Graduate Intern - Chemist/Biologist

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 advises and assists the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) on the development, test and fielding of leading edge technologies to counter weapons of mass destruction (WMD).  DTRA delivers these game-changing technologies to warfighters across all Combatant Commands (CCMDs) as well as numerous other US Government Departments and Agencies. SPA provides expertise to deter, deny or defeat chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and high-yield explosives (CBRNE) threats.  SPA subject matter experts (SMEs) also advise on technologies designed to support threat understanding, detection, identification, and characterization; protection of military and civilian populations and consequence management. #CJ #I

This internship is primarily in office work 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 by the end of January.123

Serves 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). Provides 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. Works 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. Evaluates all project technical aspects, including design, development, and implementation of research and development and works closely with researchers to promote technical progress. Reviews 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. Assists leadership with decision-making analysis. Understands capability gaps and assists in setting program, project and product-level strategy and priorities, ensuring portfolios are responsive and mapped to program goals. Prepares 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.

The ideal intern will:

• Be enrolled in a Masters or PhD 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
• Offer the ability to delve into technical details and translate those into findings and recommendations.
• Be capable of quickly obtaining and maintaining an active Department of Defense (DoD) Secret Clearance
• Must be a US Citizen