Computational Biology Specialist

About the role

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, SPA is known for continuous innovation for government customers in the US and abroad. The Joint, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Interagency Division (JOID) provides expert support services across the Department of Defense, Federal Civilian, and international markets, offering analytical and programmatic capabilities for informed decision-making. SPA provides critical decision support for technological superiority and the delivery of secure, resilient capabilities to the warfighter. The team evaluates military problems, identifies driving factors, devises innovative approaches, collects data, develops software tools, and performs assessments to inform technology and acquisition governance decisions. SPA has an immediate need for a Computational Biology Specialist to provide onsite support out of Arlington, VA.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate complex in silico models, analyze performer computational pipelines, and support programmatic execution of cutting-edge biological defense programs alongside Senior SETAs and DARPA Program Managers.
• Support Program Managers in evaluating computational architectures, population genetics models, and predictive simulations of gene drive dynamics (e.g., homing, suppression, threshold-dependent drives).
• Assist in reviewing performer-submitted models predicting CRISPR-Cas target recognition, guide RNA off-target probabilities, DNA repair outcomes, and evolutionary escape/resistance mechanisms.
• Conduct literature analyses and benchmarking of environmental and ecological dispersal models used to assess biocontainment, gene flow, and population suppression in target species.
• Review computational biology data packages, next-generation sequencing (NGS) analysis pipelines, and genomic datasets generated by university and national laboratory performers.
• Assist in validating whether performer data meets quantitative program metrics, reproducibility guidelines, and established quality-control standards.
• Track emerging open-source bioinformatics tools, genomic databases, and modeling suites relevant to synthetic biology and biodefense.
• Translate complex computational models, bioinformatics pipelines, and stochastic simulation data into clear, intuitive briefing slides using Microsoft PowerPoint.
• Construct clean visual schematics representing model workflows, ecological scenarios, and program milestone roadmaps for DoD leadership.
• Assist in organizing and facilitating Principal Investigator (PI) review meetings, technical interchanges, and stakeholder workshops.

Qualifications

Required:

• Master’s degree or PhD in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Biomathematics, Population Genetics, Quantitative Ecology, Bioengineering, or a related quantitative life sciences field.
• 8 years of experience in mathematical or computational modeling of biological systems (e.g., population genetics, differential equation models, stochastic simulations, or agent-based modeling).
• Foundational knowledge of CRISPR-Cas systems, engineered gene drives, and modern gene editing mechanisms.
• Working proficiency with programming languages and analysis tools commonly used in quantitative biology (e.g., Python, R, MATLAB, or bash scripting).
• Familiarity with standard bioinformatics workflows and high-throughput sequencing data analysis.
• Strong written communication skills, with experience preparing technical reports, documentation, or scientific manuscripts.
• High proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint, with a focus on clear visual data presentation and technical schematic design.
• Active Secret clearance.
• Able to report to Arlington, VA up to full-time based upon client needs.

Desired:

• Active TS/SCI clearance.
• Prior experience with specialized modeling platforms for gene drives and spatial ecology (e.g., SLiM, MGDrivE, or spatial population dynamic simulations).
• Familiarity with ecological risk assessment frameworks, environmental containment protocols, or biosafety regulations surrounding genetically modified organisms.

Pay

Virginia, Pay Transparency Salary range: USD $170,000.00/Yr. - USD $205,000.00/Yr.

Benefits

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
• Paid and unpaid time away from work programs

Specific programs and options may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location and date of hire.

Schedule

Onsite support in Arlington, VA up to full-time based upon client needs.