Research Analyst

CNA•Arlington, VA

15d

About The Position

CNA is hiring for Research Analysts to join their Regional, Strategy and Policy Analysis (RSP) Division. RSP provides senior national security decision-makers with regional and global analysis that links strategy, policy, and operations. RSP is hiring for Research Analysts to join their research programs below: Ally and Partner Security Affairs program (APA) APA strengthens US warfighting readiness and advances mutual security objectives through analyses of foreign government strategies, operations, and capabilities. Our team integrates language-capable regional specialists, expertise on foreign military systems, and functional assessments on issues such as security cooperation. Our core lines of work include analyses on: (1) coalition warfare, (2) alliance management, (3) security assistance, (4) overseas posture, and (5) global commons. APA is currently open to applicants with a range of expertise, which include: allied navies and joint forces; strategic laydown, dispersal, and posture; and regional expertise on NATO and the Indian Ocean region. Countering Threats and Challenges Program (CTC) CTC advances the Department of War’s ability to anticipate, design, and adapt to the evolving character of conflict. CTC integrates expertise in future conflict, force design, asymmetric warfare, and adversary dynamics to enable the joint force and its partners to outpace threats, optimize roles and missions, and drive operational advantage in complex and contested environments. Our experts provide analytic support on several key issues, including: 1) force design; 2) net assessment and comparative military analysis; 3) asymmetric warfare; 4) Russia studies; 5) future operating environment and technological adaptation. We welcome candidates who are passionate about shaping the future of military operations. Strategy and Policy Analysis Program (SPA) SPA helps U.S. government leaders understand national security and defense strategy challenges and analyze their options to address them. Our experts provide analytic support on several key issues, including: (1) strategic and nuclear deterrence; (2) national and regional defense strategy, plans, policies, and posture; (4) emerging technology integration into military strategy; and (4) Joint Force and naval campaigning in regions such as the Indian Ocean, Arctic, the Caribbean and Latin America, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. SPA is currently open to applicants with a range of expertise, including but not limited to: US military strategy, military campaign planning and analysis, nuclear deterrence, missile defense, emerging military technologies, and Iranian military strategy and capabilities 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 International Relations, International Affairs, Public Policy, Political Science, Security Studies or a relevant field.
PhD preferred.
Typical minimum requirements 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

PhD preferred.

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.