DARPA – Biological Technologies Office (BTO) Research & Development (R&D) Program Support

Job Description

Amentum is a leading provider of engineering, scientific, and program management support services to some of the top agencies in the U.S. government, including the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), NASA, the Department of Homeland Security, and the intelligence community.

Amentum is seeking experienced individuals to support the DARPA Biological Technologies Office (BTO). These positions will support a range of R&D efforts on biotechnological capabilities that provide tactical care and restore function to injured warfighters, increase operational resilience, develop novel functional materials, and detect and protect against threats to maintain force readiness. Areas of research may include, but are not limited to, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), human performance, materials / sensors / processing, ecosystem and environmental research, biosecurity and biosafety, and biomedical and biodefense.

Please note, positions are contingent upon award

DARPA BTO leverages biological properties and processes to revolutionize our nation’s ability to protect its warfighters. BTO harnesses advances in AI and ML to create new opportunities for transformative science across the biological spectrum. The office develops diagnostic and assessment systems to identify chemical and biological threats, medical countermeasures, and novel approaches to tactical care and warfighter performance and recovery on and off the battlefield. BTO also leverages biological processes, technologies, and manufacturing opportunities to create resilient infrastructures and supply chains, protective solutions, and innovative sensors to ensure mission success in any location. Additional information on BTO is available here: Biological Technologies Office (https://www.darpa.mil/about/offices/bto)

Responsibilities May Include:

• Working closely with DARPA Program Managers (PMs), providing specialized technical expertise and dedicating your time to helping them develop, justify (or contradict), and refine their ideas

• Supporting the development and management of current and future biomedical programs in DARPA BTO; providing direct support to a DARPA PM including the development of new start programs, the source selection process, and assessing performer progress towards program goals

• Assessing whether new ideas submitted to the BTO office-wide Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) are technically sound, aligned with BTO goals, and address topics not being addressed by ongoing programs or other published solicitations

• Advising and supporting BTO leadership in the establishment and execution of the BTO strategy; examples include assisting in the development of the strategic vision (e.g. POM Strategy) and identifying and defining program thrust areas

• Keeping abreast of state-of-the art results in fields relevant to BTO and/or the DARPA program being supported

• Evaluating performer progress on R&D programs based on performance metrics and agreed upon goals and objectives

• Engaging with relevant communities including stakeholders, transitions partners, and current and potential performers

Minimum Requirements:

• Master’s degree (MS) - preferably in Biology, Biological Engineering, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Informatics, Human Physiology, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, AI/ML, or a related field

• At least 5 years of relevant experience

• Must have an Active Secret US Government Clearance. Note: US Citizenship is required to obtain a Secret Clearance.

• Strong technical writing skills, the ability to communicate complex scientific ideas to broad audiences, and ability to quickly digest basic and applied research

• The demonstrated professionalism, maturity, sound judgement, and excellent communication, coordination, and interpersonal skills necessary for daily interactions with executive-level audiences in a dynamic, high-visibility environment

• Ability to work independently or in a team setting as circumstances dictate, across a variety of tasks

• Sufficient breadth of experience and expertise to make critical assessments of diverse technologies across a range of applications

• Ability to work on-site at full-time at DARPA in Arlington, VA

Highly Desired Attributes:

• PhD - preferably in Biology, Biological Engineering, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Informatics, Human Physiology, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, AI/ML, or a related field

• Must have an Active Top Secret US Government Clearance. Note: US Citizenship is required to obtain a Top Secret Clearance.

• Prior experience at DARPA and/or experience in a R&D environment

Amentum is a highly ethical, safety conscious employer with caring leaders and competitive total compensation. We offer multiple health care options so you can select the one that suits your needs. Our 401K requires no vesting periods for company matching funds. You’ll receive 10 federal holidays that can easily be adjusted to your beliefs.

Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed, marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low-income status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and supplemental language at Labor Laws Posters (https://postings.govdocs.com/#/vxSkbztPuAwwxfs) .