Senior Analyst - Biological, CWMD Threats

Hybrid - Up to 30% telework, work permitting

Office Overview

The Biological Policy Staff is a small, high-impact team working to shape and implement policy at the intersection of national security, international public and animal health, and the life sciences. We lead U.S. participation in the implementation of the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BWC), the first multilateral treaty to ban an entire class of weapons of mass destruction. Multilateral efforts under the BWC umbrella include developing innovative approaches to strengthen treaty implementation at the national level, assessing and addressing the risks and benefits of advances in the life sciences, strengthening international cooperation and preparedness, and international response to a deliberate or suspicious outbreak. BPS also coordinates the Department's efforts to implement the 2022 National Biodefense Strategy, represents the Department in interagency biosecurity policy discussions, and leads efforts to strengthen the United Nations' operational capability to investigate alleged BW use. The Biological Policy Staff works with a wide range of Federal departments and agencies, civil society, intergovernmental organizations, and other foreign partners on issues including laboratory biosafety and security, outbreak preparedness and response, investigation of potential biological weapons use, and oversight of dual-use research and rapidly advancing technologies such as gene synthesis and editing.

The Counter WMD Threats Senior-Level Program Analyst (CORTEK) will have primary responsibility for a portfolio of life science, international public health, and biosecurity policy issues (precise portfolio is based on experience and interests), to include researching emerging challenges and possible solutions, recommending courses of action, and representing the Department and the United States in a variety of interagency and international forums. This position is a crash course in how science and security policy is made and how to do so effectively - or an opportunity to bring those skills to bear on important, complex issues. You will need to be able to juggle multiple competing priorities, communicate effectively (both orally and in writing) to various audiences, and assess and solve problems with technical, political, and interpersonal dimensions. You will work with an experienced, motivated team of scientists, diplomats, and negotiators. A sense of humor is recommended but technically not required.

• Provide expert advice to the BPS Director and senior Department officials and represent the Department in various interagency meetings.
• Develop and coordinate guidance for and serve on U.S. delegations to the BWC on an assigned set of issues/topics.
• Represent the Department on interagency working groups to develop policy recommendations on key topics related to biological weapons nonproliferation, biosecurity, and governance of responsible life sciences research and advancing biotechnologies.
• Develop and coordinate U.S. positions and support the implementation of strategies and policies on other issues within the portfolio.
• Draft and develop products in support of office and Department leadership, including briefing checklists and talking points, background and issue papers, reporting cables, meeting notes, information, and action memos, strategies, press guidance and releases, speeches, and blog entries, as determined and assigned by the client.
• Develop rapport and develop constructive relationships with a wide range of foreign and domestic stakeholders, including Department and interagency experts, to develop, synchronize, and support strategies, policies, engagements, and projects designed to prevent biological weapons and to strengthen global capabilities to prepare for and respond to outbreaks of infectious disease, as determined and assigned by the client.
• Balance and prioritize complex tasks with limited supervision and demonstrate initiative to develop solutions.

• SECRET clearance is required (interim clearances are acceptable). TOP SECRET clearance desired, with eligibility for access to SCI.
• A. or equivalent degree with four or more years of experience in nonproliferation, international public health, or terrorism-related field - OR eight or more years of experience in bioterrorism, agroterrorism, or outbreak response-related field, including team or project. leadership experience.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Must be able to write clearly, concisely, and rapidly and to adapt tone and content for different audiences.
• Knowledge of/experience with interagency coordination processes is desirable.
• Teamwork and the ability to manage multiple competing priorities are essential.

Clearance: Active Secret Clearance is required. Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

About CORTEK: Founded in 2003, CORTEK is a distinguished Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) specializing in Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) defense, Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) terrorism prevention, Counter-WMD (CWMD) support services, and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)/Privacy Act support. With over a decade of experience, CORTEK has delivered mission-critical solutions to government clients, including the Department of State (DOS), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Department of Justice (DOJ), and Department of Defense (DoD). Our proven track record includes 12 years of incumbency on DOS contracts supporting WMD threat mitigation and consequence management programs and comprehensive support for the Defense Threat Reduction Agency's (DTRA) technical and strategic objectives across Physical and Biological Sciences, Engineering, Policy, and Operations. Additionally, CORTEK has provided onsite analytical support for the Department of the Army Headquarters (HQDA) at the Pentagon.

At CORTEK, relationships are at the heart of what we do. We pride ourselves on our customer-centric approach, leveraging proven management processes to deliver tailored solutions that drive client success. Our focus on excellence, innovation, and competitive value throughout the project management lifecycle makes CORTEK a trusted partner. Curious to learn more? Visit us at CORTEK.com.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)/Affirmative Action Employer: CORTEK is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace by hiring and retaining talented individuals from all backgrounds. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants, regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. As an EEO employer, CORTEK complies with Federal laws prohibiting job discrimination and posts notices outlining these protections in accordance with applicable regulations.

Reasonable Accommodation Requests: CORTEK is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you need special assistance or accommodation while seeking employment, please e-mail hr@cortek.com or call Human Resources at (727)-292-1521. We will decide on your request for reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis.

E-Verify: As a Federal Contractor, we are required to use E-Verify to validate employees' ability to work legally in the United States.

Pay Transparency Non-Discrimination: CORTEK will not discharge or, in any other