About the role#
The Summer Associate Program offers students the chance to apply quantitative and analytic skills to national security issues. Associates work at the Systems and Analyses Center or the Science and Technology Policy Institute to support research and policy development. This is a paid, full-time position based in Alexandria, Virginia, lasting at least 10 weeks during the summer of 2027.
What you'll do#
- Provide objective analysis of national security issues.
- Conduct research on national challenges.
- Assist executive branch agencies in formulating federal science and technology policy.
- Provide analytical support to inform policymakers.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment as a graduate student or as a rising senior undergraduate student.
- Intent to return to an academic institution in the fall.
- Ability to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
- Successful completion of a criminal background check.
- Academic background in fields such as Computer Science, Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Statistics, Economics, Human Resources, or International Relations.
Location & details#
- Location: Alexandria, Virginia.
- Work Modality: On-site.
- Term: Summer 2027.
- Salary: $20.50 to $42.00 per hour, depending on experience and skills.
About Institute for Defense Analyses
The Institute for Defense Analyses is a nonprofit corporation based in Alexandria, Virginia. Founded in 1956, the organization operates three Federally Funded Research and Development Centers. It provides research and advice to government sponsors on issues related to national security. The staff includes over 1,500 professionals who focus on technical and policy studies.
How to get in at Institute for Defense Analyses
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