China Research Staff Member - Global Dynamics and Intelligence Division (GDI)

Institute for Defense Analyses • Alexandria, VA

10d • $112,924 - $263,335

About The Position

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.
Research Staff Members (RSMs) provide analytical, technical, and scientific expertise in support of IDA’s work requiring independent and objective research and analyses of national security issues and related challenges. This China-focused RSM role supports IDA’s role as a trusted and decisive contributor to U.S. national security decision making.
This position is in the Global Dynamics and Intelligence Division (GDI). GDI delivers timely, expert analysis on challenging and sensitive national security questions for U.S. government sponsors and is source of crucial research expertise across IDA. GDI is home to four research portfolios: Indo-Pacific, Eurasia, Global Coverage, and Intelligence and Security. Housed in a state-of-the-art sensitive compartmented information facility (SCIF), GDI researchers have access to information technology systems and data needed to conduct the sensitive work of GDI sponsors.

Requirements

• Applicants must have a minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible experience in defense and national security issues with a focus on China, preferably with experience in policy support and military capability analysis, specifically to include civil-military integration.
• Applicants must have at least a bachelor’s degree. Candidates with advanced degrees will be given preference.
• Applicants must present a Mandarin Chinese language proficiency assessment, minimum DLPT 2+/2+ (listening/reading) preferred; experience conducting research in Mandarin Chinese is highly desired.
• Applicants must have proven ability to perform independent research, conduct rigorous analysis, and effectively present findings and recommendations orally and in writing.
• Applicants must demonstrate the ability to work in an unstructured environment and on more than one project concurrently.
• Travel may be required.
• Candidates must have U.S. citizenship and an active Top Secret clearance with current or recent SCI Access (within the last six months/current SSBI). Candidates who do not meet this requirement will not be considered.
• Successful completion of a criminal background check is required.

Nice To Haves

• Candidates with advanced degrees will be given preference.
• Applicants must present a Mandarin Chinese language proficiency assessment, minimum DLPT 2+/2+ (listening/reading) preferred; experience conducting research in Mandarin Chinese is highly desired.

Responsibilities

• Researches, analyzes, and evaluates complex, persistent China-related national security issues for IDA’s diverse sponsor base.
• Individually or as a member of a research team, prepares reports documenting conclusions and/or findings; may present findings of the final report to project sponsors and select audiences.
• May be assigned as project leader to one or more projects to provide technical direction for project planning, requirements, and budgetary objectives.
• Works with other researchers and sponsors to identify, prioritize, and communicate emergent China issues for IDA, its sponsors, and the national security community.
• Develops and sustains working relationships with sponsors to ensure that opportunities for further support and collaboration are understood.
• Maintains awareness of, and potentially contributes to, cross-divisional China-related projects in conjunction with other IDA divisions.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits including diverse health insurance options, generous 10% contribution to retirement, maternity/paternity leave, 20 days paid time off, and relocation reimbursement.
• Mission-oriented work at a non-profit that supports and protects our warfighters
• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) due to IDA's non-profit status.
• Professional development including tuition reimbursement, internal and external trainings, and funding for researcher-pitched projects and publications.
• A strong employee and corporate work-life balance, including options for flex time.
• A brand-new facility located in Alexandria’s high-tech corridor in Potomac Yard; and close proximity to local dining and shopping.
• Easy access to Potomac Yard Metro stop and Potomac Yard DASH bus stop. Employer contributes $315/month (IRS max) to commuter benefits.
• We support transparency, equity, and fairness in our compensation program and provide a reasonable estimate of the salary range based on data-driven market analysis for each position. While it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range, a reasonable estimate of the salary range for this role is $112,924-$263,335. Individual salary within this range will be commensurate with the incumbent’s experience, unique skills and qualifications, and other relevant factors.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees