Research Analyst - Illuminating Foreign Influence and Technology Exploitation; ITSD

Overview

IDA is a non‑profit, federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) that delivers objective, rigorous analysis on the nation's toughest national security, technology, and science policy challenges. Our work is team‑based, multi‑disciplinary, and deeply impactful to national defense.

This position is in IDA’s Information Technology and Systems Division (ITSD), located in Alexandria, VA, just outside Washington, DC. ITSD seeks a Research Associate with experience in using generative artificial intelligence (AI) to contribute to real‑world programs. ITSD excels at empowering our partners through application of custom AI capabilities to answer critical national security research questions. Our AI‑enabled research enables us to uncover strategic insights for key technology areas, national assets, critical infrastructure and more.

• Work as a member of research teams under the direction of project leaders and other analysts to contribute effectively to a team approach to problem solving. When needed, lead project teams.
• Develop the broader context (the big picture) for problems facing mid‑level managers, senior executives, and military officials across the Federal government.
• Perform fact‑finding tasks, develop preliminary analyses, and shape findings and recommendations for the team.
• Develop and apply information collection, compilation, summary and analysis methods to support the needs of particular analyses.
• Create and execute appropriate analytic methodologies, clearly conveying findings to specialists and non‑specialists alike.
• Engage with sponsors to understand their needs and deliver timely, relevant, and actionable research.
• Communicate results clearly through written reports, briefings, and discussions with colleagues, sponsors and stakeholders.

Required:

• This position requires access or potential access to restricted national security information that is NOT FOR NOFORN data. Dual citizens cannot be considered for this opportunity.
• A minimum of:
  • A PhD in Computer Science, Information Technology, Data Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Neuroscience, Economics, Mathematics, Physics, or an inter‑disciplinary program that encompasses several of these fields of study; OR
  • A Master’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Data Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Neuroscience, Economics, Mathematics, Physics or an inter‑disciplinary program that encompasses several of these fields of study, coupled with 10+ years of experience in research, data science, or systems analysis/engineering.
• Demonstrated ability to identify sources, assemble, and organize large, complex data sets for subsequent quantitative and qualitative analyses. Strong problem‑solving, conceptual, and analytical skills with demonstrated ability to conduct independent research.
• Secure software development proficiency (e.g., Python). Ability to learn how to use interactive visualization tools such as Tableau, Neo4j, and Streamlit. Ability to avoid, identify, and mitigate software security vulnerabilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Ability to thrive in cross‑functional teams.
• Successful completion of a background check and ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance.

Preferred:

• Experience with context engineering across multiple frontier AI models.
• Experience contrasting, selecting, and customizing various models (such as supervised, unsupervised, generative unsupervised, reinforcement, or other deep learning) to address different problems.
• Experience using secure MLOps to design and deploy secure, scalable AI solutions.
• Prior military, DoD/DoW, Intelligence Community, or industry experience.
• Experience collaborating with government sponsors or stakeholders.

• U.S. Citizenship is required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance is required.

IDA is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a fair recruiting process and working environment free from discrimination.…