Chemist - Threat Agent Science Job Listing at SPA in Lorton, VA (Job ID 2025-19593)

Description

Qualifications

Required:

• Master's degree in Chemistry (Physical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Synthetic Chemistry)
• 8+ years of experience in related field including application of scientific principles and research
• Demonstrated understanding of properties of substance and the way they interact, combine, and change under varying physical and chemical conditions
• Understanding of particle dynamics, reaerosolization, and plume composition
• Familiarity with CRISPR, gene editing, synthetic biology, protein platforms, nextgen sequencing, RDPRC
• Demonstrated understanding of scientific principles and excellent communication skills
• Active Top Secret Clearance with SCI Eligibility

Desired:

• PhD in chemistry or a related field
• Experience in chemical and biological medical defense as part of the DoD research and development enterprise
• Pharmacokinteic and Pharmacodynamics familiarity
• Experience with the DoD Chemical and Biological Defense Program (CBDP) and DoD Acquisition policies
• Prior Intel experience (Military, DoD, DEA, FBI, etc.)

The candidate will support the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) Research and Development Directorate, Chemical and Biological Department. This role provides research and development analysis with a focus on chemical and biological threats, offering advisory and assistance services on fundamental principles of chemistry, including PBAs, toxins, bioregulators, organophosphates, and Fourth-Generation Agents (FGAs). Work on advanced and complex technical projects that require expertise in computational chemistry, electronic structure calculations—including Molecular Dynamics and Density Functional Theory—and cheminformatics. Responsibilities include preparing technical documentation and presentations to explain methodologies, assumptions, and conclusions of scientific investigations, as well as reviewing proposals, technical reports, scientific studies, and statements of work to ensure technical validity and assess emerging chemical medical defense technologies. Support leadership by providing decision-making analysis and evaluating all aspects of project design, development, execution, and implementation related to chemical medical countermeasures and threat agent science research. Apply a deep understanding of capability gaps for setting project and product-level strategies, ensuring that portfolios align with program goals and remain responsive to mission priorities.