Research Associate - Intelligence

Overview

The Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) is seeking analysts with experience in, and knowledge of, the defense and national intelligence communities to conduct independent and objective research for government sponsors. The incumbent will study and analyze national security issues and related national challenges. Under direct supervision, this position conducts qualitative and quantitative research, assisting and supporting work activities of more experienced research staff and other professional staff. This is an entry-level/early career position that supports IDA’s Intelligence Analysis Division. There are no direct supervisory or budgetary responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Researches, analyzes, and evaluates issues of interest to the Defense Department and U.S. Intelligence Community based on provided parameters, guidelines, and/or specifications of the project.
• Individually or as a member of a research team, contributes to the writing of project reports or papers. Completes research, analyses, and programming tasks. Develops draft reports on research findings and preliminary analyses.
• Prepares and maintains project documentation.
• Conducts reviews and searches of printed literature and databases, including government databases; develops and maintains information sources and contacts; performs data curation, data cleaning and coding; summarizes and documents contract information, research findings, and other information.
• Maintains project files and databases and bibliographic and statistical data.
• Maintain awareness of, and potentially contributes to, cross-divisional intelligence-related projects in conjunction with other IDA divisions.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Applicants must have at least a bachelor’s degree. Candidates with advanced degrees will be given preference.
• Candidates must have U.S. citizenship and an active Top Secret clearance with recent SCI Access (within the last six months/current SSBI). Candidates who do not meet this requirement will not be considered.
• Candidates must possess strong research and analytical skills and the ability to fuse all-source information into clear and concise conclusions and recommendations. Candidates will be asked to provide a writing sample demonstrating research and writing skills.
• Applicants must demonstrate the ability to work in an unstructured environment and on more than one project concurrently.
• Applicants must have a basic understanding of defense and national intelligence. Experience in one or more of the following intelligence disciplines is required:
  • All source analysis in military, regional, or scientific and technical areas.
  • Development of intelligence tools and tradecraft for SIGINT, GEOINT, MASINT, HUMINT, or OSINT disciplines.
  • Collection management for defense and national systems.
  • Intelligence processing, exploitation and dissemination.
  • Analysis of intelligence requirements and development of solutions.
  • Support to joint operations through the joint planning process, including development of detailed Functional Support Plans and National Intelligence Support Plans
  • Planning, programming, budgeting and execution of Military Intelligence Program or National Intelligence Program resources.
• Travel may be required. (0 – 10%)

Why work at IDA?

• Competitive salary and benefits, including health insurance options, generous (11%) contribution to retirement, 6 weeks 100% paid parental leave, 20 days paid time off per year (plus holidays), 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 to 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-focused projects and publications.
• A strong employee and corporate culture of work-life balance, including commitment to average 40-hour work weeks through flex time, partial telework options, and expectation of work communication only during core business hours.
• Located in Alexandria's high-tech corridor, IDA's brand new Potomac Yard facility is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, workspaces and amenities, including a cafeteria, grab-n-go cafe and gym.
• Easy access to local dining and shopping, the Potomac Yard Metro stop, and the Potomac Yard DASH bus stop. IDA contributes $300/month (IRS max) to commuter benefits.