Institute for Defense Analyses · 14 hours ago
Research Associate - Generative Artificial Intelligence (ITSD)
Alexandria, VA
Full-time
Onsite
Entry, Mid Level
$69K/yr - $194K/yr
2+ years expThe Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) is a non-profit, federally funded research and development center that delivers objective analysis on national security and technology challenges. They are seeking a Research Associate with experience in generative artificial intelligence to integrate AI tools into workflows and contribute to national security research.
AerospaceNational SecurityNon Profit
No H1B
Security Clearance RequiredU.S. Citizen Only
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
Qualification
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
Benefits
Comprehensive benefits including diverse health insurance options, generous 10% contribution to retirement, maternity/paternity leave, 20 days paid time off, and relocation reimbursement.
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.
Employer contributes $315/month (IRS max) to commuter benefits.
Company
Institute for Defense Analyses
Institute for Defense Analyses is an organization that offers security and science policy questions objective analysis services.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Mario Wong, Jr.
Chief Financial Officer
Alane Struss
Human Resources Business Partner
Recent News
2025-04-09
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