Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA)

Position Title/Short Description

Full Text of JOE Listing:

The Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) is a non-profit corporation supporting the Department of Defense and other federal government agencies with applied economics and multi-disciplinary research. IDA researchers support senior defense officials by applying economic theory to issues of National Security policy and resource management. This ranges from applying proven tools to new problems and data, to developing new models, to generating new theory. Recent examples include:
• Development of an econometric model for forecasting the supply of recruits that highlights risks to Army recruiting and suggests policy improvements;
• Assessments of the $65B/year DoD health care program that suggest market-oriented reforms;
• Enhancement of parametric models to forecast major weapon system costs like the Joint Strike Fighter with an expected total program cost of $233B;
• Development of metrics to measure the success of border-control initiatives;
• Development of a stochastic model to analyze the ability of alternative force structures to address an uncertain future;
• Hedonic analysis to correct for quality differences in calculating price indices for fighter aircraft;
• Examination of how to select a discount rate for calculating lump-sum payments as part of the military retirement package.

IDA takes great pride in the high caliber and timeliness of its analyses, which are produced in an atmosphere that encourages independent thinking and objective results. Work at IDA is conducted in a team environment and often involves a multi-disciplinary approach with physicists, engineers, economists, and other social scientists. Researchers work closely with and are in frequent contact with government sponsors. Consequently, strong communication skills are greatly valued.

IDA has openings for highly qualified PhD economists to join its growing team, specifically in applied economics (including labor economics, public economics, industrial organization, and mechanism design). We will consider job market candidates preparing to graduate, recent graduates, and mid-career individuals. Applicants must have demonstrated research excellence and a strong interest in applied research. Applicants must have also demonstrated superior skill in quantitative, econometric, statistical, or computational methods. Experience with machine learning techniques and large data sets is a plus.

Qualifications:
• US Citizenship is required.
• Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Interested candidates must follow a 2 step process to apply on-line to BOTH of the
following:

1) Apply to this JOE posting by uploading a resume/CV (with GPA) and cover letter,
three letters of recommendation, unofficial transcripts, and your job market paper
(abstract and full copy are required).

And

2) Apply to the IDA career page job posting at
https://chk.tbe.taleo.net/chk01/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=INSTITUTEDA&cws=1&rid=605