Policy Research Analyst

Overview

SRI International's Center for Innovation Strategy and Policy (CISP) helps organizations, regions, and countries achieve long-term economic and social impact through effective investments in science, technology, and innovation. Based in Arlington, VA, CISP operates in a collaborative, project-based research and advisory environment, supporting public and private sector clients around the world through research, analysis, evaluation, and strategic planning in the following areas:

• Innovation & S&T strategy
• Science, technology, and innovation policy & systems design
• Science and technology program development, implementation and support
• Complex program evaluation and assessment
• Technology-based economic and workforce development
• Research security & policy implementation
• Advanced analytics in R&D analysis

We are seeking Research Analysts to join CISP in a hybrid work environment (2 days per week in the Arlington VA office, plus occasional client visits). Research Analysts are individual contributors who support project teams by executing well-defined research and analytic tasks and producing accurate and well-documented work products. LOOK AT OUR RESEARCH!

Responsibilities

As part of project teams, Research Analysts contribute to science, technology, and innovation policy research, analysis, strategic planning, and program evaluation by executing defined research and analytic tasks with guidance. Research Analysts apply foundational research methods, support data collection and analysis, maintain clear project documentation, and communicate status and findings so project teams can deliver high-quality client work.

Specifically, Research Analysts will:

• Execute well-defined research and analytic tasks under guidance, coordinating closely with project leaders and teammates
• Apply foundational research methods with guidance (e.g., literature reviews, environmental scans, survey administration, data analysis, and data visualization)
• Support data collection, analysis, quality assurance checks, and storage activities for qualitative and quantitative sources, including datasets, document review, literature review, and stakeholder input
• Build and maintain project documentation, including sources, datasets, notes, trackers, and file organization that enables efficient quality assurance and smooth handoffs
• Draft slides, tables, short summaries, meeting notes, and other work products for review; revise quickly based on feedback
• Communicate status and findings clearly and concisely in written and oral formats to internal team members and, as appropriate, external clients
• Manage assigned tasks to deadlines; escalate risks, blockers, or uncertainty early
• Support proposal production, including background research, resumes/past performance inputs, formatting, and compilation
• Occasionally travel domestically and internationally

Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship required due to government contract requirements

• Master's; or Bachelor's plus 2+ years of related experience (including internships, fellowships, research assistantships, or consulting-style project work) related to science, technology, and innovation policy

• Degree in a STEM field, public policy, or a related social science discipline:

• Desired areas of study often include Science & Technology Studies; Science or Technology Policy; Engineering & Public Policy; Innovation Policy or Studies; Business Administration; or related interdisciplinary fields bridging science, technology, and policy

• Demonstrated interest in addressing real-world science, technology, and innovation policy challenges

• Ideal experiences may include science or technology policy fellowships; internships or research assistantships supporting STI policy or programs; policy practicums or applied research projects; work with government, think tanks, or nonprofits on innovation-related initiatives; or experience with technology transfer, innovation ecosystems, or policy-oriented analysis and writing

• Demonstrated research or analytical experience using qualitative and/or quantitative methods, including in coursework or applied projects

• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and concisely about policy or technical subjects, including:

• Drafting slides, tables, meeting notes, short summaries, and report sections for review

• Collaborating with multiple coauthors

• Listening actively, asking clarifying questions, and incorporating feedback quickly

• Reading, synthesizing, and summarizing technical and policy materials

• Critically assessing strategic reports

• Organizing written and visual content for team and client deliverables

• Writing samples may be requested

• Ability to manage assigned tasks, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing project needs

• Ability to work effectively within small, multidisciplinary teams in a fast-paced consulting environment

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in or with federal agencies or government contractors
• Comfort with data analysis and visualization tools
• Python, R, or other coding experience
• Familiarity with one or more science, technology, and innovation policy areas relevant to CISP's portfolio
• Demonstrated experience contributing to proposals, marketing, or other business development efforts
• Cover letters are welcome but not required with application submittals.

The salary range is: $63,873-$84,636. Salary ranges will vary and are based on several factors, including geographic location, market competitiveness and equity amongst internal employees in similar roles. Positions may also qualify for SRI''s Pay for Outstanding Performance program or the annual Performance Based Compensation program. SRI also has a competitive benefits package, to view details please go to https://www.sri.com/resources/benefits/. SRI will accept applications until the position is filled.

SRI is an independent nonprofit research institute headquartered in Menlo Park, Calif., with a rich history of supporting government and industry. We create and deliver world-changing solutions for a safer, healthier, and more sustainable future. For more than 75 years, we have collaborated across technical and scientific disciplines to discover and develop groundbreaking products and technologies and bring innovations and ideas to the marketplace.