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CNA Corporation · 12 hours ago

Research Scientist

Arlington, VA

Full-time

Hybrid

Senior Level

5+ years exp

CNA Corporation is seeking Research Scientists to join their Advanced Technology Assessments division, where they will lead smaller projects and contribute to military technology analysis. The role involves producing high-quality analyses, mentoring new staff, and supporting business development efforts in defense technology.

AnalyticsEducationGovernmentNon ProfitSecurity

Culture & Values

No H1B

Security Clearance Required

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

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, to support on-going work, and to support development and shaping of 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; provide sponsors/clients with implementable recommendations. Occasionally supports efforts to enhance CNA's reputation via publishing and outreach activities

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

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 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

Performs other duties as assigned

Qualification

PythonRMATLABResearch techniquesCritical thinkingPlanning skillsInterpersonal skillsOral communicationWritten communicationOrganizational skills

Required

Minimum Master's degree in a relevant field or equivalent 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)

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

Ability to obtain and maintain an Active Secret Security Clearance

Preferred

PhD preferred

Experience using programming tools for analyzing large datasets, perform numerical computations, and create visualizations is preferred. Relevant tools include Python, R, and MATLAB

TS/SCI Clearance eligibility is preferrable

Transcripts (highly desired) - In a later stage of the hiring process, we may require your undergraduate and graduate transcripts. To have them considered as part of your application now, please upload them with your resume or CV

Letters of recommendations (highly desired) – In a later stage of the hiring process, we may require letters of recommendation or professional references for us to contact