DTRA 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 War, Interagency Division (JOID) 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 Combatant Commands (CCMDs) and transitioning these technologies to military services CCMDs. 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 an immediate need for a Diagnostics Biologist to provide onsite support at DTRA on Ft Belvoir in Lorton, VA..

The candidate will provide Assistance and Advisory Support (A&AS) to the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) Chemical and Biological (CB) Defense Department Medical S&T Division – Diagnostics Branch (RD CBMD). The candidate will provide scientific and project management support to maximize client support for chemical and biological threat agent diagnostic technology development. This position serves as technical/scientific support on research projects conducted by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency Research and Development Chemical Biological Directorate with emphasis on biological and chemical threat diagnostics. Prepare technical documentation across the research projects life cycle: topic drafting/solicitation, proposal reviews, technical support (e.g. review reports, provide technical feedback and recommendations), and project management. Review proposals, technical reports, experimental or theoretical techniques, scientific studies, and statements of work to ensure technical validity and evaluate current and emerging biological medical defense technologies. Assist leadership with decision making analysis. Understand capability gaps and assist in setting program, project, and product-level strategy and priorities, ensuring portfolios are responsive and mapped to program goals. Prepare technical documentation and presentations to explain the approach, associated assumptions, and conclusions of scientific proposals and efforts.

This position is located at DTRA Headquarters on Fort Belvoir, VA, and requires residing in the National Capital Region.

Travel: (10-30%) may be required.

Required:

• Master's degree in Biology, Microbiology, Bioengineering, or related field.
• 8+ years of experience in related scientific field, including research.
• Excellent communication skills (oral and written).
• Active Secret clearance with TS/SCI eligibility.
• Able to work fully onsite based on client needs.

Desired:

• PhD in Biology, Microbiology, Bioengineering, or related field.
• Experience in chemical and biological threat diagnostics as part of the DoW research and development enterprise.
• Experience with DoW Chemical and Biological Defense Program (CBDP) and DoW acquisition policies.
• Active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility.