Research Analyst

CNA•Arlington, VA

10d

About The Position

The Research Analyst contributes to research studies and analytic projects, working independently on focused, well-structured tasks and with closer supervision on complex or less-structured work. The role develops analytic frameworks and methods for structured and unstructured problems, contributes substantially to publications and analytic products, and communicates findings clearly to colleagues and clients. The analyst may lead task components and small projects under the supervision of an RTL/CMD. The position also involves developing institutional knowledge of clients and sponsors, collaborating respectfully across teams, maintaining client relationships, and supporting business development and marketing activities, including proposal preparation. Client interactions take place under the supervision of an experienced colleague, except interactions with study points of contact, which may be handled independently. Applicants need a relevant master’s degree or equivalent experience; a PhD is preferred. Typical experience requirements are 0 or more years for PhD holders, or at least 2 years for master’s degree holders, in research and analysis. Experience with R, Python, or a similar programming language is required. Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain an active Secret Security Clearance.

Requirements

Master’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience.
Typical minimum research and analysis experience: PhD with 0 or more years, or master’s degree with at least 2 years.
Experience using R, Python, or a similar programming language.
Ability to make significant contributions to projects and analyses.
Strong analytic curiosity and creativity, and ability to execute assignments independently.
Ability to work in a multidisciplinary environment.
Strong critical-thinking skills and 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.

Nice To Haves

PhD degree.
Academic background in operations research, industrial engineering, management science, systems engineering, data science, statistics, or quantitative/computational social sciences.
Experience with interactive visualizations, graphical user interfaces, and modeling and simulation.

Responsibilities

Develop sound analytic frameworks and methods for structured and unstructured problems.
Define, structure, and execute portions of complex studies to quality standards, with direction and supervision.
Develop and maintain broad institutional knowledge of primary clients and sponsors, including their culture, organization, and issues.
Collaborate productively and respectfully with colleagues; keep others informed and identify opportunities for collaboration.
Support business development and marketing through high-quality work, client relationship-building, increasing visibility of the work, and activities such as proposal preparation.
Interact with clients and sponsors under the supervision of an experienced colleague, and interact independently with study points of contact.
Make significant contributions to research publications and analytic products.
Communicate and document research results clearly and accurately, including presenting work to colleagues, sponsors, and small familiar audiences.
Manage own activities on focused project tasks and potentially lead small projects under RTL/CMD supervision.
Provide clear guidance to colleagues, maintain a positive attitude, and take responsibility for actions and outcomes.
Perform other duties as assigned.