IDA Science and Technology Policy Institute (STPI)
Listed on Orbital Diplomat 14 Jul 2026
The IDA Science and Technology Policy Institute (STPI) is a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) operated by the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA), providing objective, high-quality analyses to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), the National Space Council, and other federal agencies on critical science and technology policy issues. This Research Analyst position is a core hire for STPI's space portfolio, supporting federal sponsors — including OSTP and the National Space Council — in developing, coordinating, and evaluating national space initiatives and policies. The postholder will conduct independent research and analysis on complex issues related to space systems, technologies, programmes, and policy; develop qualitative and quantitative analytical methods to address sponsor questions; prepare reports, briefings, and white papers for senior government decision-makers; and manage interdisciplinary research teams. Candidates from aerospace engineering, mechanical and electrical engineering, software engineering, space sciences, and space law are all explicitly encouraged to apply — making this one of the few FFRDC positions openly welcoming space law practitioners alongside technical candidates. The role offers direct engagement with the institutional architecture of U.S. national space policy at the highest level. A security clearance is required; US citizenship mandatory.
PhD with 3+ years of research or policy experience; or terminal Master's degree or J.D. with 8+ years of research or policy experience Degree in engineering, physics, space science, or law with a specialty in space law Proven ability to coordinate and guide project teams and deliver high-quality analytical products Demonstrated independent research capability and rigorous analytical approach Strong written and oral communication skills including technical reports and policy briefings Experience interacting with government agencies, industry, or academia in the space sector US citizenship required; ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance required Desirable: experience in space systems design, cost estimation, risk analysis, civil/commercial space, international space programmes, or space law Desirable: proficiency in Python, R, MATLAB, or similar quantitative tools