Senior Microbiologist - National Security & DARPA Programs

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc.; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 188,000; Full time

Job summary

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) seeks a Microbiologist to support DARPA program development and lifecycle activities onsite in Arlington, VA.

The role translates biological objectives into actionable technical requirements and ensures alignment with mission priorities. You will develop briefings, white papers, and evaluation criteria, review technical results, and coordinate with government stakeholders and performers to manage risks and inform decision-making at senior leadership

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biophysics, Cell Biology, or related field.
• 9+ years of relevant work experience in government, academia, or industry.
• Active Secret clearance.
• Able to report to Arlington, VA up to full-time based upon client needs.

Responsibilities

• Provide scientific and engineering support to program managers across the full DARPA program development and research and development lifecycle.
• Translate high-level biological, biotechnology, biosecurity, and national-security objectives into actionable technical requirements, research questions, milestones, and performer deliverables.
• Conduct independent technical assessments of proposed and ongoing research efforts, including feasibility, novelty, technical risk, transition potential, and alignment with BTO mission priorities.
• Provide direct support to development of Broad Agency Announcements (BAAs), proposers' day materials, technical evaluation criteria, statements of work, and program-management documentation.
• Review performer reports, technical data, test results, and transition plans; identify schedule, cost, integration, and scientific/engineering risks requiring program-manager attention.
• Additional responsibilities include planning and supporting program reviews, site visits, workshops, demonstrations, and technical interchange meetings with performers, government stakeholders, transition partners, and subject-matter experts.
• Develop decision-quality briefings, white papers, technical memoranda, executive summaries, and portfolio assessments for senior DARPA and Department of War leadership.

Skills

9+ years experience

Active Secret clearance

Arlington reporting

Education

Master's degree in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biophysics, Cell Biology, or related field

Job description

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) seeks a Microbiologist to support DARPA program development and lifecycle activities onsite in Arlington, VA.

The role translates biological objectives into actionable technical requirements and ensures alignment with mission priorities. You will develop briefings, white papers, and evaluation criteria, review technical results, and coordinate with government stakeholders and performers to manage risks and inform decision-making at senior leadership