The IDA Summer Associate Program provides students unique opportunity to use their quantitative and analytic skills to work on challenging real-world national security issues.
The IDA Centers provide objective analyses of national security issues, particularly those requiring scientific and technical expertise, and conduct related research on other national challenges. Staff at IDA’s Studies and Analyses Center is located in Alexandria, Virginia and comprised of eight research divisions:
• Cost Analysis and Research Division • Information Technology and Systems Division
• Intelligence Analyses Division • Joint Advanced Warfighting Division
• Operational Evaluation Division • System Evaluation Division
• Science and Technology Division • Strategy, Forces and Resources Division
The Institute for Defense Analyses – Science and Technology Policy Institute (STPI), located in Washington, D.C., provides high-quality, objective, analytical support to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) in the Executive Office of the President and other Federal Government organizations. Summer Associates will be expected to use their critical thinking and analytic skills to work on challenges in science and technology (S&T) policy areas, including energy and the environment, space sciences, innovation and competitiveness, evaluation, life sciences, information technologies, national security, and STEM education. Applicants should have a demonstrated interest in S&T policy (however, previous policy experience is not required).
Each year, IDA hires paid student associates at its Virginia and Washington, DC facilities to work for a minimum of 10 weeks during the summer months. Attendance at the 8 week core period between June 6 and July 29 is required. An additional 2 weeks (or more) either before or after the core period is required for a complete 10 week internship. In some cases opportunities exist for associates to work a few weeks longer than the 10-week minimum.
The wage range is dependent on the field of study and years of education completed. For students living outside the area, IDA pays for one instance of round-trip travel. Associates are responsible for living expenses during the summer.
Responsibilities
The responsibilities vary depending on division and particular assignment.
Qualifications
We seek highly qualified students with strong academic backgrounds. Our preference for the program is graduate students, but we will consider undergraduates who are rising seniors. In either case, students must be returning to an academic institution in the fall to continue their educational pursuits. We do not use GPA as a screening tool, but we have noted that in previous years, more than 3/4 of our interns have had undergraduate GPAs above 3.3.
We seek a variety of disciplines including computer science, information technology, mathematics, chemistry, physics, operations research, aero/astronautical engineering, mechanical or electrical engineering, materials science, statistics, economics, as well as social and behavioral sciences, international relations, policy studies, and finance. Strong quantitative skills are our top priority regardless of the academic discipline.
Applicants are required to submit their resume and transcripts.
Applicants who are selected will be subject to a security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. U.S. citizenship is required.
Application instructions
*Please be sure to indicate that you saw this position on Globaljobs.org* Apply at: https://www.globaljobs.org/jobs/5307-washington-dc-institute-for-defense-analyses-ida-2016-summer-associate-program.
