PRIMARY PURPOSE
CNA is hiring for a Principal Research Scientist. A Principal Research Scientist at CNA is a recognized expert in specific fields/research areas and has demonstrated leadership skills. Staff at this level will typically lead projects addressing complex issues that may be large in size and will have clear accountabilities for business development and for managing, growing, and enhancing client/sponsor relationships. They will operate as a senior researcher at CNA HQ or in the field.
To reach the best solutions and solve the most challenging questions, CNA uses a merit-based process to bring together professionals from a wide array of academic disciplines, fields of study, technical specialties, and professional experiences. Our flexible and engaging work environment encourages open inquiry, robust and respectful debate, and collaborative execution through every stage of the problem-solving process. Our employees are committed to helping clients develop effective solutions to better manage their programs through scientific, data-driven approaches. We are looking for creative and innovative individuals to help carry out our mission.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND/OR DUTIES
1. Work independently and effectively on a wide range of non-traditional analytic problems that are of increasing complexity, and increasing visibility & significance to our sponsors/clients. Routinely take the lead in supporting the work and development of other staff either individually or as a member of a project team. Consistently produce the highest quality analysis.
2. Operate as a recognized expert in a specific field/research area within CNA; leverage that expertise to enhance CNA's reputation with existing clients/sponsors. Develop and maintain deep, specific institutional knowledge and expertise of new and existing clients/sponsors; their culture, organization, and issues. Apply that knowledge and expertise to lead development and shaping of new work for both existing & new sets of clients/sponsors.
3. Treats everyone respectfully, professionally and fairly. Leads collaboration efforts. Contributes to development of supervisor's vision and proactively takes actions to realize that vision. Takes a business unit and corporate perspective; supports corporate initiatives. Recognizes and acknowledges contributions from subordinates.
4. Has independent responsibility to pursue business development opportunities and develop new clients/sponsors. Uses network of clients/contacts to develop and sustain sponsor base, and develop new networks of clients/sponsors. Writes competitive proposals and provides major support in marketing one or more areas.
5. Shape/influence how our sponsors/clients think about issues. Deliver fundamental change. Play a lead role in enhancing CNA's reputation as an organization. Play a lead role in efforts to enhance CNA's reputation via publishing and outreach activities.
6 Communicate complex analytic results in a clear and concise fashion to sponsors/clients at all levels, and to audiences of all sizes. Summarize and synthesize large bodies of work down to the essential elements and convey those results effectively and efficiently, in both written and oral form, to the most senior leaders in client organizations. Effectively communicate with & engage colleagues at all levels of the organization.
7 Work independently under limited supervision from division management. Lead our largest and/or most complex and significant projects or multiple projects simultaneously. Take responsibility for making connections and integrating work across teams and divisions.
8 Effectively distribute responsibilities to the appropriate people and levels. Serve as a role model/mentor for other staff regularly in the home division and occasionally in other divisions. Develop internal and external networks of contacts and have a positive influence on those networks. Play an active role in supporting corporate initiatives, and support senior leadership initiatives to realize CNA's goals and vision.
9 Perform other duties as assigned.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
1. Education: Minimum Master’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience, PhD preferred.
2. Experience: Typical minimum requirements 15+ years of experience in research and analysis.
3. Skills: Demonstrated ability to apply leading-edge principles, theories, and concepts to solve the most complex problems of critical importance to clients; Demonstrated ability to conceptualize and develop solutions, to formulate problem statements conducive to application of analytical methods, and to develop analysis methods and approaches; Ability to work in an unstructured environment; Demonstrated ability to identify, evaluate, and propose original and practicable methods of resolving complex problems; Demonstrated ability to supervise program and project operations by developing procedures, planning and directing all aspects of the effort, and monitoring and reporting progress; Demonstrated ability in managing projects, contracts, funds, and resources; ability to conceptualize, develop, and manage execution of a portfolio of projects in support of multiple client organizations; Demonstrated ability to interact, communicate, and advise at senior levels in government and the parent corporation; Widely considered expert in a broad scope of applications and uses of analytic methods; Excellent communications skills, both oral and written; experience in packaging analytic results in report format as well as in development and presentation of oral briefings.
4. Other: Ability to obtain and maintain an Active Secret Security Clearance.
Skills Required
- Master's degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience
- PhD
- 15 or more years of experience in research and analysis
- Expertise applying advanced principles, theories, concepts, and analytical methods to complex problems
- Ability to formulate problem statements and develop original, practical analytical approaches
- Ability to supervise program and project operations, including planning, procedures, progress monitoring, and reporting
- Experience managing projects, contracts, funds, resources, and portfolios across multiple client organizations
- Ability to communicate with and advise senior government and corporate leaders
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, including report writing and oral briefings
- Ability to obtain and maintain an active Secret security clearance
- U.S. citizenship for positions requiring access to classified information
CNA Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about CNA and has not been reviewed or approved by CNA.
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Retirement Support — Retirement contributions are described as notably strong, with a 401(k) featuring company contributions. Examples include an automatic employer contribution plus a dollar‑for‑dollar match on employee deferrals, supporting long‑term savings.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Paid time off is described as generous, with PTO purchase options and paid family leave highlighted. Examples cite 3–4 weeks of PTO for full‑time employees alongside standard paid holidays.
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Parental & Family Support — Family‑building and caregiving benefits include paid family leave, adoption/surrogacy reimbursement, and LGBTQ+‑inclusive advocacy resources. These provisions complement an Employee Assistance Program for broader support.
CNA Insights
What We Do
CNA is one of the largest U.S. commercial property and casualty insurance companies. Backed by more than 125 years of experience, CNA provides a broad range of standard and specialized insurance products and services for businesses and professionals in the U.S., Canada and Europe. As a company of allies, we understand the importance of fostering an inclusive and supportive culture for all employees. Our eight Employee Resource Groups elevate the voices of underrepresented groups and champion critical DEI initiatives in the workplace and beyond. We strive to promote an environment of inclusion and continuously work to ensure all employees feel valued and respected.
Why Work With Us
CNA knows the importance of having the tools you need to expand your expertise and develop your career. With a variety of cross-discipline and cross-functional opportunities, CNA provides you with the tools and resources needed to customize your career path and understand what is needed to be effective in your role.
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