SRI International’s Center for Innovation Strategy and Policy (CISP) helps organizations, regions, and countries achieve long-term economic and social impact through effective investments in science, technology, and innovation. Based in Arlington, VA, CISP operates in a collaborative, project-based research and advisory environment, supporting public and private sector clients around the world through research, analysis, evaluation, and strategic planning in the following areas:

• Science, technology, and innovation strategy
• Science, technology, and innovation policy & systems design
• Science and technology program development, implementation and support
• Complex program evaluation and assessment
• Technology-based economic and workforce development
• Research security & policy implementation
• Advanced analytics in R&D analysis

We are seeking early-career Policy Research Analysts to join CISP in a hybrid work environment (2 days per week in the Arlington VA office, plus occasional client visits). This role is ideal for those interested in building core consulting and policy analysis skills while working on real-world science, technology, and innovation policy challenges.

As part of project teams, Policy Research Analysts contribute to science, technology, and innovation policy research, analysis, strategic planning, and program evaluation efforts. Analysts work closely with project leaders and senior staff as they develop professional consulting skills.

Specifically, Policy Research Analysts will:

• Support project teams by conducting data analysis, literature reviews, stakeholder interviews, and synthesis across multiple concurrent projects
• Contribute to the design and execution of analytic approaches to address complex science, technology, and innovation policy questions
• Translate quantitative and qualitative findings into clear, well-structured, client-ready insights, reports, and presentations
• Communicate analysis results effectively in written and oral formats to internal team members and external clients
• Collaborate closely within small, multidisciplinary teams in a fast-paced consulting environment
• Apply a range of qualitative and quantitative analytic methods under the guidance of senior staff
• Support effective project delivery through meeting coordination, documentation, and high-quality notetaking
• Occasionally travel domestically and internationally

• U.S. Citizenship required due to government contract requirements
• Ability to start in March 2026
• Bachelor’s degree required (master’s degree preferred) in a STEM field, public policy, or a related social science discipline:
  • Desired areas of study: Science & Technology Studies; Science or Technology Policy; Engineering & Public Policy; Innovation Policy or Studies; or related interdisciplinary fields bridging science, technology, and policy
• 0–5 years of relevant experience (including internships, fellowships, research assistantships, or consulting-style project work) related to science, technology, and innovation policy
• Demonstrated interest in addressing real-world science, technology, and innovation policy challenges
  • Ideal experiences may include science or technology policy fellowships; internships or research assistantships supporting science technology & innovation policy or programs; policy practicums or applied research projects; work with government, think tanks, or nonprofits on innovation-related initiatives; or experience with technology transfer, innovation ecosystems, or policy-oriented analysis and writing
• Demonstrated research or analytical experience using qualitative and/or quantitative methods
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively about complex policy subjects, including:
  • Writing for client audiences
  • Collaborating with multiple coauthors
  • Reading, synthesizing, and summarizing technical and policy materials
  • Critically assessing external strategic reports
  • Organizing written and visual content for client deliverables
  • Writing samples may be requested
• Demonstrated critical communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing project needs
• Interest in developing consulting, problem-solving, and client engagement skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in or with federal agencies or government contractors
• Experience with R, Python, econometrics, and/or data visualization tools

*Cover letters are welcome but not required with application submittals.

The salary range is: $62,316-$82,575. Salary ranges will vary and are based on several factors, including geographic location, market competitiveness and equity amongst internal employees in similar roles. Positions may also qualify for SRI's Pay for Outstanding Performance program or the annual Performance Based Compensation program. SRI also has a competitive benefits package, to view details please go to https://www.sri.com/resources/benefits/. SRI will accept applications until the position is filled.

SRI is an independent nonprofit research institute headquartered in Menlo Park, Calif., with a rich history of supporting government and industry. We create and deliver world-changing solutions for a safer, healthier, and more sustainable future. For more than 75 years, we have collaborated across technical and scientific disciplines to discover and develop groundbreaking products and technologies and bring innovations and ideas to the marketplace.