Policy Research Associate

## Overview 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. **CHECK OUT QED-C!** 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. Reports to the QED-C Deputy Director. You will 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, produce high-quality and persuasive written analyses, engage with stakeholders, and assist 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. - Undertakes 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. - Expected to 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, including 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, conduct background research for funding opportunities, prepare supporting materials for sponsor engagement, and contribute to the articulation of future research directions. Will translate ambiguous needs into structured work plans, clear research questions, and appropriate methodologies. Will proactively communicate risks and recommend mitigations to QED-C management. - Will support the dissemination and public impact of the institution's work, including assisting with presentation, marketing, and outreach activities designed to extend the reach and influence of research findings. May represent the organization in professional settings. ## Qualifications - Must submit a cover letter, and a list of publications that illustrate a history of relevant themes in academic, governmental, nonprofit, consulting, or industry settings. Can be submitted with the resume or as a separate attachment. - Master's degree in economics, sc…