Research Analyst

CNA•Arlington, VA

22d

About The Position

The Resources and Force Readiness (RFR) division of CNA is seeking an applied microeconomist. Experience, background, or interest in behavioral health or military medicine is a plus. Applicants should possess or be nearing completion of a PhD in economics and have an interest in applied, policy-oriented research and the ability to write, speak, and present to both technical and non-technical audiences in a clear and concise format. Applicants also should have strong analytic curiosity and creativity; the ability to operate both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment; strong critical thinking skills; knowledge of research techniques; strong planning and organizational skills; excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills; and the ability to interact positively and somewhat independently with clients. Strong consideration will be given to applicants with skills in Python and R. As a Research Analyst, you will provide analysis to help develop and evaluate policies, practices, and programs that increase the effectiveness and efficiency of personnel, budgets, and other assets. Major research areas include workforce management and warfighter readiness, energy, health analytics and medical readiness, resource allocation, and facilities infrastructure. Whether through empirical research, modeling and simulation, or combined quantitative and qualitative approaches, we provide our sponsors with objective analyses that directly affect policy and practice. 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.

Requirements

Minimum Master’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience, PhD preferred.
Ph.D. & 0+ years or Master’s & 2+ years of experience in research and analysis.
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.
Ability to obtain and maintain an Active Secret Security Clearance.
U.S. citizenship is required for positions requiring access to classified information.

Nice To Haves

Experience, background, or interest in behavioral health or military medicine is a plus.
Skills in Python and R.

Responsibilities

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.
Develops and maintains broad, general institutional knowledge of primary clients/sponsors; their culture, organization, and issues.
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.
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.
Interacts with sponsors/clients under the supervision of an experienced colleague, and with study POCs independently.
Makes significant contributions to research publications and analytic products for individual projects.
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.
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.
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.
Performs other duties as assigned.