Research Scientist

CNA•Arlington, VA

22d

About The Position

CNA is hiring a Research Scientist for its Data Science for Defense Production Systems Program. The role is assigned to a team focused on technical warfighting and industrial base analysis, working closely with Navy sponsors to inform consequential force-design decisions. At this level, staff typically lead smaller or less complex projects, contribute specialized technical or scientific expertise to project teams, or serve as field representatives. The Research Scientist produces high-quality analysis of structured and unstructured problems with limited direction and general supervision. The position applies creative analytical methods, synthesizes findings in broader contexts, develops institutional knowledge of clients and sponsors, and supports the development of future work. The role also involves independent client engagement, project management, communications, mentoring, and contributions to CNA initiatives. CNA describes its work environment as flexible and engaging, with an emphasis on open inquiry, respectful debate, collaboration, and scientific, data-driven solutions for clients.

Requirements

Master’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience.
Typically, at least 5 years of experience in research and analysis.
Experience with R, Python, or a similar programming language.
Ability to direct portions of large research projects or small- to medium-sized projects under general supervision.
Ability to work independently and proactively on assignments and in a multidisciplinary environment.
Strong critical-thinking skills and knowledge of research techniques.
Strong planning and organizational skills.
Excellent interpersonal skills and strong oral and written communication skills.
Ability to interact directly and effectively with clients and influence their decisions.
Ability to obtain and maintain an active Secret security clearance.
For positions requiring access to classified information, U.S. citizenship is required.

Nice To Haves

PhD.
Educational 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

Produce analysis of structured and unstructured problems that meets CNA quality standards, using creative and innovative analytical solutions and synthesizing results in a broader context.
Lead complex analytic projects with supervision and lead low- to medium-sized projects or significant tasks on larger or more complex projects.
Develop and maintain institutional knowledge of primary clients and sponsors, including their culture, organization, and issues; apply this knowledge to ongoing work and the development of new work.
Support training and mentoring of new staff and contribute to team, division, and operating-unit collaboration.
Support business development and marketing activities, including securing follow-on work and developing ideas for future projects; occasionally review technical proposals.
Interact independently with clients, sponsors, and related parties, represent CNA, and provide implementable recommendations that influence client decisions.
Communicate findings effectively through executive summaries, briefings, presentations, and other oral and written communications; occasionally support publishing and outreach.
Manage assigned projects, including delivering high-quality analytic products on time and within budget.
Pursue improvements in project and analytic-product quality, participate in corporate initiatives when asked, and contribute to efforts to improve CNA as a workplace.
Perform other duties as assigned.