Operations Research Analyst (McCain Fellows)

As an Operations Research Analyst in the McCain Fellows program, you will apply advanced analytical methods to support strategic decision-making within the Department of War. Your primary responsibilities include conducting investigations and research to address complex operational and policy challenges. You will draw insights from ill-defined or incomplete information, using mathematical modeling, statistical analysis, and simulation techniques to represent real-world phenomena. You will develop and refine models to predict outcomes, evaluate alternatives, and optimize resource allocation. Additionally, you will communicate complex technical findings and recommendations to non-expert stakeholders, including senior leaders and policymakers, ensuring clarity and actionable insights. Your work will involve collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to integrate quantitative analysis into broader strategic planning efforts. You will also contribute to the development of new analytical frameworks and methodologies to enhance the department's analytical capabilities. Throughout the one-year fellowship, you will engage in projects that require rigorous problem-solving, critical thinking, and the application of operations research principles to national security and defense-related issues.

Basic Requirements: A degree in operations research; or at least 24 semester hours in a combination of operations research, mathematics, probability, statistics, mathematical logic, science, or subject-matter courses requiring substantial competence in college-level mathematics or statistics. At least 3 of the 24 semester hours must have been in calculus. For GS-12 Level: A PhD (or equivalent doctoral degree) and one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service, demonstrating ability in: 1) Conducting investigation and research; 2) Drawing insights from ill-defined or incomplete information, and modeling phenomenon; and 3) Experience with explaining complex ideas to non-experts. For GS-11 Level: A master's degree (or equivalent graduate degree) and one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level in the Federal service, demonstrating ability in: 1) Conducting investigation and research; and 2) Drawing insights from ill-defined or incomplete information, and modeling phenomenon. For GS-10 Level: A master's degree or equivalent graduate degree, or 2 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree.

A division within the Department of War (DoW) focused on strategic defense fellowships and specialized employment programs.