Biologist - Vaccines Job Listing at SPA in Lorton, VA (Job ID 20580)

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 Vaccines 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 – Vaccines Branch (RD CBMV). The candidate will provide scientific and project management support to maximize client support for therapeutic technology development. The SME will serve as a technical/scientific resource on projects by providing R&D analysis to DTRA CBMV with emphasis on biological threats. Provide A&AS on basic principles of biology/microbiology with a focus on viral replication, antiviral strategies (especially broad-spectrum strategies), and small molecule/peptide discovery and preclinical development, including Phase I clinical trials where appropriate. Work on advanced, complex technical projects requiring state-of-the-art technical or industry knowledge of early drug discovery, bioinformatics, medicinal chemistry, high throughput screening technologies, applications of Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML), and in vivo and in vivo (small and large animal) studies to assess efficacy and safety. Prepare 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 biological medical defense technologies. Assist leadership with decision making analysis. Evaluate all project aspects, including design, development, execution, and implementation of biological medical countermeasure research and development. Apply understanding of capability gaps and assist in setting project and product-level strategy and priorities, ensuring portfolios are responsive and mapped to program goals. Qualifications Required: Master's degree in Biology, Microbiology, or related field 5+ years of experience in a related scientific field, including research Demonstrated scientific research and development experience Excellent communication skills (oral and written) Active DoD Secret Clearance Able to work fully onsite based on client needs Desired: PhD in Biology, Microbiology, or related field Experience in chemical and biological medical defense as part of the DoD research and development enterprise Experience with DoD Chemical and Biological Defense Program (CBDP) and DoD acquisition policies Prior vaccine development industry experience Experience with bioinformatics and AI/ML techniques for applications in drug discovery and screening of candidate compounds

Qualifications

Required: Master's degree in Biology, Microbiology, or related field 5+ years of experience in a related scientific field, including research Demonstrated scientific research and development experience Excellent communication skills (oral and written) Active DoD Secret Clearance Able to work fully onsite based on client needs Desired: PhD in Biology, Microbiology, or related field Experience in chemical and biological medical defense as part of the DoD research and development enterprise Experience with DoD Chemical and Biological Defense Program (CBDP) and DoD acquisition policies Prior vaccine development industry experience Experience with bioinformatics and AI/ML techniques for applications in drug discovery and screening of candidate compounds

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 – Vaccines Branch (RD CBMV). The candidate will provide scientific and project management support to maximize client support for therapeutic technology development. The SME will serve as a technical/scientific resource on projects by providing R&D analysis to DTRA CBMV with emphasis on biological threats. Provide A&AS on basic principles of biology/microbiology with a focus on viral replication, antiviral strategies (especially broad-spectrum strategies), and small molecule/peptide discovery and preclinical development, including Phase I clinical trials where appropriate. Work on advanced, complex technical projects requiring state-of-the-art technical or industry knowledge of early drug discovery, bioinformatics, medicinal chemistry, high throughput screening technologies, applications of Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML), and in vivo and in vivo (small and large animal) studies to assess efficacy and safety. Prepare 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 biological medical defense technologies. Assist leadership with decision making analysis. Evaluate all project aspects, including design, development, execution, and implementation of biological medical countermeasure research and development. Apply understanding of capability gaps and assist in setting project and product-level strategy and priorities, ensuring portfolios are responsive and mapped to program goals.