Technical SETA - Computational Biophysicist

SPA; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

SPA is seeking a Technical SETA - Computational Biophysicist to provide onsite support in Arlington, VA for DARPA projects. The role requires a strong technical background, excellent communication, and a willingness to learn DARPA processes.

You will support DARPA BTO Program Managers, translate biophysical concepts into oversight, review pipelines, monitor milestones, and prepare briefing materials. A Master’s degree and 8+ years of relevant experience with MD simulations and Python/C++/Bash

Qualifications

• Master's degree in an Engineering or Science discipline.
• Excellent briefing and written communications for senior leadership.
• 8+ years of technical experience including assessing MD simulations and free energy calculations.
• Active TS/SCI clearance.
• Able to work fully onsite in Arlington, VA

Responsibilities

• Provide programmatic support to DARPA BTO Program Managers and oversight.
• Translate biophysical principles into technical oversight and progress evaluation for programs.
• Draft technical content for program briefings, transition reports, and BAAs.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Strong organizational skills

TS/SCI clearance

Education

Master's degree in Engineering or Science

Tools

Python

C++

Bash

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 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 an immediate need for a Technical SETA - Computational Biophysicist to provide onsite support out of Arlington, VA.

Responsibilities

The candidate will apply a strong technical background and a proactive attitude in support of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), and will be motivated to learn or already understand DARPA processes, procedures, and culture. Will be passionate about advanced R&D with strong communications and presentation skills. Provide foundational subject matter expertise and programmatic support to DARPA BTO Program Managers. Translate core biophysical principles, structural biology concepts, and applied molecular modeling experience into technical oversight, progress evaluation, and performer management for cutting-edge biotechnology and computational biology programs. Assist in evaluating performer-designed computational workflows and data pipelines. Provide day-to-day administrative and technical support to keep programs on track, including monitoring and tracking performer technical milestones, deliverables, and progress reports against program schedules. Maintain systematic program data logs, database archives, and technical portfolios. Draft high-quality technical content for program briefings, transition reports, and draft solicitation materials (such as Broad Agency Announcements (BAAs)).

Qualifications

Required:

• Master's degree in an Engineering or Science discipline
• Strong organization and communications skills, particularly in briefing preparation to present complex technology to senior leadership
• 8+ years of technical experience to include assessing the configuration and validity of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and free energy calculations, reviewing custom analytical pipelines, algorithms, and automated utility scripts written in Python, C++, or Bash, and ensuring computational setups adhere to established structural bioinformatics standards and best practices
• Active TS/SCI clearance
• Able to work fully onsite in Arlington, VA

Desired:

• PhD
• 5+ years of experience providing technical and/or cost analysis
• 3+ years of experience in a Research and Development organization/role

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 $150,000.00/Yr. - USD $180,000.00/Yr.

Qualifications

Required:

• Master's degree in an Engineering or Science discipline
• Strong organization and communications skills, particularly in briefing preparation to present complex technology to senior leadership
• 8+ years of technical experience to include assessing the configuration and validity of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and free energy calculations, reviewing custom analytical pipelines, algorithms, and automated utility scripts written in Python, C++, or Bash, and ensuring computational setups adhere to established structural bioinformatics standards and best practices
• Active TS/SCI clearance
• Able to work fully onsite in Arlington, VA

Desired:

• PhD
• 5+ years of experience providing technical and/or cost analysis
• 3+ years of experience in a Research and Development organization/role

Responsibilities

The candidate will apply a strong technical background and a proactive attitude in support of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), and will be motivated to learn or already understand DARPA processes, procedures, and culture. Will be passionate about advanced R&D with strong communications and presentation skills. Provide foundational subject matter expertise and programmatic support to DARPA BTO Program Managers. Translate core biophysical principles, structural biology concepts, and applied molecular modeling experience into technical oversight, progress evaluation, and performer management for cutting-edge biotechnology and computational biology programs. Assist in evaluating performer-designed computational workflows and data pipelines. Provide day-to-day administrative and technical support to keep programs on track, including monitoring and tracking performer technical milestones, deliverables, and progress reports against program schedules. Maintain systematic program data logs, database archives, and technical portfolios. Draft high-quality technical content for program briefings, transition reports, and draft solicitation materials (such as Broad Agency Announcements (BAAs)).