Technical Program Analyst

Systems Planning & Analysis; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) seeks a Technical Program Analyst to provide onsite support in Arlington, VA. The role requires a Master’s degree in biotechnology or related field (Ph.D.

preferred) and an active Secret clearance. You will support DARPA PMs with technical insights, analyze literature and market reports, and help prepare compelling pitches for stakeholders. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, maintain regulatory awareness, and deliver analytical assessments

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in biotechnology, molecular biology, biochemistry, synthetic biology, marine biology or a related field; Ph.D. preferred.
• Active Secret clearance.
• Proven experience in research and analysis within biotechnology or life sciences.
• Strong knowledge of biotechnology concepts, methodologies, and applications.
• Proficient in using scientific databases and data mining techniques.
• Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills to interpret complex scientific information.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to summarize and present technical findings to non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects with tight deadlines.
• Attention to detail and a high level of accuracy in work output.
• Proficiency in software applications such as Microsoft Office, data visualization tools, and scientific databases.

Responsibilities

• Support DARPA Program Managers by providing technical expertise and insights to develop and refine concepts.
• Conduct targeted research on biotechnology advancements to inform ideation processes.
• Interface with academia, industry, and government to gather information and analyze trends, opportunities, and risks.
• Collaborate with PMs and cross-functional teams to create pitches and assess potential solutions.
• Stay up-to-date with regulatory requirements to ensure concepts comply with laws and guidelines.
• Provide administrative support to Program Teams and other duties as assigned.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Communication

Attention to detail

Independent work

Time management

Data interpretation

Education

Master's degree in biotechnology or related field; Ph.D. preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Data visualization tools

Scientific databases

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 a clear‑sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.

The Joint, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Interagency Division 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.

SPA provides critical decision support to enabling and executing a strategy of technological superiority and enabling the delivery and sustainment of secure, resilient, and preeminent capabilities to the warfighter quickly and cost effectively. Our team of experienced military, technical, and operations research analysts is skilled in evaluating military problems, identifying the driving factors, devising innovative approaches, collecting applicable data, developing necessary software tools, and performing thorough and timely assessments to inform technology and acquisition governance decisions to ensure U.S. military forces retain military superiority in the future.

We have a near‑term need for a Technical Program Analyst to provide onsite support out of Arlington, VA.

Responsibilities

Support DARPA Program Managers (PMs) in their ideation loops by providing technical expertise and insights to help them develop and refine their concepts, and conduct targeted research on the latest advancements and breakthroughs in biotechnology to support these ideation processes. Interface with and gather information from key opinion leaders in academia, industry, and government, and analyze complex scientific data, literature, and market reports to identify trends, potential opportunities, and risks relevant to PMs’ concepts. Collaborate with PMs and cross‑functional teams to create compelling pitches that incorporate feedback from peers and leadership, and provide analytical assessments of fundamental research to support PMs in evaluating potential solution development. Stay up‑to‑date with regulatory requirements and changes in the biotechnology sector to ensure PMs’ concepts are compliant with relevant laws and guidelines, while providing expert guidance on scientific and technological aspects to PMs and internal stakeholders to empower informed decision‑making. Additionally, provide administrative support to Program Teams, including other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in biotechnology, molecular biology, biochemistry, synthetic biology, marine biology or a related field; Ph.D. preferred
• Active Secret clearance
• Proven experience in research and analysis within the biotechnology or life sciences industry
• Strong knowledge of biotechnology concepts, methodologies, and applications
• Proficient in using scientific databases and data mining techniques
• Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills to interpret complex scientific information
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to summarize and present technical findings to non‑technical stakeholders
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects with tight deadlines
• Attention to detail and a high level of accuracy in work output
• Proficiency in software applications such as Microsoft Office, data visualization tools, and scientific databases

Pay Range Information

VA Pay Transparency Salary range: $90k - $120k

Virginia, Pay Transparency Salary range: USD $90,000.00 / Yr. - USD $120,000.00 / Yr.