Homeland Security Adjunct Research Member - Global Dynamics and Intelligence Division; GDI

Overview

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 seeks to hire an Adjunct Research Staff Member (ARSM) with expertise and experience regarding border security, counter‑drug operations, and other homeland security‑related matters. RSMs provide analytical, technical, and scientific expertise in support of IDA’s work requiring independent and objective research and analyses of national security issues, homeland security issues, and related challenges. This position supports IDA’s role as a trusted and decisive contributor to U.S. national security and homeland security decision‑making.

This position is in the Global Dynamics and Intelligence Division (GDI). GDI delivers timely, expert analysis on challenging and sensitive national security questions for U.S. government sponsors and is source of crucial research expertise across IDA. GDI is home to four research portfolios:
Indo‑Pacific, Eurasia, Global Coverage, and Intelligence and Security. Housed in a state‑of‑the‑art sensitive compartmented information facility (SCIF), GDI researchers have access to information technology systems and data needed to conduct the sensitive work of GDI sponsors.

• Researches, analyzes, and evaluates complex homeland security issues for IDA’s diverse sponsor base.
• Individually or as a member of a research team, prepares reports documenting conclusions and/or findings; may present findings of the final report to project sponsors and select audiences.
• May be assigned as project leader to one or more projects to provide technical direction for project planning, requirements, and budgetary objectives.
• Works with other researchers and sponsors to identify, prioritize, and communicate emergent homeland security issues for IDA, its sponsors, and the homeland security community.
• Develops and sustains working relationships with sponsors to ensure that opportunities for further support and collaboration are understood.
• Maintains awareness of, and potentially contributes to, cross‑divisional projects in conjunction with other IDA divisions.

• Applicants must have a minimum of 20 years of progressively responsible experience in homeland security issues with a focus on border security and/or counter‑drug operations.
• Applicants must have at least a bachelor's degree. Candidates with advanced degrees will be given preference.
• Applicants must have proven ability to perform independent research, conduct rigorous analysis, and effectively present findings and recommendations orally and in writing.
• Applicants must demonstrate the ability to work in an unstructured environment and on more than one project concurrently.
• Travel may be required.
• Candidates must have U.S. citizenship and an active Top Secret clearance with current or recent SCI Access (within the last six months/current SSBI). Candidates who do not meet this requirement will not be considered.
• Successful completion of a criminal background check is required.

• 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.

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 identity, 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 and let us know the nature of your request and contact information.