Technical SETA – Synthetic Biologist

Our team of experienced military, technical, and operations research analysts is skilled in evaluating military problems, identifying the driving factors, devising innovative approaches, collecting applicable data, developing necessary software tools, and performing thorough and timely assessments to inform technology and acquisition governance decisions to ensure U.S. military forces retain military superiority in the future. 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.

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 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.

 

SPA provides critical decision support to enabling and executing a strategy of technological superiority and enabling the delivery and sustainment of secure, resilient, and preeminent capabilities to the warfighter quickly and cost effectively. Our team of experienced military, technical, and operations research analysts is skilled in evaluating military problems, identifying the driving factors, devising innovative approaches, collecting applicable data, developing necessary software tools, and performing thorough and timely assessments to inform technology and acquisition governance decisions to ensure U.S. military forces retain military superiority in the future.

 

We have an immediate need for a Technical SETA – Synthetic Biologist, Nucleic Acid and Protein Synthesis to provide onsite support out of Arlington, VA.

Responsibilities:

The Technical SETA – Synthetic Biologist, Nucleic Acid and Protein Synthesis will provide foundational subject matter expertise and programmatic support to DARPA Biological Technologies Office (BTO) Program Manager translating core synthetic biology at the nucleic acid and protein synthesis level to advanced scaling, and assisting in evaluating performer-designed synthetic biology methodologies, workflows, and data pipelines. Will assess synthetic biology techniques used by performers and the validity of experimental approaches to produce the desired material outcomes and ensure technical approaches adhere to established standards and best practices, including the ability to assess the economic viability of approaches downstream.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Master's degree
• 6+ years of relevant work experience
• Experience managing multiple work streams with competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to execute literature evaluation of the state of the research in emerging technologies and provide overviews with appropriate detail to shape future programming efforts and decision making.
• Active Secret clearance
• Able to report to Arlington,VA up to full-time based upon client needs.

Desired:

• Experience in physical biochemistry methods and techniques
• Previous DARPA experience

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 $150,000.00/Yr. - USD $180,000.00/Yr.