Sr. Translational Pharmacology and Drug Development SETA

OverviewSystems 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 Sr. Translational Pharmacology and Drug Development SETA with the ability to provide onsite support out of Arlington, VA.ResponsibilitiesThe candidate will provide scientific, technical, and program management support to DARPA program managers. The programs encompass molecular target discovery, medicinal chemistry, immunology, trauma biology, and translational drug development. Will work closely with a DARPA Program Manager and a multidisciplinary government support team to evaluate technical progress, identify risks, coordinate performers and stakeholders, and accelerate promising technologies toward clinical and operational use. Provide independent scientific and technical analysis of research involving small-molecule screening, computational drug discovery, receptor pharmacology, structure-activity relationships, molecule transit across the blood-brain barrier, and medicinal chemistry optimization. This includes immunomodulatory peptides, extracellular vesicles, antimicrobial mechanisms, innate immunity, inflammation, and host-pathogen interactions, preclinical pharmacology, toxicology, efficacy, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and therapeutic-index evaluation. Assess performer progress against technical, schedule, cost, and transition objectives. Review experimental plans, study designs, protocols, data packages, statistical analyses, and performer reports for scientific rigor and relevance to program goals. Evaluate in vitro and in vivo models, including models of trauma, hemorrhage, burn injury, polytrauma, anesthesia, systemic infection, and sepsis. Perform additional scientific and programmatic analyses in support of the Program Manager’s portfolio as required.QualificationsRequired:Doctorate degree in pharmacology, molecular pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, molecular or cellular biology, biochemistry, immunology, microbiology, neuroscience, toxicology, biomedical engineering, or a closely related discipline.9+ years of relevant work experience.Demonstrated expertise in translational pharmacology and therapeutic development.Strong technical foundation in at least two of the following areas Molecular or receptor pharmacology, Medicinal chemistry or small-molecule drug discovery, Immunology, inflammation, or host-directed therapeutics, Preclinical drug development, toxicology, or translational medicine.Experience with preclinical efficacy and safety studies using in vitro and in vivo models.Ability to travel periodically to performer locations, program reviews, conferences, and other meetings.Active Secret clearance.Ability to work onsite in Arlington, Virginia, up to full-time based on client requirements.Desired:Doctoral training specifically in molecular pharmacology, pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, immunopharmacology, or translational medicine.Experience supporting or managing multidisciplinary advanced research and development programs.Experience supporting DARPA, another Department of Defense science and technology organization, or a comparable federal research organization.Experience in biotechnology or pharmaceutical product development, especially in one or more of the following: Infectious disease, microbiology, host-pathogen interactions, neuroscience, anesthesiology, analgesia, or neuropharmacology.Experience with small-molecule lead discovery and optimization, including target validation, screening, structure-activity relationships, receptor selectivity, and candidate down-selection.Pay Range InformationAt 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 $180,000.00/Yr. - USD $240,000.00/Yr.Job SummaryID: 2026-23676Category: Engineering & Technical ServicesSecurity Clearance Requirement: SecretType: Regular Full-TimeLevel: Senior