Enjoy challenging work and make important contributions to our Nation

The Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) is a not-for-profit corporation that operates three Federally Funded Research Centers (FFRDCs): the Systems and Analyses Center serving the Office of the Secretary of Defense and other Department of Defense organizations; the Center for Communications and Computing serving the National Security Agency; and the Science and Technology Policy Institute serving the President’s Science Advisor and the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), the National Science Foundation (NSF), as well as other offices and councils within the executive branch of the federal government.

STPI reports on significant trends and developments in science and technology in the United States and abroad; analyzes those trends with attention to the federal science and technology portfolio; and undertakes assessments that help ensure the long-term strength of American science and technology.  Associated with these responsibilities is an abiding interest in keeping America at the forefront of scientific discovery, and ensuring that American scientists and engineers can lead the world in innovation and technical progress. 

In addition to OSTP and NSF, STPI currently supports the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, National Institutes of Health, and the Departments of Commerce, Energy, Homeland Security, and Transportation. 

Reporting directly to the President of IDA, the Director leads the STPI staff—whose graduate degrees span the life, physical, mathematical, and social sciences--in providing high-quality analyses and advice to its research sponsors. 

We seek an individual familiar with the national S&T research community who can work effectively with senior leadership and staff in OSTP, NSF, and other sponsoring offices, plus executives of S&T organizations outside the federal government.  A working knowledge of federal decision-making processes related to S&T policies and program is essential, and experience working on issues with both technology and policy implications is required.

The successful candidate must help set directions for future STPI research efforts, while ensuring the high-quality execution of ongoing research activities.  That implies graduate preparation in a scientific or technical discipline, preferably at the Ph.D. level; demonstrated leadership skills; senior management and administrative experience; and a proven ability to build and oversee a program of diverse scientific and technical policy studies.

IDA offers a competitive salary, an excellent benefits package and a superior professional working environment. To the right individual, IDA offers the opportunity to assist in shaping key national programs and plans.

The selected individual must meet the requirements for access to classified information, and will be subject to a government security investigation.  U.S. citizenship is therefore required. 

The Institute for Defense Analyses is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.