Research Scientist

PRIMARY PURPOSE

CNA is hiring for Research Scientists to join their Advanced Technology Assessments (ATA) division. Staff at this level will typically be leading smaller and / or less complex projects, playing a critical role as a team member on projects with specific technical / scientific expertise.

As part of the Department of the Navy's Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC), CNA's Advanced Technology Assessments (ATA) division provides analysis that evaluates the military utility and efficacy of emerging defense technologies and prototypes, operational test and evaluation of DoD programs of record, and tactics development and resourcing decisions for existing naval aircraft.

Analyses from ATA help the Navy make data-informed resourcing, training, and modernization decisions for new and existing defense technologies, with a focus on naval aircraft. Our research supports defense innovation programs to ensure operational effectiveness and lethality and to maintain the technological superiority of US military forces. ATA also contributes independent analyses to the testing of new aviation systems and the development of tactics to optimize the effectiveness of existing aircraft.

ATA Scientists typically work collaboratively and independently with research staff from other research areas across the FFRDC, as well as with some sponsors and staffs. They have demonstrated research and analysis experience, and they require less direction and supervision than entry-level research staff.

CNA fosters an inclusive culture that values diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Our flexible and engaging work environment encourages iterative and creative collaboration at every stage of the problem solving process. Our employees are committed to helping clients develop effective solutions to better manage their programs through scientific, data-driven approaches. We are looking for creative and innovative individuals to help carry out our mission.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND / OR DUTIES

1. 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.

2. 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, to support on-going work, and to support development and shaping of new work for existing clients / sponsors.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. Influences decisions by sponsors / clients; provide sponsors / clients with implementable recommendations. Occasionally supports efforts to enhance CNA's reputation via publishing and outreach activities.

7. Demonstrates strong and effective communications 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.

8. 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.

9. 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 pursuing improvements in the quality of our projects and analytic products. Participates in corporate initiatives when asked to do so, and makes contributions to initiatives focused on making CNA a better place to work.

10. Performs other duties as assigned.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

1. Education : Minimum Master's degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience, PhD preferred. Background in STEM preferred.

2. Experience : Typical minimum requirements 5+ years of experience in research and analysis, preferably in the national defense arena (within the Department of the Navy or in the context of an FFRDC or a University Affiliated Research Center is a plus).

3. Skills :

• Experience using programming tools for analyzing large datasets, perform numerical computations, and create visualizations is preferred. Relevant tools include Python, R, and MATLAB.
• Ability to work on progressively more difficult projects / analyses, including directing portions of large research projects or small to medium projects under general supervision
• Ability to operate independently and proactively in the execution of assignments; Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary environment
• Strong critical thinking skills
• Knowledge of research techniques
• Strong planning and organizational skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Strong and effective oral and written communication skills
• Ability to interact directly and effectively with clients and influence their decisions.

4. Working environment : The ATA Division conducts mostly classified work that must be done at CNA's facility in Arlington, VA. However, in those situations where analysts are working on unclassified parts of a classified study or on a study that is not classified, we offer a hybrid working environment that allows analysts to work off-site (typically from home). Some amount of travel is expected to meet with clients and sponsors outside of the greater Washington, DC area.

5. Other : Ability to obtain and maintain an Active Secret Security Clearance; TS / SCI Clearance eligibility is preferrable.

Required Documents

Optional documents

CNA offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package, which includes health, dental, and vision insurance, life and disability insurance, and a 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching. Additionally, we provide generous paid time off programs to promote a health work-life balance. Eligibility for these benefits varies based on employment classification.

CNA is committed to providing equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service and protected veterans, or other non-merit based factors. In addition to federal legal requirements, CNA complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. These protections extend to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting and hiring practices, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training and career development programs. For more information about EEO protections, please view the EEO is the law posters here : "EEO is the Law" Poster", "EEO Poster Supplement". The pay transparency policy is available here : Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Poster. To be considered for hire, all individuals applying for positions with CNA are subject to a background investigation. For positions requiring access to classified information, U.S. citizenship is required. Individuals will also be subject to an additional government background investigation, and continued employment eligibility is contingent upon the ability to obtain and maintain an active security clearance.