Research Scientist; part-time

Research Scientist (part-time) – CNA Corporation Primary Purpose

The Special Activities and Intelligence (SAI) Program in our Operational Warfighting (OPS) Division at CNA is hiring for a part‑time Research Scientist. Staff at this level will typically lead smaller or less complex projects, play a critical role as a team member on projects with specialized technical/scientific expertise, or operate as a field representative. The SAI program conducts analyses that help decision‑makers integrate information, intelligence, and exquisite effects into fleet operations.

CNA has been active in reconstructing real‑world incidents, assessing employment of operational teams, and extracting operational value from intelligence feeds. We also support efforts to integrate artificial intelligence and autonomous capabilities, crafting policies to guide development and bridging the technology gap between defense and industry. CNA fosters an inclusive culture that values diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Our flexible, engaging work environment encourages iterative and creative collaboration at every stage of problem solving.

Our employees are committed to helping clients develop effective solutions to better manage programs through scientific, data‑driven approaches.

• Routinely produces analysis on structured and unstructured problems that meets CNA’s quality standards with limited direction and general supervision. Demonstrates ability to develop and apply creative and innovative analytic solutions to complex problems with assistance/support from more senior staff. Shows the ability to synthesize analytic results into a broader context. Can lead complex analytic projects with supervision. Begins to make connections and synthesize ideas across multiple related studies.
• Develops and maintains deep, specific institutional knowledge and expertise of primary clients/sponsors; their culture, organization, and issues. Uses that knowledge to support training & mentoring of new staff, on‑going work, and shaping new work for existing clients/sponsors.
• Balances responsiveness to guidance with independent action. Contributes productively and harmoniously to the work of others; treats everyone respectfully, professionally and fairly. Independently identifies opportunities for collaboration within team, division, and operating unit. Supports supervisor's initiatives and helps make vision a reality. Recognizes and acknowledges contributions from subordinates.
• Supports business development efforts and/or marketing activities by interacting with CNA managers and current clients/sponsors on securing follow‑on work (e.g., small grants, or above‑core projects), expanding or developing new ideas for future projects, and occasionally working with potential clients/sponsors on developing new project ideas. Occasionally serves as internal reviewer of technical proposals.
• Interacts regularly and independently with clients/sponsors and related parties. Typical interactions are at the “peer equivalent” level, but some level of interaction at senior level. Can effectively represent CNA as an organization.
• Influences decisions by sponsors/clients; provides sponsors/clients with implementable recommendations. Occasionally supports efforts to enhance CNA’s reputation via publishing and outreach activities.
• Demonstrates strong and effective communication skills, to include ability to summarize and synthesize larger pieces of work into effective executive summaries/executive briefings. Can effectively present work to more senior and larger audiences. Effectively communicates with & engages colleagues at all levels of the organization.
• Works under limited direction and general supervision from division management. Can lead projects of low to medium size and/or complexity, as well as significant tasks on large or more complex projects. Effectively manages all aspects of assigned projects, to include delivery of high‑quality analytic products on‑time, and on‑budget.
• Plays a supporting role in the mentoring and training of new staff individually or as a member of a project team. Regularly demonstrates initiative in…