Research Scientist

CNA•Arlington, VA

22d

About The Position

CNA is seeking a Research Scientist to join the Strategy and Policy Analysis Program in the Regional, Strategy and Policy Analysis (RSP) division. Staff at this level typically lead smaller or less complex projects, contribute specialized technical or scientific expertise to project teams, or serve as field representatives. The role seeks expertise in areas such as strategic and nuclear deterrence and U.S. defense strategy and security affairs. Candidates must be willing to serve in a full-time CNA field billet at U.S. Strategic Command when required. The Research Scientist produces analysis on structured and unstructured problems under limited direction and general supervision, develops creative analytic approaches, synthesizes results in broader context, and may lead projects with supervision. The role builds institutional knowledge of clients and sponsors, supports business development, interacts with clients, communicates findings and recommendations, and helps train and mentor new staff. The position also includes managing assigned projects and contributing to corporate initiatives.

Requirements

Master’s degree in international relations, political science, history, or a related discipline.
Typically, at least 5 years of experience in research and analysis.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret security clearance.
Ability to work on progressively more difficult projects and analyses, including directing portions of large research projects or small- to medium-sized projects under general supervision.
Ability to work independently and proactively in executing assignments.
Ability to work in a multidisciplinary environment.
Strong critical-thinking skills.
Strong planning and organizational skills.
Excellent interpersonal skills.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Ability to interact directly and effectively with clients and influence their decisions.
Willingness to serve in a full-time CNA field billet at U.S. Strategic Command when required.
For positions requiring access to classified information, U.S. citizenship is required.
Applicants must submit a resume, cover letter, and a research paper or journal article as a writing sample; draft writing samples are acceptable.

Nice To Haves

Ph.D. degree.
Experience in the U.S. Government.
Knowledge of research design and research methods.
Expertise in strategic and nuclear deterrence, U.S. defense strategy, or security affairs.

Responsibilities

Produce high-quality analysis on structured and unstructured problems under limited direction and general supervision.
Develop and apply creative analytic solutions to complex problems, synthesize results in broader context, and connect ideas across related studies.
Lead low- to medium-sized or less complex analytic projects with supervision and contribute expertise to larger projects.
Develop and maintain institutional knowledge of primary clients and sponsors, including their culture, organization, and issues.
Support training and mentoring of new staff and contribute to ongoing work and the development of new work for existing clients and sponsors.
Collaborate effectively and respectfully, identify opportunities for collaboration, and support supervisor initiatives.
Support business development and marketing activities, including securing follow-on work and developing project ideas with current or potential clients and sponsors.
Occasionally review technical proposals internally.
Interact with clients, sponsors, and related parties; represent CNA and influence decisions through implementable recommendations.
Communicate findings effectively through written products, executive summaries, briefings, and presentations to varied audiences.
Manage assigned projects, including delivering high-quality analytic products on time and within budget.
Support CNA’s reputation through occasional publishing and outreach activities.
Participate in corporate initiatives and help improve CNA’s projects, analytic products, and workplace.
Perform other duties as assigned.