Synthetic Biologist/Engineer Job Listing at SPA in Arlington, VA (Job ID 2025-19487)

Description

Qualifications

Required:

• 2+ years of experience and a Master's degree in Synthetic Biology, Biological Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field with strong emphasis on designing and modeling engineered biological systems.
• Demonstrated expertise in applying engineering principles to biological systems.
  
• U.S. Citizenship (eligible for DoD Secret clearance).

Desired:

• PhD in Synthetic Biology, Biological Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field with strong emphasis on designing and modeling engineered biological systems.
• Experience with the design and implementation of genetic circuits (oscillators, switches, logic gates), control theory applied to biological systems, feedback loops and homeostatic systems, predictive modeling of genetic circuits and metabolic networks.
• Experience with engineered cell-cell communication systems, signal processing in cellular systems.
• Robust design principles for biological systems, and noise reduction and stability engineering in biological circuits.
• Familiarity with circuit design and modeling software (CelloCAD, GenoCAD), mathematical modeling and simulation tools, and statistical analysis of biological system performance.
• Experience with design-build-test-learn automation platforms such as high-throughput screening and selection systems, or microfluidics and real-time monitoring systems.
• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals and/or patents demonstrating novel engineered biological systems or devices.
• Active DoD Secret clearance.
• Prior experience providing SETA support.
  
  

The Biological Technologies Office (BTO) at DARPA is seeking exceptional candidates with advanced synthetic biology engineering expertise to join our dynamic Science Team. We're looking for innovative biological engineers who can apply rigorous engineering principles to biological systems, particularly in the design and implementation of genetic circuits, control systems, and engineered metabolic networks. The candidate will support DARPA Program Managers (PM) in developing revolutionary approaches to engineer predictable, reliable, and scalable biological systems.

As a member of the Science Team specializing in Synthetic Biology Engineering, the primary focus will be to support PMs in developing revolutionary concepts that leverage engineering principles to create robust, tunable biological systems with precise, programmable functions. Will work closely with PMs, providing specialized technical expertise and dedicating time to help them develop and refine their ideas. The role will be to augment the existing SETA teams, collaborating with them to create compelling Program Initiation Pitches (PIPs) that incorporate feedback from peers and leadership.