Applied Researcher, Defense-Logistics and Readiness Modeling

Contribute to logistics and readiness research over a diverse project portfolio in the national defense domain. Make a tangible impact for mission-driven work with great pay and benefits.

The Department of War spends hundreds of billions of dollars every year on operating and maintaining its weapon systems across all warfare domains, and yet these weapon systems often struggle to meet their readiness targets.

The Sustainment Group in IDA's Science, Systems, and Sustainment Division (S3D) is at the forefront of providing cutting-edge analyses to address this challenge. We work with large amounts of maintenance and contract data logged by military personnel, employ statistical and machine learning techniques to estimate underlying patterns, and build data-driven models to support the Department of War optimize uptime for existing equipment in the interest of national defense.

We are looking for talented individuals who want to use their hard-earned data analysis and research skills to contribute to our nation's defense in an independent, nonprofit research environment.

What is the Institute for Defense Analyses (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.

What does research look like in this position?

• Formulate research questions out of unstructured problems and messy data.
• Use mathematical modeling and data science methods (statistical analysis, visualization, data wrangling, machine learning, etc.) to turn data into key insights about how the government can better manage its resources.
• Explore raw data from DOW databases and contribute to our data processing pipeline, which gives us an end-to-end picture of the DOW sustainment system.
• Conduct independent research on complex topics while collaborating closely with the larger research group to develop new methods and tools.
• Present findings to mid- and senior-level Defense officials (i.e., presidential appointees, generals, admirals, etc.) through oral presentations and written reports.

What qualifications and skill-sets do you need?

• Either a:
  • PhD in a STEM field (such as Physics, Astronomy, Chemistry, Applied Mathematics, Engineering, Statistics, Biology, Computer Science) or Operations Research, Data Science, or any other data-intensive research field; OR
  • Master's degree (same fields as above) along with 8+ years of data science related work experience; OR
  • Master's degree (same fields as above) combined with military experience in logistics, supply, or maintenance
• Must have experience using computer programming for data processing and analysis with a language such as R, Python, or MATLAB.
• Must be able to clearly explain technical topics to non-technical audiences.
• Military service and experience with sustainment, logistics, and readiness is valued but not required.
• Successful completion of a background check is required.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance with IDA sponsorship
• Occasional travel is expected.

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 $113,353 - $277,494 Individual salary within this range will be commensurate with the incumbent's experience, unique skills and qualifications, and other relevant factors.