Chemist - Threat Agent Science

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 assists the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) in developing leading edge technologies to counter WMD in support of CCMDs and transitioning these technologies to military services and COCOMs. 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 a near-term need for a Senior Chemist to provide onsite support in Lorton, VA.

Responsibilities

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.

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.)