Associate Research Analyst
Ora
Summary
CNA is hiring for Associate Research Analysts to join their Advanced Technology Assessment (ATA) Division. Staff at this level will provide research, analytical, and technical support on a range of projects.
Job description
As part of the Department of the Navy's Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC), CNA's Advanced Technology Assessments (ATA) division provides analysis that evaluates the military utility and efficacy of emerging defense technologies and prototypes, operational test and evaluation of DoD programs of record, and tactics development and resourcing decisions for existing naval aircraft.
Analyses from ATA help the Navy make data-informed resourcing, training, and modernization decisions for new and existing defense technologies, with a focus on naval aircraft. Our research supports defense innovation programs to ensure operational effectiveness and lethality and to maintain the technological superiority of US military forces. ATA also contributes independent analyses to the testing of new aviation systems and the development of tactics to optimize the effectiveness of existing aircraft.
Job Description And/Or Duties
- Under close supervision, conducts research and analysis that meets CNA's quality standards on focused, structured questions.
- Can effectively apply standard, routine, and well-established analytic methodologies.
- With minimal direction and supervision, routinely produces analysis that is logical and traceable as well as objective and unbiased.
- Shows some analytic creativity.
- Develops rudimentary institutional knowledge of primary clients/sponsors; their culture, organization, and issues.
- Contributes productively and harmoniously to the work of others; treats everyone respectfully, professionally and fairly.
- Keeps others informed.
- Actively engages with colleagues and works with manager to identify opportunities for collaborations within team and division.
- Seeks out others working on similar topics.
- Supports business development efforts and/or marketing activities by conducting background research and helping prepare materials under the direction of more experienced staff.
- Limited interaction with sponsors/clients and their study POCs under the supervision of an experienced colleague.
- Impact largely confined to individual project work.
- Demonstrates basic, effective communication skills, both written and oral.
- Can effectively present work to colleagues and CNA managers.
- Works under close supervision on focused, well-structured pieces of projects.
- Exhibits a positive attitude in interactions with colleagues and clients/sponsors.
- Serves as an effective member of project or research team by supporting leadership as needed.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Requirements
- Minimum master's degree in science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM), aeronautical engineering or equivalent experience
- Typical minimum requirements Master's & 0+ years of experience in research and analysis
- Facility with Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, Access, Powerpoint)
- Ability to manage databases
- Ability to gather and organize information on policies, systems, problems, or procedures
- Strong critical thinking and organizational skills
- Basic knowledge of research techniques
- Ability to plan and organize tasks effectively, both as an individual contributor and as a team member
- Basic, effective communication skills
- An active final Secret security clearance is required at time of hire and the ability to maintain a security clearance
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 403(b) retirement plan
- Employer matching
- Paid time off
- Relocation assistance
Company overview
Ora is the world's leading full-service ophthalmic drug and device development firm, operating as a specialized contract research organization (CRO) focused exclusively on ophthalmology. Founded in 1974 and headquartered in Andover, Massachusetts, the company has over 45 years of experience in advancing eye care innovations globally. Ora provides comprehensive research and development services spanning preclinical studies, clinical trials, regulatory strategy, and product development for both pharmaceutical and medical device companies. With operations across the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Asia, the company has helped clients achieve more than 85 product approvals to date. Ora's expertise covers a wide range of ophthalmic conditions including allergy, dry eye, retina diseases, glaucoma, and anti-infective therapies. The company employs over 500 ophthalmology specialists who utilize proprietary clinical models, integrated data solutions, and global regulatory strategies to accelerate product development from concept to market. Ora serves a diverse client base ranging from startups to global pharmaceutical and device companies, positioning itself as the trusted partner for ophthalmic innovation worldwide.