Principal Research Scientist

The Systems, Tactics, and Force Development (STF) division is part of the Center for Naval Analyses, which is the Department of the Navy’s Federally-Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC).  Its mission is to provide analysis for decision-makers to support the development of tactics and employment of forces, the modernization and management of forces, and the establishment of integrated requirements.

The STF Division’s key lines of research include tactical employment analyses, force development analyses, and system performance analyses. Our tactical employment-related work focuses on the tactical development of systems, platforms, and forces; warfare and multi-mission tactical employment from platforms to maneuver units, and capability gaps.  Our force development-related work focuses on technology military utility requirements, cost effectiveness analyses, future force architectures, and modernization issues.  Our systems performance-related work focuses on design/engineering analyses, test performance and systems operational evaluations, system/system-of-systems interoperability, and modeling performance under operational conditions.

The STF Division is currently organized around warfare domains with four research programs: Undersea Warfare; Surface Warfare; Strike and Air Warfare; and Cyber, IT Systems, and Networks. Analysts from these research program typically work collaboratively with research staff from other research areas across the FFRDC.

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.

PRIMARY PURPOSE

Is a recognized expert in specific fields/research areas and has demonstrated leadership skills. Typically lead projects addressing complex issues that may be large in size, and will have clear accountabilities for business development and for managing, growing, and enhancing client/sponsor relationships. Operate as a senior researcher at CNA HQ or in the field.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND/OR DUTIES

1. Work independently and effectively on a wide range of non-traditional analytic problems that are of increasing complexity, and increasing visibility & significance to our sponsors/clients. Routinely take the lead in supporting the work and development of other staff either individually or as a member of a project team. Consistently produce the highest quality analysis. 

2. Operate as a recognized expert in a specific field/research area within CNA; leverage that expertise to enhance CNA's reputation with existing clients/sponsors. Develop and maintain deep, specific institutional knowledge and expertise of new and existing clients/sponsors; their culture, organization, and issues. Apply that knowledge and expertise to lead development and shaping of new work for both existing & new sets of clients/sponsors. 

3. Treats everyone respectfully, professionally and fairly.  Leads collaboration efforts.  Contributes to development of supervisor's vision and proactively takes actions to realize that vision.  Takes a business unit and corporate perspective; supports corporate initiatives. Recognizes and acknowledges contributions from subordinates.

4. Has independent responsibility to pursue business development opportunities and develop new clients/sponsors.  Uses network of clients/contacts to develop and sustain sponsor base, and develop new networks of clients/sponsors.  Writes competitive proposals and provides major support in marketing one or more areas.

5. Shape/influence how our sponsors/clients think about issues. Deliver fundamental change. Play a lead role in enhancing CNA's reputation as an organization. Play a lead role in efforts to enhance CNA's reputation via publishing and outreach activities. 

6. Communicate complex analytic results in a clear and concise fashion to sponsors/clients at all levels, and to audiences of all sizes. Summarize and synthesize large bodies of work down to the essential elements and convey those results effectively and efficiently, in both written and oral form, to the most senior leaders in client organizations. Effectively communicate with & engage colleagues at all levels of the organization. 

7. Work independently under limited supervision from division management. Lead our largest and/or most complex and significant projects or multiple projects simultaneously. Take responsibility for making connections and integrating work across teams and divisions. 

8. Effectively distribute responsibilities to the appropriate people and levels. Serve as a role model/mentor for other staff regularly in the home division and occasionally in other divisions. Develop internal and external networks of contacts and have a positive influence on those networks. Play an active role in supporting corporate initiatives, and support senior leadership initiatives to realize CNA's goals and vision. 

9. Perform other duties as assigned.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

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

2. Experience: Typical minimum requirements 15+ years of experience in research and analysis. 

3. Skills: Demonstrated ability to apply leading-edge principles, theories, and concepts to solve the most complex problems of critical importance to clients; Demonstrated ability to conceptualize and develop solutions, to formulate problem statements conducive to application of analytical methods, and to develop analysis methods and approaches; Ability to work in an unstructured environment; Demonstrated ability to identify, evaluate, and propose original and practicable methods of resolving complex problems; Demonstrated ability to supervise program and project operations by developing procedures, planning and directing all aspects of the effort, and monitoring and reporting progress; Demonstrated ability in managing projects, contracts, funds, and resources; ability to conceptualize, develop, and manage execution of a portfolio of projects in support of multiple client organizations; Demonstrated ability to interact, communicate, and advise at senior levels in government and the parent corporation; Widely considered expert in a broad scope of applications and uses of analytic methods; Excellent communications skills, both oral and written; experience in packaging analytic results in report format as well as in development and presentation of oral briefings. 

4.Working environment: The STF 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

1. Resume or CV

2. Cover letter - Please upload a cover letter as part of your application that introduces yourself, summarizes your relevant skills and experiences, and indicate the research program(s) of interest at CNA’s STF Division.

3. Writing Sample - Please upload a research paper or publication that demonstrates your writing and research skills (draft copies are acceptable).