Technical SETA – Structural Biology and Protein Engineering

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

Job summary

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) in Arlington, VA, seeks a Technical SETA with expertise in structural biology and protein engineering to support DARPA BTO programs.

The role requires translating complex science into oversight, evaluating proposals, and managing performers for next-generation therapeutics and countermeasures against CBRN threats. Requirements include a master's degree in engineering or science, 10+ years of experience, and an active TS/SCI clearance, with the ability to

Qualifications

• Master's degree in an Engineering or Science discipline.
• 10+ years of related work experience.
• Experience evaluating performer-designed approaches across diverse therapeutic modalities.
• Strong organization and communications skills, particularly to senior leadership.
• Experience maintaining systematic program data logs, archives, and technical portfolios.
• Experience drafting high-quality technical content for program briefings and BAAs.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Active TS/SCI clearance.
• Able to work fully onsite in Arlington, VA.

Responsibilities

• Provide subject matter expertise and programmatic support to DARPA BTO Program Managers.
• Translate advanced principles in structural biology, protein engineering, computational biochemistry, and pharmacology into oversight, evaluation, and management.
• Perform proposal evaluation and performer management for programs developing next-generation therapeutics and countermeasures against CBRN threats.

Skills

Strong organization

Clearance TS/SCI

Team collaboration

Education

Master's degree in engineering or science

PhD (desired)

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 – Structural Biology and Protein Engineering to provide onsite support out of Arlington, VA.

Responsibilities

The candidate will provide critical subject matter expertise and programmatic support to DARPA BTO Program Managers. The candidate will translate advanced principles in structural biology, protein engineering, computational biochemistry, and pharmacology into technical oversight, proposal evaluation, and performer management for programs developing next-generation therapeutics and prophylactic countermeasures against chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear (CBRN) threats.

Qualifications

Required:

• Masters degree in an Engineering or Science discipline
• 10 + years of related work experience
• Experience evaluating performer-designed approaches across diverse therapeutic modalities, and assessing the viability of innovative methodologies such as high-throughput screening, precision mutagenesis, computational discovery, or structural characterization
• Strong organization and communications skills, particularly in briefing preparation to present complex technology to senior leadership
• Experience maintaining systematic program data logs, database archives, and technical portfolios
• Experience drafting high-quality technical content for program briefings, transition reports, and draft solicitation materials (such as Broad Agency Announcements (BAAs))
• Ability to work in a team environment
• 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:

• Masters degree in an Engineering or Science discipline
• 10 + years of related work experience
• Experience evaluating performer-designed approaches across diverse therapeutic modalities, and assessing the viability of innovative methodologies such as high-throughput screening, precision mutagenesis, computational discovery, or structural characterization
• Strong organization and communications skills, particularly in briefing preparation to present complex technology to senior leadership
• Experience maintaining systematic program data logs, database archives, and technical portfolios
• Experience drafting high-quality technical content for program briefings, transition reports, and draft solicitation materials (such as Broad Agency Announcements (BAAs))
• Ability to work in a team environment
• 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 provide critical subject matter expertise and programmatic support to DARPA BTO Program Managers. The candidate will translate advanced principles in structural biology, protein engineering, computational biochemistry, and pharmacology into technical oversight, proposal evaluation, and performer management for programs developing next-generation therapeutics and prophylactic countermeasures against chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear (CBRN) threats.