Research Associate - Supply Chain Analysis
U.S. Citizenship is required.
Overview
The Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) is a not-for profit corporation that operates three Federally-Funded Research Centers (FFRDCs): the Systems and Analyses Center serving the Department of Defense (DOD); the Science and Technology Policy Institute serving the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, the National Science Foundation, the National Science Board, and other offices and councils within the executive branch of the federal government; and the Center for Communications and Computing serving the National Security Agency. IDA provides objective analyses of national security issues and related national challenges, particularly those requiring extraordinary scientific and technical expertise.
The Intelligence Analyses Division (IAD), one of eight research divisions within the Alexandria-based Systems and Analyses Center, delivers objective solutions to crucial intelligence and security questions facing the DOD and the Intelligence Community (IC). IAD’s work ranges from cross-cutting assessments of the intelligence and security ecosystem, to comprehensive intelligence analyses, to deep technical reviews of classified programs and systems. IAD is also home to researchers who focus on three geostrategic regions: China, Russia, and Africa. Housed in a state-of-the-art sensitive compartmented information facility, our researchers have access to information technology systems and data needed to conduct the sensitive work of IAD sponsors.
Responsibilities
This position requires the analyst to research open and protected sources utilizing existing sponsor processes and databases to formulate assessments of vendors proposing to work with the sponsor. The analyst shall provide assessments and advice pertaining to the sponsor’s processes and evaluations. The scope of the work includes counterintelligence, security, foreign ownership/influence, business, and financial factors. The analyst will work in a collaborative environment alongside highly experienced analysts familiar with supply chain operations in the Intelligence Community. All work will be accomplished off-site (within the Northern Virginia area) at the sponsor’s location in a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility.
Research Associates are self-starting early to mid-career professionals who exhibit strong research, analysis, and writing skills. They are expected to support a team which develops assessments and solutions to problems facing decisionmakers across the Federal government. They must demonstrate strong interpersonal communications skills and contribute effectively to a team approach to problem solving.
Qualifications
- Candidates are required to have a current active TS clearance and recent SCI access (within the last 6 months)/current SSBI; and a Full Scope Polygraph. Candidates without the requisite polygraph must be willing to undergo the process; continued employment is contingent upon successful adjudication.
- Candidates must have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree and a general understanding of supply chain challenges.
- Candidates must possess strong research and analytical skills and the ability to combine all-source information into clear and concise conclusions and recommendations.
- Candidates will be asked to provide a writing sample demonstrating research and writing skills.
- Strong interpersonal, and oral and written communication skills are required.
- Demonstrated capacity for independent thought and sound judgment is required.
- Ability to contribute effectively to a team approach to problem solving is required.
- Candidates with familiarity with the national security establishment and the intelligence community, as well as strong all-source intelligence analysis skills, are highly desired.
About IDA
The Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) is a private, nonprofit corporation headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, just outside Washington, DC. IDA’s mission is to answer the most challenging U.S. security and science policy questions with objective analysis leveraging extraordinary scientific, technical, and analytic expertise.
IDA embraces diversity and supports an inclusive work environment. Working here requires energy, commitment, flexibility, and teamwork. Whether you’re a graduate student ready to start your career, a professional looking for your next challenge, or a member of the military hoping to transition to the private sector while continuing to make a difference in the national security of your country, we offer exciting opportunities to learn and grow.
Sponsors rely on IDA for dispassionate, fact-based, and scientifically rigorous research and advice performed in a research environment free of commercial or shareholder interests where objectivity and the public interest are foremost.
The work produced by IDA is characterized by unquestioned objectivity and high quality. Because of our unique relationship with our U.S. Government sponsors, IDA enjoys unusual access to classified government information and sensitive corporate proprietary information.
Why work at IDA?
- Competitive salary and benefits, including diverse health insurance options, generous 11% contribution to retirement, 6 weeks 100% paid parental leave, 20 days paid time off, 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 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-pitched projects and publications.
- A strong employee and corporate culture of work-life balance, including commitment to average 40-hour work weeks through flex time, telework options, and expectation of communication only during core business hours.
Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance is required
IDA is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a fair recruiting process and working environment free from discrimination. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. Click here to learn more about IDA's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.