Research Specialist

PRIMARY PURPOSE

CNA is looking for a motivated entry-level candidate with strong analytic skills to join our team as a Research Specialist in our Resources and Force Readiness (RFR) division. Our mission is to provide objective analytic support to military leaders' decision-making and ultimately improve the lethality and effectiveness of the joint force.

The Resources and Force Readiness division analyzes personnel, manpower, training, and education policy, as well as energy, installations, and sustainment, to help the military make efficient use of its resources and ensure its mission readiness. You will help by gathering and analyzing data, reviewing and summarizing documents, and performing some administrative and compliance-related tasks.

Start date is flexible up to summer 2026. This position is not eligible for relocation assistance.

CNA fosters an inclusive culture that values diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Our flexible and engaging work environment encourages iterative and creative collaboration at every stage of the problem-solving process. Our employees are committed to helping clients develop effective solutions to better manage their programs through scientific, data-driven approaches. We are looking for creative and innovative individuals to help carry out our mission.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND / OR DUTIES

1. Apply standard research methodologies to gather, process, and analyze data. Use relevant database software to effectively organize and present data and generate reports. Demonstrate facility at the intermediate level with Microsoft Office and other standard CNA software packages to accomplish primary duties.

2. Develop a basic familiarity with the missions and organizational structure of the division or team's major client / sponsors.

3. Participate in meetings with project team. Support preparation for client / sponsor interactions. Identify client / sponsor POC for their projects.

4. Develop a sufficient understanding or expertise on specific tasks, issues or data so as to make a positive contribution to project outcomes.

5. Develop basic knowledge about CNA, its organization, key personnel and personalities, and relevant CNA standard operating procedures (SOPs), to include basic knowledge of CNA business environment. Understand the concepts of core, above core, and above ceiling / domestic. Have basic awareness of the project development process.

6. Possess the skills necessary to communicate information concisely, precisely, and in a grammatically correct manner in oral and written communication. Present and summarize data effectively.

7. Work under close supervision on focused, well-structured pieces of projects. Tracks personal project spending.

8. Exhibit a positive attitude in interactions with colleagues, clients / sponsors, and staff. Take initiative offering assistance when opportunities arise.

9. Perform other duties as assigned.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

1. Education : Bachelor's degree in economics, statistics, operations research, mathematics, physics, engineering, or related field.

2. Experience : Minimum 0 years relevant experience required.

3. Skills :

• Statistical analysis and matrix algebra required
• R, Python, and / or STATA preferred
• Basic computer skills - Microsoft Office; database management
• Good interpersonal and oral and written communication skills
• Strong critical thinking and organizational skills

4. Other : Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance

Required documents

Preference will be given to candidates who submit the required documents below

Optional documents

CNA offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package, which includes health, dental, and vision insurance, life and disability insurance, and a 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching. Additionally, we provide generous paid time off programs to promote a health work-life balance. Eligibility for these benefits varies based on employment classification.

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 and protected veterans, 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 posters here : "EEO is the Law" Poster" , "EEO Poster Supplement" . The pay transparency policy is available here : Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination 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.