What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Analyst - Economist position at CNA Corporation?
PRIMARY PURPOSE
CNA is hiring for the role of Research Analyst (Economist). This role is a part of the Resources and Force Readiness (RFR) division in CNA. RFR is seeking candidates with backgrounds in applied microeconomics, specifically, we are seeking candidate experience, background, or interest in the physical sciences (e.g., physics, chemistry, and computer science) is a plus.
Applicants should possess or be nearing completion of a PhD in economics and have an interest in applied, policy-oriented research and the ability to write, speak, and present to both technical and non-technical audiences in a clear and concise format. As a Research Analyst, you will provide analysis to help develop and evaluate policies, practices, and programs that increase the effectiveness and efficiency of personnel, budgets, and other assets. Major research areas include workforce management and warfighter readiness, energy, health analytics and medical readiness, resource allocation, and facilities infrastructure. Whether through empirical research, modeling and simulation, or combined quantitative and qualitative approaches, we provide our sponsors with objective analyses that directly affect policy and practice. Recent hires who have advanced rapidly have exhibited a strong capacity and interest in applying their skills across a variety of complex problems.
Strong consideration will be given to applicants with skills in Python and R.
CNA is a nonprofit organization specializing in providing objective analyses to government agencies and foundations. We have conducted such research for the Navy and Marine Corps for over 75 years, and much of our work continues to be with the Department of Defense. Applicant will provide direct support to the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations, and Environment, the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Readiness and Logistics, and both U.S. Fleet Forces Command and U.S. Pacific Fleet Command. CNA fosters an inclusive culture that values diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Our flexible and engaging work environment encourages collaboration throughout the problem-solving process. Our employees use scientific, data-driven approaches to develop effective solutions that help clients manage their programs.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND / OR DUTIES
- With minimal or no guidance, meets CNA's quality standards when working on well-structured pieces of a project. Demonstrates ability to develop sound analytic frameworks and associated analytic methodologies/ techniques for addressing both structured and unstructured problems. With direction and supervision, clearly defines, structures, and executes a piece of a complex study to meet quality standards. Demonstrates analytic creativity and curiosity.
- Develops and maintains broad, general institutional knowledge of primary clients/sponsors; their culture, organization, and issues.
- Contributes productively and harmoniously to the work of others; treats everyone respectfully, professionally and fairly. Keeps others informed. Proactively identifies and seeks out others working on similar topics. Works to identify opportunities for collaborations within team, division, and operating unit.
- Supports business development efforts and/or marketing activities by maintaining strong client relationships through high quality work, increasing the visibility of our work, and other related activities such as proposal preparation.
- Interacts with sponsors/clients under the supervision of an experienced colleague, and with study POCs independently.
- Makes significant contributions to research publications and analytic products for individual projects.
- Demonstrates ability to communicate results of work in a clear and concise fashion. Effectively communicates one-on-one and in groups. Can document work efficiently and accurately. Can effectively present work to colleagues, sponsors, and small audiences that are familiar with content.
- Works with minimal or no guidance on focused, well-structured pieces of projects. Works under closer supervision on more complex, less-structured tasks. Can serve as task lead for pieces of projects by managing own activities. May lead small projects under the supervision of an RPD.
- Exhibits a positive attitude in interactions with colleagues and clients/sponsors. Provides clear guidance to colleagues on tasks. Takes responsibility for own actions and outcomes.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
- Education: Minimum Master's degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience; PhD in economics highly preferred.
- Experience: Typical minimum requirements Ph.D. & 0 years or Master's & 2 years of experience in research and analysis.
- Skills:
- Ability to make significant contributions to projects/analyses;
- Strong analytic curiosity/ creativity;
- Ability to operate independently in the execution of assignments;
- Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary environment;
- Strong critical thinking skills;
- Knowledge of research techniques;
- Strong planning and organizational skills;
- Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills;
- Ability to interact positively and somewhat independently with clients.
- Hybrid Work Eligibility: This position is eligible for hybrid work arrangements at the discretion of the Supervisor. Employees may be required to work at CNA headquarters or other work locations resulting in changes to the scheduled hybrid work arrangements.
- Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain an active secret security clearance.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
- CV or Resume
- Cover Letter - A cover letter should introduce yourself, briefly summarize your professional background, explain why you are a good candidate for this role, and the reason for your interest in applying.
- Transcripts - Undergraduate and graduate transcripts
- Writing Sample - Please include a job market paper
- Three (3) Letters of Recommendation - Please email PDF copies directly to Michelle Jones, JonesM@cna.org.
- Applications due by December 1, 2025
- Interviews will be conducted in early January 2026
CNA is committed to providing equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit based factors. In addition to federal legal requirements, CNA complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. These protections extend to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting and hiring practices, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training and career development programs. For more information about EEO protections, please view the EEO is the Law poster.To be considered for hire, all individuals applying for positions with CNA are subject to a background investigation. For positions requiring access to classified information, U.S. citizenship is required. Individuals will also be subject to an additional government background investigation, and continued employment eligibility is contingent upon the ability to obtain and maintain an active security clearance.
