Research Analyst

PRIMARY PURPOSE 

As part of the Department of the Navy’s Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC), CNA’s Systems, Tactics, and Force Development (STF) division provides analysis for decision-makers to support the development of tactics and employment of forces, the modernization and management of forces, and the establishment of integrated requirements. The division’s four research programs focus on warfare domains: Strike and Air Warfare; Surface Warfare; Undersea Warfare; and Cyber, IT Systems, and Networks.

Our Research Analysts support decision-makers by quantifying naval warfighting capabilities and limitations under realistic employment conditions; developing empirical or theoretical estimates for the performance of fleet systems and platforms; and developing creative solutions to complex tactical and force design challenges that meet military-utility, cost-effectiveness, and modernization requirements. 

CNA fosters an inclusive culture that values diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Our flexible and engaging work environment encourages iterative and creative collaboration at every stage of the problem solving process. Our employees are committed to helping clients develop effective solutions to better manage their programs through scientific, data-driven approaches. We are looking for creative and innovative individuals to help carry out our mission.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND/OR DUTIES 

1. With minimal or no guidance, meets CNA’s quality standards when working on well-structured pieces of a project. Demonstrates ability to develop sound analytic frameworks and associated analytic methodologies/ techniques for addressing both structured and unstructured problems.  With direction and supervision, clearly defines, structures, and executes a piece of a complex study to meet quality standards.  Demonstrates analytic creativity and curiosity.
2. Develops and maintains broad, general institutional knowledge of primary clients/sponsors; their culture, organization, and issues.
3. Contributes productively and harmoniously to the work of others; treats everyone respectfully, professionally and fairly.  Keeps others informed.  Proactively identifies and seeks out others working on similar topics.  Works to identify opportunities for collaborations within team, division, and operating unit.
4. Supports business development efforts and/or marketing activities by maintaining strong client relationships through high quality work, increasing the visibility of our work, and other related activities such as proposal preparation.
5. Interacts with sponsors/clients under the supervision of an experienced colleague, and with study POCs independently.
6. Makes significant contributions to research publications and analytic products for individual projects.
7. Demonstrates ability to communicate results of work in a clear and concise fashion.  Effectively communicates one-on-one and in groups.  Can document work efficiently and accurately.  Can effectively present work to colleagues, sponsors, and small audiences that are familiar with content.
8. Works with minimal or no guidance on focused, well-structured pieces of projects.  Works under closer supervision on more complex, less-structured tasks.  Can serve as task lead for pieces of projects by managing own activities.  May lead small projects under the supervision of an RTL/CMD.
9. Exhibits a positive attitude in interactions with colleagues and clients/sponsors.  Provides clear guidance to colleagues on tasks.  Takes responsibility for own actions and outcomes.
10. Performs other duties as assigned.
     

JOB REQUIREMENTS

1. Education: Minimum Master’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience, PhD preferred.
2. Experience: Typical minimum requirements Ph.D. & 0+ years or Master’s & 2+ years of experience in research and analysis.
3. Skills: Ability to make significant contributions to projects/analyses; Strong analytic curiosity/ creativity;  Ability to operate independently in the execution of assignments; Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary environment; Strong critical thinking skills; Knowledge of research techniques; Strong planning and organizational skills; Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills; Ability to interact positively and somewhat independently with clients.
4. Working environment: The STF Division conducts mostly classified work that must be done at CNA’s facility in Arlington, VA. However, in those situations where analysts are working on unclassified parts of a classified study or on a study that is not classified, we offer a hybrid working environment that allows analysts to work off-site (typically from home). Some amount of travel is expected to meet with clients and sponsors outside of the greater Washington, DC area. 
5. Other: Ability to obtain and maintain an Active Secret Security Clearance. TS/SCI Clearance eligibility is preferrable.

Required Documents

1. Resume or CV
2. Cover letter - Please upload a cover letter as part of your application that introduces yourself, summarizes your relevant skills and experiences, and describes why you would be a valuable asset to CNA’s STF Division.
3. Transcripts - Please upload your undergraduate and graduate transcripts (unofficial copies are acceptable in early stages of the process).
4. Writing Sample - Please upload a research paper or journal article that demonstrates your writing and research skills (draft copies are acceptable).
    

Optional Documents

1. Letters of recommendations – In a later stage of the hiring process, we will require letters of recommendation. To have them considered as part of your application now, please upload them with your resume or CV.