Job Locations US-VA-Arlington

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 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 Synthetic Biologist to provide onsite support out of Arlington, VA.

We are seeking a highly motivated, proactive, and technically accomplished person to serve as a trusted technical and programmatic advisor to DARPA Program Managers (PMs). The candidate will evaluate breakthrough biological science and engineering concepts, assist in structuring ambitious R&D programs, monitor multidisciplinary performer teams, and communicate high-risk, high-reward technological impacts to senior Department of War (DoW) leadership. Blend deep subject matter expertise in genetic engineering, including CRISPR technologies, targeted gene editing, gene drives, and cutting-edge synthetic biology with exceptional executive presentation skills, rigorous documentation habits, and self-starter initiative. Provide in-depth technical analysis and critical evaluation of research proposals, white papers, and ongoing DARPA projects in synthetic biology, functional genomics, and genetic biocontrol across multiple biological domains. Assist Program Manager in identifying emerging technical paradigms, defining quantitative metrics, and designing and assessing milestones for new and existing seedling efforts and multi-year programs. Assess technical risks and validation strategies for novel CRISPR-Cas variants, precision epigenome/base editing systems, synthetic gene circuits, and engineered gene drive mechanisms. Stay abreast of the latest domestic and global advancements in biological sciences, biosecurity, biosafety containment, and regulatory frameworks associated with engineered biological systems. Draft and edit critical program lifecycle documentation, including Broad Agency Announcements (BAAs), Technical Descriptions, Special Notices, Source Selection plans, and statements of work. Provide timely technical reviews of technical evaluation reports, monthly program status summaries, and milestone reports. Translate complex biochemical and molecular concepts into compelling, intuitive executive briefings, pitch decks, and leadership summaries. Demonstrate mastery of high-impact visual design in Microsoft PowerPoint, translating dense scientific data into clean schematics, milestone timelines, and executive dashboards. Track technical milestones across university, national laboratory, and commercial performer teams to flag risks or delays early.

Required:

• PhD or Master’s degree in Synthetic Biology, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, Genetics, Biochemistry, or a closely related discipline (candidates with a Master’s degree should have additional years of relevant industry/defense consulting experience).
• 3+ years of hands-on or direct advisory experience in modern gene editing modalities (e.g., CRISPR/Cas systems, base editing, prime editing).
• Demonstrated familiarity with gene drive architectures, synthetic genomic circuits, or novel cell-free/in vivo synthetic biology methods
• Active Secret clearance.
• Able to report to Arlington, VA up to full-time based upon client needs.

Desired:

• Active TS/SCI clearance.

At 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 $150,000.00/Yr. - USD $195,000.00/Yr.

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