Chemist - Threat Agent Science Job Listing at SPA in Lorton, VA (Job ID 20540)

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 Chemist 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 Enabling S&T Division – Threat Agent Science Branch (RD CBET). The position is in Lorton, VA. The SME will provide A&AS on basic principles of Chemistry with a focus on PBAs, toxin, and bioregulator chemistry, OP agents and FGAs. Works on advanced, complex technical projects or business issues requiring state of the art technical or industry knowledge of computational chemistry; electronic structure calculations including Molecular Dynamics, Density Functional Theory, and others; and Cheminformatics. Prepares technical documentation and presentations to explain the approach, associated assumptions, and conclusions of scientific investigations. Review 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. Assist leadership with decision making analysis. Evaluate all project aspects, including design, development, execution, and implementation of chemical medical countermeasure and threat agent science research and development. Understanding capability gaps and assisting in setting project and product-level strategy and priorities, ensuring portfolios are responsive and mapped to program goals. Qualifications Required: Masters Degree in Chemistry or related field 10+ years of experience in a related scientific field including research Excellent communication skills (oral and written) Demonstrated understanding of scientific principles Demonstrated understanding of properties of substance and the way they interact, combine, and change under varying phyiscal and chemical conditions Understanding of particle dynamics, aerosolization, and plume composition Demonstrated knowledge of toxicology and/or drug safety Active DoD Top Secret Clearance with SCI eligibility Desired: Ph.D. in Chemistry or related field Experience in chemical and biological defense as part of the DoD research and development enterprise Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic familiarity Experience with DoD Chemical and Biological Defense Program (CBDP) and DoD acquisition policies Prior intel experience (Military, DoD, DEA, FBI, etc.)

Qualifications

Required: Masters Degree in Chemistry or related field 10+ years of experience in a related scientific field including research Excellent communication skills (oral and written) Demonstrated understanding of scientific principles Demonstrated understanding of properties of substance and the way they interact, combine, and change under varying phyiscal and chemical conditions Understanding of particle dynamics, aerosolization, and plume composition Demonstrated knowledge of toxicology and/or drug safety Active DoD Top Secret Clearance with SCI eligibility Desired: Ph.D. in Chemistry or related field Experience in chemical and biological defense as part of the DoD research and development enterprise Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic familiarity Experience with DoD Chemical and Biological Defense Program (CBDP) and DoD acquisition policies Prior intel experience (Military, DoD, DEA, FBI, etc.)

Responsibilities

This position provides Assistance and Advisory Support (A&AS) to the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) Chemical and Biological (CB) Defense Department Enabling S&T Division – Threat Agent Science Branch (RD CBET). The position is in Lorton, VA. The SME will provide A&AS on basic principles of Chemistry with a focus on PBAs, toxin, and bioregulator chemistry, OP agents and FGAs. Works on advanced, complex technical projects or business issues requiring state of the art technical or industry knowledge of computational chemistry; electronic structure calculations including Molecular Dynamics, Density Functional Theory, and others; and Cheminformatics. Prepares technical documentation and presentations to explain the approach, associated assumptions, and conclusions of scientific investigations. Review 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. Assist leadership with decision making analysis. Evaluate all project aspects, including design, development, execution, and implementation of chemical medical countermeasure and threat agent science research and development. Understanding capability gaps and assisting in setting project and product-level strategy and priorities, ensuring portfolios are responsive and mapped to program goals.