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:

• Innovation & S&T 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 an experienced Senior Research Analyst to join CISP in a hybrid work environment (2 days per week in the Arlington VA office, plus occasional client visits). Senior Research Analysts are individual contributors who lead complex analytical workstreams within larger projects, integrating quantitative and qualitative evidence into executive-ready narratives and recommendations that support client decision needs.

As part of project teams, Senior Research Analysts contribute to science, technology, and innovation policy research, analysis, strategic planning, and program evaluation by leading one or more workstreams within larger projects. Senior Research Analysts combine rigorous quantitative and qualitative analysis with clear, decision-ready communication to help clients answer complex questions. Senior Research Analysts work closely with project leaders and clients, mentor junior staff, and contribute significantly to proposals and center growth.

Specifically, Senior Research Analysts will:

• Lead one or more analytical workstreams within larger client projects, coordinating closely with project leadership and other workstream leads
• Translate ambiguous client needs into structured work plans, clear analytic questions, and defensible research designs for workstreams
• Design and conduct mixed-methods analysis using both quantitative and qualitative data (e.g., datasets, document review, literature review, and stakeholder interviews)
• Synthesize findings across data sources and translate results into clear, well-structured, client-ready insights, reports, and presentations
• Produce near-final report and proposal sections with limited rework; contribute to publications and presentation content as appropriate
• Present focused sections of integrated briefings; communicate results effectively in written and oral formats to internal team members and external clients
• Support effective project delivery for assigned workstreams by anticipating challenges, managing task dependencies, and escalating risks to project leadership with options
• Coordinate and review contributions from staff, subcontractors, and temporary hires supporting the workstream; provide task-level guidance and developmental feedback
• Contribute significantly to business development activities (opportunity shaping, proposal development, and identifying logical follow-on opportunities)
• Occasionally travel domestically and internationally

• U.S. Citizenship required due to government contract requirements
• Doctorate plus 3+ years; or Master’s plus 6+ years; or Bachelor’s plus 8+ years of related experience (including internships, fellowships, research assistantships, or consulting-style project work) related to science, technology, and innovation policy
• Degree in a STEM field, public policy, or a related social science discipline:
  • Desired areas of study often include Science & Technology Studies; Science or Technology Policy; Engineering & Public Policy; Innovation Policy or Studies; or related interdisciplinary fields bridging science, technology, and 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 STI 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 both qualitative and quantitative methods
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively about complex policy subjects, including:
  • Writing for senior 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
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing project needs
• Ability to work effectively within small, multidisciplinary teams in a fast-paced consulting environment

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in or with federal agencies or government contractors
• Experience mentoring junior staff and coordinating contributions across multidisciplinary teams
• Demonstrated experience contributing to proposals, marketing, or other business development efforts
• Domain expertise in one or more science, technology, and innovation policy areas relevant to CISP’s portfolio
• Comfort with data analysis and visualization tools

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

The salary range is: $72,153-$107,334. 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.