Technical SETA - BTO

ECS; Arlington (VA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

ECS is looking for a Technical SETA to provide support to DARPA's Biological Technologies Office in Arlington, VA. The position entails project management, risk analysis, and coordination of technical tasks. Candidates should possess a PhD in a relevant scientific field and have over 3 years of experience in technical advisory or research roles. The job offers a hybrid work schedule and emphasizes the importance of effective communication skills and leadership in multidisciplinary environments.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant scientific field required.
• 3+ years of experience in a research or technical advisory role.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

• Support DARPA Program Manager in project management and risk analysis.
• Coordinate meetings and assess technical progress of performers.
• Develop point papers and materials conveying program status.

Skills

Effective communication skills

Leadership in multidisciplinary research

Ability to learn rapidly

Education

PhD in Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Neuroscience, Molecular Biology, or related field

Job description

Technical SETA - BTO

Everforth ECS is seeking a Technical Science, Engineering, and Technical Advisory (SETA) candidate to provide onsite support to DARPA’s Biological Technologies Office (BTO). The position is contingent upon contract award and will be based in Arlington, VA with a hybrid work schedule.

Overview

BTO leverages biology as a technology to develop revolutionary capabilities for the Department of Defense. Its mission focuses on ensuring U.S. technological dominance by pioneering breakthroughs in areas such as human performance, outpacing infectious diseases, synthetic biology, neurotechnology, and the development of resilient biological systems.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will support a DARPA Program Manager by participating in or leading all activities in project management, technical and programmatic risk analysis, program‑funded test coordination, and coordination with members of the Department of Defense and inter‑agency partners for transition. The candidate will also coordinate meetings, assess performer technical progress, project performer outcomes, and ensure project‑management best practices are followed by performers, IV&V entities funded by DARPA, and within DARPA itself. Duties include developing point papers, slide decks and other materials that convey the need, status and importance of a program, and researching unique biological and biotechnological problem sets to aid national‑security priorities.

Required Skills

• Ability to obtain and maintain a minimum of a DoD Secret clearance.
• PhD in Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Neuroscience, Molecular Biology, Synthetic Biology, or a closely related field.
• 3+ years of experience in a research or technical advisory capacity.
• Ability to communicate effectively with excellent oral and written skills.
• Ability to learn new subjects and gain rapid insights into current and next‑generation research topics, preferably with hands‑on leadership of research programs at the performer level in multidisciplinary fields.

Desired Skills

• Prior experience as a Tech SETA supporting a DARPA Technical Office.
• Experience working a program through its full life cycle from concept development to transition.
• Experience with technical research, development, and engineering across a breadth of applied biotechnology projects.Familiarity with the DARPA technical, programmatic, and contractual environment.
• Self‑starter who is willing to both take the lead and provide support in a team within a complex, fast‑paced, cross‑disciplinary work environment.
• Experience interfacing with the FDA, NIH, or other regulatory/health‑focused government agencies.

ECS Federal LLC is an equal‑opportunity employer and does not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of any characteristic protected by law. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local jurisdiction law.