DTRA Biologist - Detection

Systems Planning and Analysis; Fort Belvoir (VA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) seeks a Biologist to provide onsite support at DTRA on Fort Belvoir, VA. The role supports chemical and biological defense technology evaluation and transition, combining scientific, programmatic, and military expertise.

Candidates will have a Master’s in biology/chemistry and 10+ years in science/tech project management, plus the ability to obtain DoD TS/SCI clearance. Travel up to 30% may be required.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in biology, chemistry or related field.
• 10+ years leading science/technology projects.
• Experience applying biology to defense tech.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Ability to obtain DoD clearance with TS/SCI eligibility.
• Onsite work at Fort Belvoir, VA based on client needs.

Responsibilities

• Provide Assistance and Advisory Support to DTRA CB Defense RD-CBP.
• Identify capability gaps and help establish portfolio strategies.
• Draft tech-transition agreements and review proposals for feasibility and alignment.
• Coordinate with government personnel, performers, and stakeholders.
• Develop presentations and brief senior leaders on timelines and results.

Skills

Project management

Biology knowledge

Communication skills

Analytical skills

DoD clearance TS/SCI

Education

Master’s degree in chemistry, biology, or related field

PhD in chemistry or biology (desired)

Job description

Overview

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 (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 Biologist to provide onsite support at DTRA on Ft Belvoir in Lorton, VA.

Responsibilities

This position provides Assistance and Advisory Support (A&AS) to the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) Chemical and Biological (CB) Defense Department, Physical Technologies Division (RD-CBP). The Physical Technologies Division orients on chemical and biological defense in the area of physical detection. The biologist will support the development, assessment, and transition of chemical and biological physical-detection technologies by combining scientific, technical, programmatic, and military operational expertise. Serve as a subject matter expert on chemical and biological threat detection; identify capability gaps; help establish portfolio strategies, priorities, and technology-transition plans; and ensure projects align with Joint Science and Technology Office (JSTO) and division goals. Draft technology transition agreements and Broad Agency Announcements; review proposals, technical reports, and statements of work for feasibility, validity, and strategic alignment; and evaluate emerging detection and protection technologies. Provide project management, funding‑monitoring, logistics, meeting‑execution, and documentation support. Develop presentations, papers, and strategic responses for technical and senior‑leader audiences; engage warfighters to identify operational needs and obtain feedback on emerging technologies; and facilitate coordination among government personnel, performers, and other stakeholders.

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.

Qualifications

Required:

• Master’s degree in chemistry, biology, or other biological science-related field.
• 10+ years of experience in science and technology project management.
• Experience in application and analysis of biological principles for future chemical and biological defense technologies.
• Strong communication skills (written and oral).
• Strong analytical skills.
• Ability to obtain a DoW Secret clearancewith TS/SCI eligibility.
• Able to work fully onsite based on client needs.

Desired:

• PhD in chemistry, biology, or other biological science-related field.
• Active DoW Secret clearance with TS/SCI eligibility.
• Demonstrated experience with technology development for biological detection and identification.
• Demonstrated experience in AI-enabled fusion of sensor data with analysis to generate actionableoutputs.
• U.S. military experience

Pay Range Information

At SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain top talent. Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc. Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. Virginia, Pay Transparency Salary range: USD $140,000.00/Yr. - USD $160,000.00/Yr.