Senior Research Associate, Research Data Analytics

Arlington, TX - USA

Monthly Salary: Not Disclosed

Posted on: 23 hours ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Job Description

Based on the foundation of the Ted and Karyn Hume Center for National Security and Technology Virginia Tech launched the Virginia Tech National Security Institute in September 2021. With a presence in Blacksburg and the Washington D.C. metro area the institute aspires to be the nations preeminent academic organization at the nexus of interdisciplinary research technology policy and talent development the national security institute will advance national security in pursuit of a secure America.

Building on the foundation of Virginia Tech and VTNSIs interdisciplinary mission the Senior Research Associate Operations Research & Data Analytics is technical research leader responsible for executing and integrating data analyses and applied research that cuts across technical areas and mission domains relevant to national security stakeholders.

The role is designed for a candidate who can span data science and operations research disciplines: structuring messy multi-sourced information into analysis-ready data; applying rigorous quantitative methods (e.g. statistical modeling optimization simulation scenario analysis); and delivering sponsor-trusted decision support artifacts (briefings dashboards repeatable analytic workflows). The position emphasizes cross-domain integration analytic integrity and stakeholder communication ensuring that analytic outputs are not only technically sound but also usable and traceable in real-world decision environments.

The Operations & Data Analyst position is well-suited for individuals with strong technical and cross-domain backgrounds who excel at translating mission needs into high-impact sponsored research efforts and are looking for opportunities to grow enduring national security partnerships at a leading national security institute.

Responsibilities: The following are the specific responsibilities for this position:
1) Integrate data analyses and applied research by translating sponsor questions into analytic problem statements with clear objectives constraints assumptions and success measures; developing and validating quantitative analyses using operations research and data science methods; and producing defensible tradeoff narratives and recommendations.
2) Build and evolve mission-aligned data and knowledge structures by collecting curating and structuring multi-source artifacts into analysis-ready datasets; developing data models/metadata/tagging approaches to enable reuse and cross-study synthesis; and supporting creation of searchable decision-relevant analytic environments (e.g. curated repositories repeatable pipelines interactive analytic workspaces) that reduce reinvention and enable cumulative learning.
3) Apply mixed-method quantitative techniques by applying toolkits that may include optimization simulation mathematical modeling forecasting statistical inference and ML/NLP paired with verification/validation practices sensitivity analysis and transparent uncertainty communication to maintain sponsor trust.
4) Develop stakeholder-ready decision products by designing and delivering dashboards visuals and briefing narratives that translate complex analyses into actionable insight and will communicate limitations assumptions and key drivers with clarity appropriate to decision-maker needs.

Required Qualifications

PhD degree in operations research data science computer science statistics mathematics or a closely related discipline with significant experience. An advanced degree may be considered in lieu of the doctorate.
Demonstrated experience applying quantitative methods to real-world decision problems including at least two of: optimization simulation statistical modeling / inference scenario analysis or machine learning.
Proficiency in Python and SQL (or equivalent) for data wrangling analysis and reproducible workflows.
Experience integrating multiple models data sources and/or analytic methods into coherent cross-domain assessments.
Experience planning and executing sponsored research projects.
Strong communications and stakeholder engagement skills.
Work collaboratively in interdisciplinary research environments that span technical operational and policy domains.
U.S. citizenship and an active secret clearance with the ability to maintain that clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

Proficiency in synthesizing insights across events or studies to include wargames exercises experiments modeling & simulation operational assessments.
Experience with optimization solvers simulation environments or building decision-support tools that are reused across teams and efforts.
Familiarity with data architectures that integrate distributed artifacts into searchable reusable decision-relevant enterprise knowledge.
Knowledge of governance and risk-management practices to integrated data management to include considerations of AI-enabled analytics.
Experience serving as PI or co-PI on externally sponsored research programs.

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

Salary Commensurate with Experience

Hours per week

40 hours per week

Review Date

4/10/2026

Additional Information

Due to the nature of the Institutes work candidates must be US citizens and an active TS/SCI clearance with the ability to maintain that clearance.

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its mottoUt Prosim(That I May Serve) Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world Virginia Tech is aninclusive communitydedicated to knowledge discovery and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36000 undergraduate graduate and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges a school of medicine a veterinary medicinecollege Graduate School and Honors College.The university has a significant presence across Virginia including Blacksburg the greater Washington D.C. area the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke sites in Newport News and Richmond and numerous Extension officesand research institutes.A leading global research institution Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees students or applicants on the basis of age color disability sex (including pregnancy) gender gender identity gender expression genetic information ethnicity or national origin political affiliation race religion sexual orientation or military status or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about discuss or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation please contact NSI Human Resourcesat during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Required Experience:

Senior IC

Job DescriptionBased on the foundation of the Ted and Karyn Hume Center for National Security and Technology Virginia Tech launched the Virginia Tech National Security Institute in September 2021. With a presence in Blacksburg and the Washington D.C. metro area the institute aspires to be the nation...