Research Scientist

CNA•Arlington, VA

12d

About The Position

The Research Scientist produces high-quality analysis of structured and unstructured problems with limited direction and general supervision. The role develops creative analytic solutions to complex problems, synthesizes results in a broader context, and may lead complex projects with supervision. The Research Scientist develops institutional knowledge of primary clients and sponsors and applies it to ongoing work, staff mentoring, and development of new work. The position collaborates across teams and organizational units, supports business development and marketing, and interacts independently with clients and sponsors. It helps influence client decisions through implementable recommendations, communicates findings to varied audiences, and manages assigned projects to deliver high-quality analytic products on time and within budget. The role also contributes to staff training, project-quality improvements, and corporate initiatives, and performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Master’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience.
Typically, at least 5 years of experience in research and analysis.
Experience using R, Python, or a similar programming language.
Ability to work on progressively more difficult projects and analyses, including directing portions of large research projects or small to medium projects under general supervision.
Ability to work independently and proactively in executing assignments.
Ability to work in a multidisciplinary environment.
Strong critical-thinking skills and knowledge of research techniques.
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.
Ability to obtain and maintain an Active Secret Security Clearance.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Produce analysis on structured and unstructured problems that meets CNA’s quality standards, with limited direction and general supervision.
Develop and apply creative and innovative analytic solutions to complex problems, synthesize results in a broader context, and make connections across related studies.
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 deep institutional knowledge of primary clients and sponsors, including their culture, organization, and issues.
Use client and sponsor knowledge to support ongoing work, mentor and train new staff, and help develop and shape new work.
Collaborate productively and respectfully, identify opportunities for collaboration, support supervisor initiatives, and acknowledge contributions from subordinates.
Support business development and marketing by pursuing follow-on work, expanding existing project ideas, and occasionally developing ideas with potential clients or sponsors.
Occasionally review technical proposals internally.
Interact regularly and independently with clients, sponsors, and related parties, representing CNA effectively.
Influence client and sponsor decisions and provide implementable recommendations.
Occasionally support publishing and outreach activities that enhance CNA’s reputation.
Communicate and present analytic work effectively, including through executive summaries and briefings for senior and larger audiences.
Manage assigned projects, including delivering high-quality analytic products on time and within budget.
Contribute to staff mentoring and training, improvements to project and analytic-product quality, and corporate initiatives when asked.
Perform other duties as assigned.