Biologist - MedChem Job Listing at SPA in Lorton, VA (Job ID 20542)

Description

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 out of Lorton, VA. Responsibilities This position provides Assistance and Advisory Support (A&AS) to the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) Chemical and Biological (CB) Defense Department Medical S&T Division – MedChem Branch (RD CBMC). This position supports the development of prophylactic and therapeutic medical countermeasures against known and emerging chemical threats. Provides Advisory and Assistance Services (A&AS) to the client 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. Works on advanced, complex technical projects requiring state of the art technical or industry knowledge of molecular biology, drug development, pharmacodynamics, and technical project management. Evaluates all project technical aspects, including design, development, and implementation of research and development and works closely with researchers to promote technical progress. Reviews 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. Assists leadership with decision-making analysis. Understands capability gaps and assists in setting program, project and product-level strategy and priorities, ensuring portfolios are responsive and mapped to program goals. Prepares technical documentation and presentations to explain the approach, associated assumptions, and conclusions of scientific proposals and efforts. Qualifications Required: Masters Degree in Biology, Chemistry, or related field 5+ years of related experience involving application of scientific principles Excellent communication skills (written and oral) Pharmaceutical development experience, including in vitro/in vivo and pre-clinical studies Understanding of scientific research and proof of principle studies Active DoD Secret Clearance Desired: Ph.D. 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 Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics familiarity Experience with Chemical and Biological Defense Program (CBDP) and DoD acquisition policies Prior military experience Active DoD Top Secret Clearance with SCI eligibility

Qualifications

Required: Masters Degree in Biology, Chemistry, or related field 5+ years of related experience involving application of scientific principles Excellent communication skills (written and oral) Pharmaceutical development experience, including in vitro/in vivo and pre-clinical studies Understanding of scientific research and proof of principle studies Active DoD Secret Clearance Desired: Ph.D. 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 Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics familiarity Experience with Chemical and Biological Defense Program (CBDP) and DoD acquisition policies Prior military experience Active DoD Top Secret Clearance with SCI eligibility

Responsibilities

This position provides Assistance and Advisory Support (A&AS) to the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) Chemical and Biological (CB) Defense Department Medical S&T Division – MedChem Branch (RD CBMC). This position supports the development of prophylactic and therapeutic medical countermeasures against known and emerging chemical threats. Provides Advisory and Assistance Services (A&AS) to the client 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. Works on advanced, complex technical projects requiring state of the art technical or industry knowledge of molecular biology, drug development, pharmacodynamics, and technical project management. Evaluates all project technical aspects, including design, development, and implementation of research and development and works closely with researchers to promote technical progress. Reviews 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. Assists leadership with decision-making analysis. Understands capability gaps and assists in setting program, project and product-level strategy and priorities, ensuring portfolios are responsive and mapped to program goals. Prepares technical documentation and presentations to explain the approach, associated assumptions, and conclusions of scientific proposals and efforts.