Job Description

OverviewSystems 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 Sr. Biochemist to provide onsite support out of Arlington, VA.ResponsibilitiesThe Sr. Biochemist will provide direct scientific and engineering support to program managers across the full DARPA program development and R&D lifecycle. Translate high-level biological, biotechnology, biosecurity, and national-security objectives into actionable technical requirements, research questions, milestones, and performer deliverables. Conduct independent technical assessments of proposed and ongoing research efforts, including feasibility, novelty, technical risk, transition potential, and alignment with BTO mission priorities. Support development of Broad Agency Announcements (BAAs), proposers’ day materials, technical evaluation criteria, statements of work, and program-management documentation. Review performer reports, technical data, test results, and transition plans; identify schedule, cost, integration, and scientific/engineering risks requiring program-manager attention. Plan and support program reviews, site visits, workshops, demonstrations, and technical interchange meetings with performers, government stakeholders, transition partners, and subject-matter experts. Develop decision-quality briefings, white papers, technical memoranda, executive summaries, and portfolio assessments for senior DARPA and Department of War leadership. Coordinate across multidisciplinary teams spanning biological sciences, synthetic biology, computational biology, bioinformatics, engineering, clinical or translational research, and operational end users.QualificationsRequired:Master's degree in relevant technical discipline16+ years of relevant work experienceActive Secret clearanceAble to report to Arlington, VA up to full-time based upon client needsDesired:Experience, background, and knowledge of one or more DARPA programsPhD in a relevant technical disciplinePublication recordExperience managing R&D programs from inception to closeoutPay Range InformationAt 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 $165,000.00/Yr. - USD $205,000.00/Yr.Job SummaryID: 2026-23737Category: Engineering & Technical ServicesSecurity Clearance Requirement: SecretType: Regular Full-TimeLevel: Senior

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