Biologist - Therapeutics

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 (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 Combatant Commands (CCMDs) and transitioning these technologies to military services CCMDs. 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 an immediate need for a Biologist to provide onsite support at DTRA at Ft Belvoir in Lorton, VA.

Responsibilities

The candidate will provide Assistance and Advisory Support (A&AS) to the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) Chemical and Biological (CB) Defense Department Medical S&T Division – Therapeutics Branch (RD CBMT). The candidate will provide scientific and project management support to maximize client support for biological threat agent therapeutic development. Serve as technical/scientific support on research projects conducted by the DTRA Research and Development Chemical Biological Directorate with emphasis on biological threat therapeutics. Prepare technical documentation across the research projects life cycle: topic drafting/solicitation, literature reviews and landscape analyses, proposal reviews, technical support (e.g. review reports, provide technical feedback and recommendations), and project management. Review proposals, technical reports, experimental or theoretical techniques, scientific studies, and statements of work to ensure technical validity and evaluate current and emerging biological medical defense technologies. Assist leadership with decision making analysis. Understand capability gaps and assist in setting program, project, and product-level strategy and priorities, ensuring portfolios are responsive and mapped to program goals. Prepare technical documentation and presentations to explain the approach, associated assumptions, and conclusions of scientific proposals and efforts.

This position is located at DTRA Headquarters on Fort Belvoir, VA, and requires residing in the National Capital Region.

Travel: (10-30%) may be required.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology/Toxicology, Bioengineering, or related field.
• Excellent communication skills (oral and written).
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, high-tempo mission environment with the ability to pivot between shifting priorities while maintaining analytical rigor.
• Ability to obtain DoW Secret clearance with TS/SCI eligibility.
• Able to work fully onsite based on client needs.

Desired:

• Master’s or PhD in Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Bioengineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related fields.
• 2+ years of experience in related scientific field, including laboratory research.
• Experience in biological threat therapeutics as part of the DoW research and development enterprise.
• Experience critically reviewing and refining preclinical study protocols and reports to ensure rigor, statistical validity, and alignment with project objectives.
• Familiarity with GLP (Good Laboratory Practice) standards and standard regulatory guidelines governing nonclinical safety and pharmacokinetic assessments.
• Familiarity with the drug development process, especially pre-clinical activities required to prepare a candidate for advanced clinical evaluation including IND-enabling safety evaluation.
• Experience with animal model development and in vivo drug candidate assessments.
• Active DoW Secret clearance with TS/SCI eligibility.

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 $75,000.00/Yr. - USD $100,000.00/Yr.