DTRA Biologist - MedChem

Systems Planning & Analysis, Inc.; Fort Belvoir (VA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. is seeking a Medical Countermeasure Biologist to support the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) at Fort Belvoir, VA.

The role focuses on chemical and biological defense research, project management, and documentation across project lifecycles. The candidate will review technical proposals, support decision making, and help set program priorities to align with DoD goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, or related field.
• Experience in pharmaceutical development, in vitro/in vivo and pre-clinical studies.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to obtain a Secret clearance with TS/SCI eligibility and onsite work.

Responsibilities

• Provide Assistance and Advisory Support (A&A) to the DTRA CB Defense Department Medical S&T Division—Chemical Medical Countermeasures Branch.
• Prepare technical documentation and project management across project lifecycles, including proposal reviews and technical feedback.
• Review proposals, reports, methods, and statements of work to ensure technical validity and align with program goals.

Skills

Excellent communication

Security clearance eligibility

On-site work willingness

Scientific writing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology or Biochemistry

Master's degree or PhD in Biology or Biochemistry

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

Responsibilities

The candidate will provide Assistance and Advisory Support (A&A) to the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) Chemical and Biological (CB) Defense Department Medical S&T Division - Chemical Medical Countermeasures Branch (RD CBMC). Will provide scientific and project management support to maximize client support for chemical threat agent countermeasure technology development. Serve as technical/scientific support on research projects conducted by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency Research and Development Chemical Biological Directorate. 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: (10-20%) may be required.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, or related field.
• Pharmaceutical development experience, in vitro/in vivo and pre-clinical studies, and FDA drug development regulations.
• Excellent communication skills (oral and written).
• Ability to obtain a Secret clearance with TS/SCI eligibility.
• Able to work fully onsite based on client needs.

Desired:

• Master's degree or PhD in Biology, Biochemistry, or related field.
• 2+ years of experience in related scientific field, including research.
• Experience in Chemistry with a focus on Analytical, Organic, Medicinal, or Synthetic chemistry.
• Experience in project management as part of the DoW research and development enterprise.
• Experience with DoW Chemical and Biological Defense Program (CBDP) and DoW acquisition policies.
• Active DoW Secret clearance with TS/SCI eligibility.

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 $85,000.00/Yr. - USD $100,000.00/Yr.