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.

JOID assists the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) in developing leading edge technologies to counter WMD in support of CCMDs and transitioning these technologies to military services and COCOMs. SPA provides expertise across the full range of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and high-yield explosives (CBRNE) WMD, Counter Improvised Threat and Countering Threat Network technologies to support understanding, detection, identification, characterization, denial, control, disabling, defeating, disposing, safeguarding the force, managing consequences, and test and evaluation in support of military and civilian operations.

We have a need for a Microbiology Intern to provide onsite support out of Lorton, VA.

Serves as a technical/scientific resource on projects, providing R&D analysis to the Defense Threat Reduction Agency Research and Development Chemical Biological Directorate. Provides Advisory and Assistance Services (A&AS) to the client applying basic and advanced scientific principles, with a focus on emerging biotechnology and countermeasure sectors. Works on advanced, complex technical projects or business issues requiring state of the art technical or industry knowledge of molecular biology and technical project management. The successful intern will be a quick learner and key contributor to analysis, projects, presentations and discussions.

This internship is primarily in office work with occasional telework allowed.  Timeline for this job opportunity:  We are currently accepting applications for this paid internship and will make offers contingent on the ability to obtain a DoD Security Clearance for a summer 2025 start date.

Required:

• Be enrolled in a Masters or PhD program in Microbiology, Biology or related field
• Willingness to learn program/organizational processes and procedures
• Creative thinking and strong problem solving skills
• Strong leadership, communications, and organizational skills
• The ability to delve into technical details and translate those into findings and recommendations.
• U.S. Citizenship with the ability to obtain a DoD Secret or Top Secret clearance.