Research Associate - Generative Artificial Intelligence (ITSD)

Overview

IDA is a non-profit, federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) that delivers objective, rigorous analysis on the nation's toughest national security, technology, and science policy challenges. Our work is team-based, multi-disciplinary, and deeply impactful to national defense.

This position is in IDA's Information Technology and Systems Division (ITSD), located in Alexandria, VA, just outside Washington, DC. ITSD seeks a Research Associate with experience in using generative artificial intelligence (AI) to contribute to real-world programs. ITSD excels at empowering our partners through application of custom AI capabilities to answer critical national security research questions. Our AI-enabled research enables us to uncover strategic insights for key technology areas, national assets, critical infrastructure and more.

Responsibilities

Integrate frontier AI tools into workflows (e.g., craft precise, context-rich instructions to guide AI models-especially large language models (LLMs))-to produce accurate, relevant, and consistent outputs.

Develop, deploy, and leverage analytic pipelines integrating AI tools and models to collect data, perform analyses, and create interactive visualizations.

Work as a member of research teams under the direction of project leaders and other analysts to contribute effectively to a team approach to problem solving.

Perform fact-finding tasks; develop preliminary analyses, and shape findings and recommendations for the team.

Develop and apply information collection, compilation, summary and analysis methods to support the needs of particular analyses.

Engage with sponsors to understand their needs and deliver timely, relevant, and actionable research.

Communicate results clearly through written reports, briefings, and discussions with colleagues, sponsors, and stakeholders.

Qualifications

Required:

• This position requires access or potential access to restricted national security information that is Not Releasable to Foreign Nationals (NOFORN) data. Dual citizens cannot be considered for this opportunity.
• BS in Computer Science, Information Technology, Data Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Neuroscience, Economics, Mathematics, Physics, or an inter-disciplinary program that encompasses several of these fields of study, and at least 2 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree in a relevant field.
• Demonstrated experience with integrating key frontier AI into workflows (e.g., AI-assisted coding, automation, content generation, and developing clear, structured, context-rich, and example-driven prompts).
• Familiarity with MLOps, software development best practices (e.g., DevSecOps, secure coding), principles and tools, including experience with software code management (e.g., git), and other command line tools.
• Demonstrated experience deploying, querying and optimizing databases. Familiarity with ACID, BASE, and CAP Theorem principles and different database types (e.g., graph) for selecting appropriate database architectures for specific problem sets.
• Secure software development proficiency (e.g., Python). Ability to learn how to use interactive visualization tools such as Tableau, Neo4j, and Streamlit. Ability to avoid, identify, and correct software security vulnerabilities.
• Strong problem-solving, conceptual, and analytical skills with demonstrated ability to conduct independent research.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to thrive in cross-functional teams.
• Successful completion of a background check and ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance.
  

Preferred:

• Hands-on experience with MLOps and modern AI orchestration frameworks (e.g., LangChain/LangGraph, LLamaIndex, CrewAI) to build GenAI solutions.
• Experience with context engineering in designing scalable solutions for Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), Graph RAG, and/or knowledge-grounded AI.
• Experience conducting cybersecurity vulnerability assessments or penetration tests.
• Prior military, DoD acquisition, or industry experience.
• Experience collaborating with government sponsors or stakeholders.

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 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 transitioning to the private sector, IDA offers exciting opportunities to learn and grow while contributing to U.S. national security.

Sponsors rely on IDA for dispassionate, fact-based, and rigorous high-quality research and advice that emphasize objectivity and the public interest. IDA's status as an FFRDC facilitates strong partnerships with our U.S. Government sponsors and provides IDA trusted 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.

Compensation

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 $68,681 - $194,054. Individual salary within this range will be commensurate with the incumbent's experience, unique skills and qualifications, and other relevant factors.