Emerging Biological / Chemical Threats SME

Responsibilities

This role provides scientific, technical and programmatic support in the DHS Science and Technology Directorate, as part of a multidisciplinary team of high-performance professionals supporting the client's most vexing technical and technological challenges, and developing solutions to counter current, emerging, and future homeland security threats. Specifically, the selected candidates will support S&T on programs including, but not limited to: AI/ML and data science applications to scientific technical foresighting, bioinformatics and biodetection, microbial, viral and toxin hazard assessment and synthetic biology.

The successful candidate will be self-motivated, operate well in a matrixed environment, be able to learn, digest, and provide scientific and technical guidance on a broad spectrum of biological and chemical subjects, and be able to distill and communicate complex technical concepts to enable nontechnical managers to make informed decisions and to communicate R&D impact to senior officials and policy makers.

The responsibilities of the team member may include

• Researching and providing guidance on leading-edge technologies, particularly as they relate to biology and chemistry,
• Evaluating the feasibility of technical approaches to problems,
• Reviewing biological and/or chemistry-related technical reports and providing critiques of methods and results,
• Developing and evaluating scientific capability development strategies,
• Monitoring emerging chemical and biological threats program and technical performance against goals,
• Developing test and evaluation methodologies,
• Assessing the efficacy, safety, and lifecycle costs of proposed or realized scientific solutions,
• Supporting R&D portfolio management activities, including tracking milestones, budgets, and deliverables,
• Developing scientific program status reports, PowerPoint briefings, and read-ahead materials,
• Developing, monitoring, and maintaining a central repository of chem/bio scientific and technical program information (e.g. reports, requirements, etc.),
• Organizing, coordinating, and participating in meetings, discussions, and seminars on biological and chemical threat and detection technology topics,
• Supporting interagency and international coordination on science and technology topics,
• Communicating scientific findings to technical and non-technical audiences as needed.
• This is currently a hybrid telework position requiring staff to be in-person at the DHS S&T client site in Washington, DC as needed in accordance with the requirements of the contract. Applicants must be located within the National Capital Region.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree and 10 years of relevant experience, or Master's or Ph.D. and 5 years of relevant experience.

Degrees may be in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or related field

SECRET clearance (or Eligibility to obtain a minimum of an Interim Secret clearance)

Eligibility to obtain DHS access and suitability

Experience providing strategic scientific guidance, such as technology roadmaps, feasibility analysis, and market research regarding the boundaries of state-of-art technology

Evidence of providing scientific guidance and communications to stakeholders, both written and verbally, targeting both technical and non-technical audiences. This evidence may be in the form of conference talks, industry days, publications, feasibility analyses, or market research regarding state-of-art technologies and their implications

Desired Qualifications

Experience providing direct or consultant scientific and programmatic support to federal R&D programs or system development efforts, preferably supporting national security

Comfort reading, analyzing, and critiquing scientific manuscripts, similar to a peer-review process

Comfort discussing and reviewing technical aspects of laboratory research

Interest in learning about and researching new technical areas; the right candidate will ask questions and seek to understand both technical and programmatic issues

Strong communication skills including technical writing and editing, science communication, oral presentations, interpersonal and organizational skills, critical thinking, and people skills to engage performers, PMs, and senior stakeholders

Experience supporting interagency coordination or international science and technology partnerships

Self-motivation and the ability to map out paths to success, including trouble shooting and independently reviewing instructions and guidance to complete tasks

Experience in project or program management activities such as tracking milestones, coordinating teams, or supporting budget oversight

Experience supporting technology transition from research and development to operational use

Experience adapting to changes in processes, requirements, and priorities

Experience supporting DoD and/or DHS components (e.g., TSA, CBP, FPS, NPPD, CWMD, USCG, ICE)

Proficiency with Microsoft Office (especially PowerPoint, Excel, and Project)

Publications, patents, or other documented evidence of expertise in these fields

Candidates with a Top Secret/SCI clearance and DHS Suitability are strongly preferred.

*These roles may require non-local travel (limited: 2- 3x/year), and some DC metro area local travel. The telework stance of the office is hybrid with the expectation that the incumbent will need to come to various DHS and interagency facilities in the DC area for classified work, formal meetings and informal collaboration as needed, generally ~2-3x per week.

Overview

Noblis and our wholly owned subsidiaries, Noblis ESI and Noblis MSD, take on some of the nation’s toughest challenges, delivering advanced solutions to our customers’ most critical missions. We bring together leading scientific, engineering, and management expertise in a culture grounded in objectivity and collaboration, ensuring our work creates lasting impact across federal missions.

We work with a broad range of government agencies in the defense, intelligence, and federal civilian sectors. Learn more and find opportunities at careers.noblis.org

Why Work at Noblis

At Noblis, we share a passion for excellence and innovation, and we create an environment where people can do meaningful work while maintaining the balance that keeps them energized and fulfilled. We seek out individuals with a natural curiosity and desire to collaborate and learn. We believe our people are our greatest strength, and we consistently seek exceptionally skilled, mission‑driven professionals who care deeply about doing work that enriches lives and makes our nation safer.

Noblis has earned numerous workplace awards for our culture, our commitment to employee well‑being, and our dedication to meaningful, impactful work. We also maintain a drug‑free workplace.

Remote/hybrid status is subject to change based on Noblis and/or government requirements.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, age, national origin, religion, physical or mental disability, pregnancy/childbirth and related medical conditions, veteran or military status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact us.

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