Biologist

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.

The Joint, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Interagency Division provides expert support services to a range of customers spanning across the Department of Defense, Federal Civilian, and international markets. JOID provides a diverse portfolio of analytical and programmatic capabilities to help our customers make informed decisions on their most challenging issues.

JOID assists the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) in developing leading edge technologies to counter WMD in support of CCMDs and transitioning these technologies to military services and COCOMs. SPA provides expertise across the full range of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and high-yield explosives (CBRNE) WMD, Counter Improvised Threat and Countering Threat Network technologies to support understanding, detection, identification, characterization, denial, control, disabling, defeating, disposing, safeguarding the force, managing consequences, and test and evaluation in support of military and civilian operations.

We have a near-term need for a Biology SME to provide onsite support out of SPA's Lorton, VA Facility (near Fort Belvoir).

This position provides Assistance and Advisory Support (A&AS) to the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) Chemical and Biological (CB) Defense Department, Physical Science & Technology (S&T) Division - Detection Branch (RD CBPD), which focuses on chemical and biological defense in physical detection. The candidate will provide scientific and project management support while leveraging U.S. military operational experience to enhance client support for chemical and biological detection technology development. Serve as a subject matter expert in chemical and biological detection science and technology, providing expertise to DTRA CB science and technology managers. Identify warfighter needs and gather input on emerging detection technologies within the division, and conduct presentations on technologies developed in the Physical S&T Division - Detection Branch. Will be responsible for drafting technology transition agreements between the Joint Program Executive Office (JPEO) and the Joint Science and Technology Office (JSTO) and assisting in the review of proposals submitted through the Long Range Broad Agency Announcements for JSTO. Apply understanding of capability gaps and helping set project- and product-level strategy and priorities to ensure alignment with program goals. Coordinate and consolidate complex technical, programmatic, and strategic responses to support division initiatives for various internal and external audiences. Will also be responsible for developing materials for both technical and senior leadership audiences; reviewing proposals, technical reports, and statements of work to ensure technical validity; and evaluating current and emerging detection technologies. Facilitate cross-communication regarding program priorities and courses of action, providing programmatic, logistics planning, and execution support for meetings with government clients and their performers, and monitoring funding documentation and other programmatic metrics within the division. The candidate will also assist with drafting presentations, papers, and other program documentation. Apply independent initiative to background research, as instructions may be vague. Analyze and translate technical information into actionable recommendations.

Required:

Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, or other biological science-related field
• 2-5 years of experience in science and technology program management
• Experience in application and analysis of scientific principles for future technologies
• Strong analytical skills and strong communication skills (written and oral)
• Experience with the Chemical Biological Defense Program (CBDP)
• Experience with MS Office
• Active Secret clearance and the ability to attain and hold a TS clearance; SCI eligible.

Desired:

• Master's or higher degree in chemistry, biology, or other biological science related field
• Demonstrated experience with technology development for biological detection and identification
• U.S. military experience
• U.S. Army Chemical Corps or similar U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, or U.S. Marine Corps experience with chemical and biological defense
• Knowledge of traditional and emerging chemical and biological warfare agents
• Knowledge of DoD acquisition policies and DoD Planning, Programming, and Budgeting System (PPBS)
• Program Management Professional (PMP) Certification from the PMI