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 near-term need for a Medicinal Chemist-focused Biologist or Chemist SME to provide onsite support out of our Lorton, VA Facility (near Fort Belvoir).

The successful candidate will provide scientific and project management support to DTRA Research and Development Chemical Biological Directorate (RD-CBS Division), with emphasis on supporting the development of prophylactic and therapeutic medical countermeasures against known and emerging chemical threats. The candidate will provide Advisory and Assistance Services (A&AS) to RD-CBS applying basic and advanced scientific principles, with a focus on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) reactivator chemistry, Organophosphate (OP) agents including Fourth Generation Agents (FGAs), Pharmaceutical Based Agents (PBAs), and other emerging chemical threat agents. The candidate will work on advanced, complex technical projects requiring state-of-the-art technical or industry knowledge of molecular biology, drug development, pharmacodynamics, and technical project management. The candidate will evaluate all project technical aspects, including design, development, and implementation of research and development, and work closely with researchers to promote technical progress. Additionally, the candidate will review proposals, technical reports, experimental or theoretical techniques, scientific studies, and statements of work to ensure technical validity and evaluate current and emerging chemical medical defense technologies. The candidate will assist leadership with decision-making analysis by understanding capability gaps and assisting in setting program, project, and product-level strategy and priorities, ensuring portfolios are responsive and mapped to program goals. The candidate will prepare technical documentation and presentations to explain the approach, associated assumptions, and conclusions of scientific proposals and efforts.

Required:

• Master’s degree in chemistry with a focus on analytical, organic, medicinal, or synthetic chemistry, OR a Master’s degree in biology with a focus on cellular or molecular biochemistry, biotechnology, or pharmacology, with 8 years of related experience involving application of scientific principles
• Pharmaceutical development experience, in vitro/in vivo and pre-clinical studies and experience in application and analysis of scientific principles for future technologies using strong analytical skills
• Strong communication skills (written and oral)
• Experience using Microsoft Office suite of tools and programs
  
• Active Secret clearance with eligibility for Top Secret clearance

Desired:

• PhD in Biology, Chemistry, or related field
• Experience in chemical and biological medical defense as part of the DoD research and development enterprise
• Drug development experience including FDA drug development regulations.
• Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamics familiarity
• Experience with Chemical and Biological Defense Program (CBDP) and DoD acquisition policies
• Prior military experience
• Active Top Secret/SCI clearance