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 (JOID) 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 CWMD Research Intern to provide onsite support out of Lorton, VA.

In this role, a majority of effort is focused on the development and deployment of various technical and physical solutions to meet CWMD Warfighter requirements. Roles and responsibilities will include researching novel topics which utilize life sciences to addresses the most challenging offensive counter-WMD problems. Research will aim to develop biotechnologies that enhance warfighter performance and/or counter adversary use of biotechnologies used to decrement U.S. performance. The selected intern will be exposed to a variety of ongoing chemical / biological R&D efforts, various government contract vehicles, seminars, and strategic plan discussions. The intern will gain a greater understanding of how R&D fits into the government and how their expertise plays a role in the U.S. military strategy.

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:

• Enrolled in a Master's or PhD program in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, or related technical program
• Articulate a willingness to learn program/organizational processes and procedures
• Demonstrate creative thinking and strong problem solving skills
• Possess strong leadership, communications, and organizational skills
• Offer the ability to delve into technical details and translate those into findings and recommendations
• U.S. Citizen and capable of obtaining a DoD Secret security clearance