Intern - Chemist/Biologist

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.

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.

This internship is primarily in-office work (Lorton, VA) with occasional telework allowed. Timeline for this job opportunity: We are currently accepting applications for this paid internship. We expect to be able to make an offer to our selected candidate as soon as possible. 3

Responsibilities

The intern will serve as a technical/scientific resource on projects, providing R&D analysis to the Defense Threat Reduction Agency Research and Development Chemical Biological Directorate (RD-CBS Division). Provide Advisory and Assistance Services (A&AS) to the client applying basic and advanced scientific principles, with a focus on emerging biotechnology sector including horizon scanning for gene editing technologies, lipid nanoparticles, viral pathogens of concern, gene editing, CRISPR, synthetic bio, biotechnologies, toxins, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) reactivator chemistry, Organophosphate (OP) agents including Fourth Generation Agents (FGAs), Pharmaceutical Based Agents (PBAs), and other emerging chemical threat agents. Work on advanced, complex technical projects or business issues requiring state of the art technical or industry knowledge of molecular biology, drug development, and technical project management. Evaluate all project technical aspects, including design, development, and implementation of research and development and works closely with researchers to promote technical progress. 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. Apply understanding of capability gaps and assist in setting program, project and product-level strategy and priorities, ensuring portfolios are responsive and mapped to program goals. Prepare technical documentation and presentations to explain the approach, associated assumptions, and conclusions of scientific proposals and efforts.

Our office is located in Lorton, VA, convenient to our DTRA clients at Fort Belvoir.

Qualifications

Required

Enrolled in a degreed program in Biology, Chemistry, or related field Articulate a willingness to learn program/organizational processes and procedures Demonstrate creative thinking and strong problem solving skills Possess strong leadership, communications, and organizational skills Able to delve into technical details and translate those into findings and recommendations. US Citizen and capable of quickly obtaining and maintaining an active Department of Defense (DoD) Secret Clearance