PRIMARY PURPOSE
CNA is hiring for a Research Scientist to join their Data Science for Defense Production Systems Program. The role is assigned to a team with a focus on technical warfighting and industrial base analysis. The team works closely with Navy sponsors to inform consequential decisions about force design.
Staff at this level will typically be leading smaller and/or less complex projects, playing a critical role as a team member on projects with specific technical/scientific expertise, or operating as a field rep.
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. Routinely produces analysis on structured and unstructured problems that meets CNA’s quality standards with limited direction and general supervision. Demonstrates ability to develop and apply creative and innovative analytic solutions to complex problems with assistance/support from more senior staff. Shows the ability to synthesize analytic results into a broader context. Can lead complex analytic projects with supervision. Begins to make connections and synthesize ideas across multiple, related studies.
2. Develops and maintains deep, specific institutional knowledge and expertise of primary clients/sponsors; their culture, organization, and issues. Uses that knowledge to support training & mentoring of new staff, to support on-going work, and to support development and shaping of new work for existing clients/ sponsors.
3. Balances responsiveness to guidance with independent action. Contributes productively and harmoniously to the work of others; treats everyone respectfully, professionally and fairly. Independently identifies opportunities for collaboration within team, division, and operating unit. Supports supervisor's initiatives and helps make vision a reality. Recognizes and acknowledges contributions from subordinates.
4. Supports business development efforts and/or marketing activities by interacting with CNA managers and current clients/sponsors on securing follow on work (e.g., small grants, or above core projects), expanding or developing new ideas for future projects, and occasionally working with potential clients/sponsors on developing new project ideas. Occasionally serves as internal reviewer of technical proposals.
5. Interacts regularly and independently with clients/sponsors and related parties. Typical interactions are at the "peer equivalent" level, but some level of interaction at senior level. Can effectively represent CNA as an organization.
6. Influences decisions by sponsors/ clients; provide sponsors/clients with implementable recommendations. Occasionally supports efforts to enhance CNA's reputation via publishing and outreach activities.
7. Demonstrates strong and effective communications skills, to include ability to summarize and synthesize larger pieces of work into effective executive summaries/executive briefings. Can effectively present work to more senior and larger audiences. Effectively communicates with & engages colleagues at all levels of the organization.
8. Works under limited direction and general supervision from division management. Can lead projects of low to medium size and/or complexity, as well as significant tasks on large or more complex projects. Effectively manages all aspects of assigned projects, to include delivery of high-quality analytic products on-time, and on-budget.
9. Plays a supporting role in the mentoring and training of new staff individually or as a member of a project team. Regularly demonstrates initiative in pursuing improvements in the quality of our projects and analytic products. Participates in corporate initiatives when asked to do so, and makes contributions to initiatives focused on making CNA a better place to work.
10. Performs other duties as assigned.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
1. Education: Minimum Master’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience, PhD preferred. Preference for applicants with backgrounds in operations research, industrial engineering, management science, systems engineering, data science, statistics, or quantitative/computational social sciences
2. Experience: Typical minimum requirements 5+ years of experience in research and analysis. Requires experience in R, Python, or other similar programming language. Experience with interactive visualizations, graphical users interfaces, and modeling and simulation preferred.
3. Skills:
- Ability to work on progressively more difficult projects/analyses, including directing portions of large research projects or small to medium projects under general supervision
- Ability to operate independently and proactively in the execution of assignments
- Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary environment
- Strong critical thinking skills
- Knowledge of research techniques
- Strong planning and organizational skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Strong and effective oral and written communication skills
- Ability to interact directly and effectively with clients and influence their decisions.
4. Other: Ability to obtain and maintain an Active Secret Security Clearance
Required Documents
1. Resume or CV - Please upload your resume or CV
2. Cover letter - Please upload a cover letter as part of your application that introduces yourself, summarizes your relevant skills and experiences, and describes why you would be a valuable asset
3. Writing Sample - Please upload a research paper or journal article that demonstrates your writing and research skills (draft copies are acceptable).
Optional documents
1. Transcripts (highly desired) - In a later stage of the hiring process, we may require your undergraduate and graduate transcripts. To have them considered as part of your application now, please upload them with your resume or CV.
2. Letters of recommendations (highly desired) – In a later stage of the hiring process, we may require letters of recommendation or professional references for us to contact.
Skills Required
- Master’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience
- Five or more years of experience in research and analysis
- Experience with R, Python, or a similar programming language
- Ability to obtain and maintain an active Secret security clearance
- U.S. citizenship for access to classified information
- Strong critical thinking, research, planning, organizational, interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills
- Ability to work independently, lead research projects, operate in multidisciplinary environments, and interact effectively with clients
- PhD in a relevant field
- Background in operations research, industrial engineering, management science, systems engineering, data science, statistics, or quantitative/computational social sciences
- Experience with interactive visualizations, graphical user interfaces, modeling, and simulation
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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