Research Analyst - Operations Research and Military Campaign Analysis

Overview

IDA has an immediate opening for a Research Analyst with strong capabilities in operations research and systems analysis. The analyst will formulate and investigate complex national security problems using mathematical modeling, simulation, statistical analysis, experimental design, optimization, and other quantitative and qualitative methods. The position applies these methods to campaign- and mission-level analyses of military operations, force structure, operational concepts, weapons systems, tactics, and risk. Experience with military campaign models is valuable, but demonstrated analytical ability, intellectual curiosity, and the capacity to learn new tools are essential.

Responsibilities

Specific research-related activities expected of this position include:

• Formulate complex defense problems. Work with sponsors, military subject-matter experts, modelers, and other analysts to translate operational questions into clearly defined research questions, hypotheses, assumptions, measures, and analytical approaches.
• Develop rigorous analytical methodologies. Apply operations research and systems analysis methods-including simulation, statistical analysis, optimization, decision analysis, experimental design, and uncertainty analysis-to evaluate military operations and systems.
• Design and execute statistically rigorous computational experiments. Develop scenarios, factors, response variables, experimental designs, and simulation run plans that efficiently explore operational and system trade spaces.
• Conduct campaign and mission analysis. Use Synthetic Theater Operations Research Model (STORM) and other models and analytical tools to assess operational concepts, force structures, weapons systems, tactics, operational plans, and risks.
• Analyze and interpret complex data. Process large simulation datasets, identify drivers of outcomes, distinguish meaningful effects from model artifacts, evaluate sensitivity to assumptions, and quantify uncertainty where appropriate.
• Assess model credibility. Examine model assumptions, limitations, data quality, verification and validation evidence, and the applicability of model results to the sponsor's decision.
• Develop decision-relevant findings. Integrate quantitative results, operational context, and subject-matter expertise into defensible conclusions and recommendations.
• Communicate research effectively. Produce clear, technically rigorous reports, briefings, visualizations, and presentations for both technical and senior decision-making audiences.
• Contribute to research quality. Review analytical methodologies and research products developed by other team members and help improve the division's analytical tools and practices.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Operations Research, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Industrial Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Economics, Physics, Engineering, Data Science, or another quantitatively rigorous field, with 3+ years of relevant experience. An advanced degree may substitute for a portion of the experience requirement.
• Demonstrated ability to formulate ambiguous or complex problems, identify important assumptions and decision criteria, and develop defensible analytical approaches.
• Strong foundation in one or more operations research or systems analysis methods, such as simulation, optimization, statistical inference, design of experiments, decision analysis, uncertainty analysis, stochastic modeling, or trade-space analysis.
• Experience applying quantitative methods to real-world research, policy, engineering, operational, or decision-support problems.
• Proficiency in at least one analytical programming language, such as Python, R, MATLAB, Julia, or a comparable language, and the ability to learn additional tools as needed.
• Ability to evaluate data quality, model assumptions, analytical limitations, and the robustness of findings.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate analytical methods, results, uncertainty, and implications to both technical and nontechnical audiences.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively on interdisciplinary research teams and to manage multiple analytical tasks.
• Interest in national security, military operations, or other complex public-policy problems.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree or PhD in Operations Research, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Industrial Engineering, Systems Engineering, Economics, Computer Science, or a related quantitative discipline.
• Experience with STORM or another campaign-, mission-, or engagement-level military simulation.
• Experience supporting Department of War studies involving force structure, operational planning, system trades, capability analysis, or operational risk.
• Experience with high-performance or distributed computing, Linux, SQL, version control, and reproducible analytical workflows.
• Familiarity with model verification, validation, accreditation, data provenance, and simulation credibility practices.
• Experience working with military or technical subject-matter experts to convert operational knowledge into model assumptions, scenarios, and analytical inputs.

Research Analysts are responsible for contributing to scientifically sound research and providing technical review for others' research products. IDA addresses diverse and ever-changing topics. Research Analysts are expected to be adaptable, self-motivated, and committed to lifelong learning; capable of working independently or as a member of an interdisciplinary research team; and able to work multiple projects concurrently.

We are committed to creating a workplace that fosters inclusion and values the unique perspectives and experiences of every individual. Our commitment to inclusion extends beyond recruitment; it permeates our culture, policies, and practices. We strive to provide a respectful and supportive environment where every team member can thrive and contribute their best. Click here to view our vision, mission, and guiding principles.

What are the next steps?

• Complete the application and submit your resume.
• The application process consists of three interviews.
  • A short screening call with HR;
  • A 30 min - 60 min screening call with researchers; and
  • Full day interview with various researchers and staff; includes giving a presentation on a research project.
• Prior to the full day interview, you will be asked to provide:
  • Transcripts (unofficial accepted);
  • 3 letters of recommendation; and
  • A writing sample.

At IDA, we pride ourselves on offering a comprehensive benefits package that ensures the well-being and security of our staff and their families. We provide a range of medical plans as well as stand-alone dental and vision coverage. Our retirement plans are designed to secure the financial future of our staff, featuring a generous contribution of 10% of base salary to our Qualified Retirement Plan after six months of service. We are committed to promoting a healthy work-life balance with a flexible work environment, an Employee Assistance Plan, paid parental leave, 10 paid holidays, and generous paid time off. IDA encourages professional development and offers tuition reimbursement and other learning opportunities. Learn more about our robust benefit offerings here.

We support transparency, equity, and fairness in our compensation program and provide a reasonable estimate of the salary range based on data-driven market analysis for each position. While it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range, a reasonable estimate of the salary range for this role is $67,335 - $277,494. Individual salary within this range will be commensurate with the incumbent's experience, unique skills and qualifications, and other relevant factors.