Senior Scientist- Biological Technologies

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.

The Acquisition and Technology Analysis Group within JOID provides the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) technical expertise for decision support to ensure technical overmatch for the U.S. Armed Forces against any potential adversaries. Our team of experienced military, technical, and operations research analysts is skilled exploring cutting-edge technology and helping government program managers evaluate, select, and manage research programs to transition promising technologies and ensure U.S. military forces retain technological superiority in the future.

SPA has an immediate need for a Senior Scientist to provide onsite support in Arlington, VA.

The candidate will support the DARPA BTO Science Team at the forefront of biotechnology innovation, with a primary focus in supporting DARPA PMs in ideation processes, enabling them to present approximately 45 cutting-edge concepts per year. Will work closely with PMs providing specialized technical expertise and dedicating time to help develop and refine ideas. Augment the existing SETA teams, collaborating with them to create compelling Program Initiation Pitches (PIPs) that incorporate feedback from peers and leadership.  Conduct targeted research on the latest advancements and breakthroughs in biotechnology to support PMs in ideation processes. Interface with and gather information from key opinion leaders in the field from academia, industry, and the government. Analyze complex scientific data, literature, and market reports to identify trends, potential opportunities, and risks relevant to PMs' concepts. Provide analytical assessments of fundamental research to support PMs in evaluating potential solution development.

Required:

• MS/PhD in areas of interest which include Defense (biosecurity, intel, threat assessment), Machine learning and modeling (computational biology, bio- or medically focused AI/ML, digital twins, predictive and multi-scale modeling) and chemistry (medicinal, organic, inorganic)
• 8+ years of experience in the use of advanced techniques, theories, precepts, and practices
• Strong oral and written communication skills, with the mature judgment required to advise senior government personnel
• Experience with basic, applied research and advanced technology development
• Published articles in a field of scientific, engineering, or technical expertise
• Active Secret clearance

Desired: 

• PhD in a relevant technical field
• Experience managing R&D programs from inception to closeout
• Demonstrated ability to communicate program and technical requirements into strategy, acquisition, planning, and/or public release documents and correspondence in clear, concise, and compelling terms
• Experience creating and coordinating strategy and program overview documents, and developing briefings to technical and non-technical audiences