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Adjunct Research Staff Member - Global Dynamics and Intelligence Division (GDI)

Institute for Defense Analyses
paid time off, tuition reimbursement, flex time
United States, Virginia, Alexandria
730 East Glebe Road (Show on map)
Jan 09, 2026

Overview

Adjunct Research Analysts provide technical, scientific, and analytical expertise in support of IDA's work requiring independent and objective research, test, study and analyses of national security issues and related national challenges, particularly those requiring extraordinary scientific and technical expertise. This position supports IDA's role as a trusted and decisive contributor to answering crucial U.S. security and science and technology questions.

Responsibilities

  • Researches, tests, studies, analyzes, hypothesizes, predicts, and/or evaluates issues within a project based on provided parameters, guidelines, and/or specifications of the project

  • Individually or in team, prepares reports documenting conclusions and/or findings; may present findings of the final report to task sponsor and/or select audience(s)

  • May be assigned as project leader to one or more projects to assist in and provide technical direction for project planning, requirements, budgetary objectives, and assignment of responsibility and authority

  • Works with other researchers and sponsors to identify, prioritize, and communicate emerging issues for IDA, its sponsors, and the community

  • Develops and sustains working relationships with sponsors to ensure that opportunities for further support and collaboration are surfaced

Qualifications

  • Candidates must have a PhD or, Master's degree plus 20years of relevant experience.

  • Candidates must possess familiarity with the national security establishment and the IC, as well as strong all-source intelligence analytic skills, with previous military intelligence or national intelligence community experience, preferably at the leadership level.

  • Experience in a regionally focused area of the world is desired.

  • Candidates must possess strong analytical skills in developing and implementing analytical methodologies and then fusing developed all-source information into clear and concise conclusions and recommendations. Such skills are to have been developed during successful, progressively more challenging assignments in the national security, military planning or intelligence communities.

  • Familiarity with DoD or IC planning, programming, and budgeting.

  • Strong interpersonal, and oral and written communication skills are required.

  • Demonstrated capacity for independent thought and sound judgment is required.

  • Ability to contribute effectively to a team approach to problem solving is required.

  • Travel may be required.

  • Candidates are required to have an active TS clearance and recent SCI Access (within the last six months/current SSBI). Candidates who do not meet this requirement will not be considered.

About IDA

The Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) is a private, nonprofit corporation headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, just outside Washington, DC. IDA's mission is to answer the most challenging U.S. security and science policy questions with objective analysis leveraging extraordinary scientific, technical, and analytic expertise.

IDA embraces diversity and supports an inclusive work environment. Working here requires energy, commitment, flexibility, and teamwork. Whether you're a graduate student ready to start your career, a professional looking for your next challenge, or a member of the military hoping to transition to the private sector while continuing to make a difference in the national security of your country, we offer exciting opportunities to learn and grow.

Sponsors rely on IDA for dispassionate, fact-based, and scientifically rigorous research and advice performed in a research environment free of commercial or shareholder interests where objectivity and the public interest are foremost.

The work produced by IDA is characterized by unquestioned objectivity and high quality. Because of our unique relationship with our U.S. Government sponsors, IDA enjoys unusual access to classified government information and sensitive corporate proprietary information.

Why work at IDA?

IDA, as a non-profit, is uniquely positioned to answer the most challenging U.S. security and science questions with objective and rigorous analysis leveraging extraordinary scientific, technical, and analytic expertise. This position is located in Alexandria, VA, just outside Washington, D.C.

IDA offers the following benefits and resources to their employees:

  • Comprehensive benefits including diverse health insurance options, generous 10% contribution to retirement, maternity/paternity leave, 20 days paid time off, and relocation reimbursement.

  • Mission-oriented work at a non-profit that supports and protects our warfighters

  • Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) due to IDA's non-profit status.

  • Professional development including tuition reimbursement, internal and external trainings, and funding for researcher-pitched projects and publications.

  • A strong employee and corporate work-life balance, including options for flex time.

  • A brand-new facility located in Alexandria's high-tech corridor in Potomac Yard; and close proximity to local dining and shopping.

  • Easy access to Potomac Yard Metro stop and Potomac Yard DASH bus stop. Employer contributes $315/month (IRS max) to commuter benefits.

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 $112,924-$263,335. Individual salary within this range will be commensurate with the incumbent's experience, unique skills and qualifications, and other relevant factors.

U.S. Citizenship is required

Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance is required

IDA is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a fair recruiting process and working environment free from discrimination. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

IDA is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an email to employment@ida.org and let us know the nature of your request and contact information.

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