Research Associate

What We Do

Metrea Strategic Insights (MSI) is a business unit within Metrea that specializes in strategy and policy analysis, looking at long-term trends, threats, opportunities, discontinuities, and asymmetries in national security. MSI’s mission is to be a solution and idea generation engine for wicked problems in national security. We use innovative tools and quantitative analysis to better inform defense strategy and policy decisions.

What We Are Looking For

This role is responsible for assisting in the development of tools, methodologies, and pathfinding research and analysis for MSI and Metrea. Responsibilities include: 1) support the development of innovative analytic methodologies and conducting pathfinding research and analysis; 2) working closely with other business units in Metrea to coordinate activities and collaborate on projects; 3) supporting research projects for government sponsors; 4) collecting and assembling quantitative data on military force structure, budgets, and capabilities for the United States, allies, partners, and adversaries; and 5) assist in writing and editing reports. A strong quantitative background or ability to quickly adopt data analysis tools will be helpful in this role.

Essential Functions for This Position

• Work with MSI and Research staff to aid the Metrea enterprise and external clients in understanding and optimizing ways to solve “wicked problems” in national security.
• Assist senior staff with developing, organizing and overseeing MSI events, such as workshops, table-top exercises, wargames, and report launches.
• Candidate will have a self-starter mentality, excellent communication and team-building skills, strong work ethic, a genuine willingness to learn and improve.
• Candidate has demonstrated the ability to prioritize judiciously and blend flexibility with disciplined execution to manage competing demands and deliver work of the highest quality.
• Candidate will have the ability to synthesise complex concepts clearly and effectively, using an organized and systematic approach.
• Candidate must have demonstrated excellent writing & communication skills and be fluent in English.
• Candidate must have experience and a strong interest in national security.

Ideal Candidate Characteristics

The ideal candidate for this role will be someone with a startup mindset, excellent communication skills, strong work ethic, and a genuine willingness to learn and adapt. They will need to be open to new challenges and learning new skills, both under supervision and self-direction.

Required Experience and Education

• Bachelor’s Degree with quantitative coursework or projects.
• At least 1-2 years of work experience (post-college) in a national security-related field.
• Proficiency with MS office software suite.
• Familiarity with structure, terminology, and functions of the US DoD.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a US DoD security clearance.

Preferred Experience

• Experience supporting quantitative and qualitative research projects supporting national security.
• Experience with large scale data analysis and advanced analytic tools (R, Python, SQL, etc.)
• Knowledge and familiarity with challenges facing US allies and alliances.
• Active US DoD Secret or higher security clearance

Work Location and Environment

MSI is headquartered at Metrea’s Washington DC office (located in Georgetown), and we have a highly flexible work environment. This position can be fully in-person or hybrid depending on the candidate’s experience and situation. Candidate will need to be located in or near the DC area for regular in-person collaboration with other team members. This position will require periodic travel to London and other Metrea offices for collaboration.

What We Offer

Metrea provides a generous package of company benefits including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life, AD&D, long-term disability, and short-term disability insurance
• Paid annual leave and sick leave
• 401k retirement plan and matching contributions
• Company bonus scheme (percentage of salary, 50% based on overall business performance and 50% based on individual objectives)
• Annual training allowance and training days

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

Must be able to accomplish any and all duties with little or no assistance. Must have good command of the English language; oral and written.

Work Authorization/Security Clearance

Employee must be a US citizen. A security clearance is not required for this position, but the ability to hold a clearance is required.

Reasonable Accommodations Statement

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty listed above satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.