Operations Research Phd Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

SAIC is seeking a Senior Operational Research and Systems Analyst (ORSA) to provide expert analytical, operational, and strategic support for the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) at Fort Belvoir, VA. This role will involve leveraging operations research and systems analysis to enhance DTRA's organizational assessment and decision-making capabilities in alignment with the Agency's mission to counter and deter Weapons of Mass Destruction (CWMD) and other emerging threats. This is a full-time, on-site position at Fort Belvoir, VA.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Serve as an integral member of an assessment team to address complex, multifaceted problems-often when initial data is incomplete, inappropriate, or unavailable-and develop innovative, effective solutions.
• Collect, analyze, and manage data in support of organizational performance management, measurement, and assessment efforts, emphasizing accuracy and quality.
• Support strategic and operational-level analysis of Agency and DoW-wide strategy, policy, doctrine, decisions, and trends to provide actionable insights for leadership.
• Develop, implement, and manage a formalized Agency Assessment Framework, including processes for continuous improvement, evaluation, and reporting.
• Prepare, present, and defend comprehensive written evaluations, assessments, and reports for senior leaders within the Agency, summarizing complex analyses and presenting them in clear, actionable terms.
• Provide expert analytical support for the creation and maintenance of organizational assessment products-including advanced data visualization-to effectively communicate findings and recommendations to internal and external stakeholders.
• Obtain and review performer deliverables, requirement documents, development papers, policy drafts, and other pertinent materials to ensure completeness, accuracy, and alignment with Agency priorities and operational needs.
• Support program assessments aligned with the Agency Assessment Framework by organizing and facilitating meetings, conducting analyses, and providing recommendations to senior decision-makers on resource utilization and strategies to fulfill mission-critical needs.
• Coordinate the development of evaluation methodologies and deliverables, such as requirement validations and assessment summaries, in line with DoD and Agency standards.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Operational Research, Systems Analysis, Statistics, Engineering, or a related technical field with (9) years or more experience; Masters and seven (7) years or more experience ; PhD or JD and four (4) years or more experience.
• Relevant experience in data analysis, performance measurement, or organizational assessments within Defense, Federal Government, or related industries.
• Active DoW Secret Security Clearance, with the ability to obtain a Top Secret clearance.
• Expertise in analyzing and synthesizing complex data into actionable insights, including the ability to present technical and operational results to senior leadership effectively.
• Proficiency in data visualization using tools such as Tableau, Power BI, or advanced Excel functions for creating clear and concise assessment products.
• Demonstrated ability to manage processes, workflows, and data using enterprise-level tools, database systems, and visualization tools.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a proven ability to produce polished, client ready documentation and briefings and deliver comprehensive written and oral reports.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with competing priorities.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience supporting DTRA, Combatant Commands (CCMDs), the Joint Staff, or related organizations in operations research or systems analysis roles.
• Familiarity with DTRA-specific strategies, policies, and the Agency's mission.
• Knowledge of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS) guidance, operational planning processes, and related validation frameworks.
• Advanced data reporting and analysis experience, including familiarity with databases, modeling tools, or quantitative methods relevant to defense and national security challenges.
• Active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility preferred.