Policy Research Associate

About the Job

QED-C®, the Quantum Economic Development Consortium, seeks an intellectually sophisticated and analytically rigorous Policy Research Associate to develop and contribute to a portfolio of projects at the intersection of technology policy, scholarship, and practice.

QED-C is an industry association with the mission to grow the quantum economy through community-building and collaboration. QED-C serves member organizations operating in more than 20 countries.

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The portfolio includes member-funded and externally funded research and policy initiatives. The Policy Research Associate will conduct research that informs policy, strategy, and decision-making on issues of interest to the quantum industry and will work a hybrid schedule from the SRI International office in Arlington, VA.

The Policy Research Associate, working closely with QED-C management and volunteer leadership in a dynamic research environment that values intellectual rigor, perspective on emerging challenges, and collaboration, will apply sophisticated methodologies, including quantitative and qualitative techniques, to develop findings and recommendations and convey them in a variety of formats. This position reports to the QED-C Deputy Director.

You will also contribute to proposal efforts to promote the development and sustainability of QED-C’s research portfolio.

Responsibilities

Success in this role requires intellectual versatility, methodological rigor, and the ability to translate complex findings into actionable insights for policymakers, sponsors, and other audiences.

• Contribute substantively to the conception, development, and dissemination of research and policy analysis.
• Support a portfolio of projects by conducting rigorous inquiry, producing high-quality and persuasive written analyses, engaging with stakeholders, and assisting in the development and stewardship of externally funded research awards.
• Lead the production of a wide range of research products, including policy briefs, technical reports, white papers, journal articles, presentations, sponsor deliverables, and executive-level briefing materials.
• Undertake original research on issues of strategic importance, including identifying and evaluating relevant sources, conducting literature reviews, collecting and analyzing data, monitoring developments in relevant policy and technology domains, and synthesizing findings and recommendations.
• Exercise independent judgment in framing research questions, assessing evidence, and identifying implications for policy and practice.
• Produce near-final publication, presentation, and proposal drafts that require minimal rework.
• Support interviews and convenings designed to advance research objectives and inform policy discussions by preparing background materials, summarizing discussions, capturing key insights, and cultivating productive relationships with collaborators and sponsors.
• Contribute to the development and sustainability of QED-C’s research portfolio.
• Assist with proposal development by conducting background research for funding opportunities, preparing supporting materials for sponsor engagement, and contributing to the articulation of future research directions.
• Translate ambiguous needs into structured work plans, clear research questions, and appropriate methodologies.
• Proactively communicate risks and recommend mitigations to QED-C management.
• Support the dissemination and public impact of the institution’s work, including assisting with presentations, marketing, and outreach activities designed to extend the reach and influence of research findings.
• Represent the organization in professional settings, as needed.

Qualifications

Application Requirement: Applicants must submit a cover letter and a list of publications demonstrating relevant work in academic, governmental, nonprofit, consulting, or industry settings. These may be submitted with the resume or as a separate attachment.

• Master’s degree in Economics, Science & Technology Studies, International Relations, Security Studies, or a related interdisciplinary field bridging technology and policy.
• Experience selecting and implementing quantitative and qualitative methods to answer policy questions.
• Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills with the ability to inform and persuade diverse audiences, including executives.
• Ability to travel occasionally to QED-C and closely related meetings.
• Ability to work a hybrid schedule from the SRI office in Arlington, VA.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated interest in addressing real-world technology policy challenges and familiarity with proposal development activities.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple concurrent workstreams.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a project-based research environment with multiple stakeholders and evolving priorities while conducting independent analysis.
• Experience employing quantitative analytical tools and methods, including statistical analysis, econometrics, data visualization, or computational research techniques.
• Experience mentoring junior staff and coordinating contributions across multidisciplinary teams.
• Familiarity with policy analysis frameworks and applied research methodologies.
• Writing samples will be requested during the interview process.

Salary and Benefits

Salary Range: $63,873–$84,636 annually.

Salary ranges vary based on factors including geographic location, market competitiveness, and internal equity among employees in similar roles. Positions may also qualify for SRI’s Pay for Outstanding Performance program or the annual Performance Based Compensation program.

SRI offers a competitive benefits package. Details are available at: https://www.sri.com/resources/benefits/.

SRI will accept applications until the position is filled.

About SRI

SRI is an independent nonprofit research institute headquartered in Menlo Park, California, 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, SRI has collaborated across technical and scientific disciplines to discover and develop groundbreaking products and technologies, bringing innovations and ideas to the marketplace.

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