DTRA Chemist

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 Chemist to provide onsite support out of SPA's Lorton, VA Facility (near Fort Belvoir).

This candidate will provide Advisory and Assistance Support (A&AS) to the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) Chemical and Biological (CB) Defense Department, Physical S&T Division – Detection Branch (RD CBPD), which focuses on chemical and biological defense through physical detection capabilities. Will provide scientific subject matter expertise and project management support to advance chemical and biological detection technology development in support of the warfighter. Serve as a subject matter expert in chemical and biological detection, protection, and hazard mitigation science and technology, supporting DTRA CB science and technology managers by understanding and articulating warfighter needs for emerging technologies and communicating Physical S&T Division developments to a range of stakeholders. Draft technology transition agreements between the Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense (JPEO-CBRND) and the Joint Science and Technology Office (JSTO), assist in the review of proposals submitted through agency announcements, and help define project- and product-level strategies and priorities based on identified capability gaps to ensure that the overall portfolio remains aligned with program goals. A critical aspect of the position is coordinating and consolidating complex technical, programmatic, and strategic inputs into coherent responses for diverse internal and external audiences, often requiring independent initiative, research, and judgment in the face of limited or ambiguous guidance. Develop clear, concise products for both technical and senior leader audiences; review proposals, technical reports, and statements of work for technical validity; assess current and emerging detection technologies; and facilitate cross-communication on program priorities. Provide programmatic and logistical planning and execution support for meetings with government clients and performers, monitor funding documentation and other programmatic metrics, and assist in the preparation of presentations, papers, and other program documentation.

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, or another chemical/physical science–related field.
• 5 years of experience in science and technology program management.
• Experience applying and analyzing scientific principles to assess and enable future technologies.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Active DoW Secret clearance with TS/SCI eligibility.
• Able to work fully onsite based on client needs.

Desired:

• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Chemistry, Materials Science, or another chemical/physical science–related field.
• 5+ years of experience in science and technology program management.
• Demonstrated experience with technology development and prototyping for chemical and biological detection, identification, protection, and hazard mitigation.
• Demonstrated experience with stand-off detection technologies and the application of quantum physics/sensing principles to chemical and biological threats.
• Knowledge of traditional and emerging chemical and biological warfare agents.
• Experience with the Chemical and Biological Defense Program (CBDP).
• Active DoW TS/SCI clearance.