Chemist - Detection Job Listing at SPA in Lorton, VA (Job ID 20541)

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 Physical S&T Division – Detection Branch (RD CBPD). RD CBPD orients on chemical and biological defense in physical detection. The successful candidate provides scientific and project management support to maximize client support for chemical and biological detection technology development. This position requires a highly skilled individual to provide subject matter expertise in chemical and biological detection, protection, and hazard mitigation science and technology, supporting DTRA CB science and technology managers. A key responsibility involves understanding and representing warfighter needs regarding emerging technologies, including presenting Physical S&T Division developments. The role also necessitates drafting technology transition agreements between the JPEO and JSTO and assisting in the review of proposals submitted through agency announcements. Furthermore, the individual will contribute to setting project- and product-level strategy and priorities based on identified capability gaps, ensuring portfolio alignment with program goals. A critical aspect of the role involves coordinating and consolidating complex technical, programmatic, and strategic responses for diverse internal and external audiences, often requiring independent initiative and research due to vague instructions. The successful candidate must be adept at creating products for both technical and senior leader audiences, reviewing proposals, technical reports, and statements of work to ensure technical validity, evaluating current and emerging detection technologies, and facilitating cross-communication regarding program priorities. This position also includes providing programmatic, logistics planning, and execution support for meetings with government clients and their performers, monitoring funding documentation and other programmatic metrics, and assisting with drafting presentations, papers, and other programmatic documentation. Qualifications Required: Masters Degree in Chemistry or related field 8+ years of experience in science and technology program management Experience in application of analysis of scientific principles for future technologies Strong communication skills (written and oral) Strong analytical skills Experience with MS Office Active DoD Secret Clearance with TS/SCI eligibility Desired: Ph.D. in Chemistry or related field 5+ years of experience with science and technology program management Demonstrated experience with technology development for chemical and biological detection, identification, protection, and hazard mitigation Knowledge of traditional and emerging chemical and biological warfare agents Experience with the Chemical and Biological Defense Program (CBDP) Active DoD TS/SCI Clearance

Qualifications

Required: Masters Degree in Chemistry or related field 8+ years of experience in science and technology program management Experience in application of analysis of scientific principles for future technologies Strong communication skills (written and oral) Strong analytical skills Experience with MS Office Active DoD Secret Clearance with TS/SCI eligibility Desired: Ph.D. in Chemistry or related field 5+ years of experience with science and technology program management Demonstrated experience with technology development for chemical and biological detection, identification, protection, and hazard mitigation Knowledge of traditional and emerging chemical and biological warfare agents Experience with the Chemical and Biological Defense Program (CBDP) Active DoD TS/SCI Clearance

Responsibilities

This position provides Assistance and Advisory Support (A&AS) to the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) Chemical and Biological (CB) Defense Department Physical S&T Division – Detection Branch (RD CBPD). RD CBPD orients on chemical and biological defense in physical detection. The successful candidate provides scientific and project management support to maximize client support for chemical and biological detection technology development. This position requires a highly skilled individual to provide subject matter expertise in chemical and biological detection, protection, and hazard mitigation science and technology, supporting DTRA CB science and technology managers. A key responsibility involves understanding and representing warfighter needs regarding emerging technologies, including presenting Physical S&T Division developments. The role also necessitates drafting technology transition agreements between the JPEO and JSTO and assisting in the review of proposals submitted through agency announcements. Furthermore, the individual will contribute to setting project- and product-level strategy and priorities based on identified capability gaps, ensuring portfolio alignment with program goals. A critical aspect of the role involves coordinating and consolidating complex technical, programmatic, and strategic responses for diverse internal and external audiences, often requiring independent initiative and research due to vague instructions. The successful candidate must be adept at creating products for both technical and senior leader audiences, reviewing proposals, technical reports, and statements of work to ensure technical validity, evaluating current and emerging detection technologies, and facilitating cross-communication regarding program priorities. This position also includes providing programmatic, logistics planning, and execution support for meetings with government clients and their performers, monitoring funding documentation and other programmatic metrics, and assisting with drafting presentations, papers, and other programmatic documentation.