Principal Research Scientist

CNA•Arlington, VA

About The Position

The Principal Research Scientist independently leads complex, high-visibility research and analysis for CNA sponsors and clients, consistently producing high-quality work. The role serves as a recognized expert in a specific research area, builds deep knowledge of clients and their organizations, and uses that expertise to shape new work and strengthen CNA’s client relationships and reputation. The position leads major or complex projects, may manage multiple projects simultaneously, integrates work across teams and divisions, and works under limited supervision. It also contributes to business development, including developing clients and networks, writing competitive proposals, and supporting marketing. The role mentors and supports colleagues, collaborates across the organization, contributes to corporate initiatives, and communicates complex findings clearly to audiences ranging from colleagues to senior client leaders. Publishing and outreach are part of the role’s efforts to enhance CNA’s reputation.

Requirements

Minimum master’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience.
Typically, at least 15 years of experience in research and analysis.
Demonstrated ability to apply leading-edge principles, theories, and concepts to solve complex problems of critical importance to clients.
Ability to conceptualize and develop solutions, formulate problems suitable for analytical methods, and develop analysis methods and approaches.
Ability to work in an unstructured environment.
Demonstrated ability to identify, evaluate, and propose original, practical methods for resolving complex problems.
Demonstrated ability to supervise program and project operations, including developing procedures, planning and directing work, and monitoring and reporting progress.
Demonstrated ability to manage projects, contracts, funds, and resources, and to develop and manage a portfolio of projects for multiple client organizations.
Demonstrated ability to interact, communicate, and advise at senior levels in government and the parent corporation.
Widely considered an expert in a broad scope of applications and uses of analytic methods.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, including experience preparing analytic reports and developing and presenting oral briefings.
Ability to obtain and maintain an active Secret security clearance.

Nice To Haves

PhD.

Responsibilities

Independently conduct and lead increasingly complex, high-visibility analytic work, producing consistently high-quality analysis.
Serve as a recognized expert in a specific research area and develop deep knowledge of existing and prospective clients and sponsors.
Lead the development and shaping of new work for existing and new clients and sponsors.
Treat colleagues respectfully and professionally, lead collaboration, support the supervisor’s vision, and contribute to corporate initiatives.
Pursue business development opportunities, develop new clients and sponsors, sustain sponsor relationships, write competitive proposals, and support marketing.
Influence how clients and sponsors think about issues and help deliver fundamental change.
Enhance CNA’s reputation through leadership, publishing, and outreach activities.
Communicate complex analytic results clearly and concisely in writing and orally, including to senior client leaders and large audiences.
Lead the largest, most complex, and most significant projects, or manage multiple projects simultaneously, while integrating work across teams and divisions.
Distribute responsibilities appropriately and mentor or serve as a role model for staff in the home division and occasionally in other divisions.
Develop internal and external networks and positively influence them.
Support senior leadership initiatives and CNA’s goals and vision.
Perform other duties as assigned.