. indicators, project evaluation, KIIs, 18 FAM 300, Managing for Results, etc.).
• Familiarity with manual or software-based qualitative analysis techniques.
• Familiarity with survey development and analysis.
• Quantitative analysis capabilities, including developing findings from large amounts of data in Excel.
• Strong writing and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant field (National Security, International Relations, International Development, etc.).
• Active Secret clearance.
• Three years of professional experience.
• Quantitative and qualitative research experience.
• Experience with data visualization tools.
• Familiarity with qualitative analysis software such as NVivo.
• Familiarity with SurveyMonkey.
• Familiarity with CTR Global Threat Reduction (GTR) programming and/or USG threat reduction programming.
• Familiarity with chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) security or U.S. nuclear policy in general.
• Project management experience, especially for U.S. Government (USG)–funded projects.
• Business development experience, including bid management, technical writing, and recruiting.

Benefits

As part of a competitive benefits package for eligible employees, Dexis provides healthcare insurance in addition to other staff welfare benefits and perks.