What are the responsibilities and job description for the Anomalous Health Incidents Principal Scientist position at ARA Brand?
The Mission Concepts and Capabilities (MCC) Division of Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is seeking to contingently hire an Anomalous Health Incidents (AHI) Principal Scientist for ARA’s effort supporting the Office of the Assistant Secretary of War for Critical Technologies (OASW(CT)). This position will support the Critical Technology Area (CTA) offices within OASW(CT). This work requires a candidate with a strong background in the scientific Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) ecosystem and experience relevant to Anomalous Health Incidents (AHI).
This position is contingent upon award of a contract in June 2026.
Essential Functions:
- Lead technical assessments
- Lead research evaluation
- Provide significant subject‑matter expertise (SME) in AHI
- Coordinate with Service and interagency SMEs to cultivate productive partnerships that advance OASW(CT) priorities and objectives
- Develop solutions to complex problems which require use of creativity, ingenuity, and innovation
- Ensure work is consistent with organizational objectives
- Conduct briefs and technical meetings for internal and external representatives
- Perform other duties as required
Required Qualifications:
- PhD in a relevant hard science/engineering (e.g., physics, materials science, biomedical engineering, biology, neuroscience, electrical engineering, computer science).
- 8 years of relevant scientific or technical experience in the RDT&E sector, including work performed in government, industry, or academia.
- Experience must demonstrate the ability to lead complex technical assessments and scientific analysis.
- This position requires TS/SCI eligibility with CI polygraph. Candidates must maintain this clearance for the duration of employment.
Desired Qualifications:
- 15 years of relevant scientific or technical experience in the RDT&E sector.
- Experience in DoW science and technology programs, emerging technology assessment, and cross‑agency technical coordination.
- Expertise includes biomedical science, biosurveillance, physiological or health‑related sensing, biological threat analysis, or AI/ML applied to medical or biological data.
- Experience supporting the Office of the Secretary of War and Critical Technology Areas (CTAs).
COMPANY INFORMATION:
Applied Research Associates, Inc. is an employee-owned international research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. The company, founded in Albuquerque, NM, in 1979, currently employs over 2000 professionals. ARA offices throughout the United States and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense technologies, civil technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement. The corporation also provides sophisticated technical products for environmental site characterization, pavement analysis, and robotics.
At ARA, employees are our greatest assets. The corporation realizes that employee ownership generates greater creativity and initiative along with higher performance and customer satisfaction levels. ARA gives its employees the tools, training, and opportunities to take more active roles as owners. The culture is challenging; innovation and experimentation are the norm. Employees are eligible for contributions which not only add to the company’s success, but also their own through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit” sums up the ARA experience. For additional information and an opportunity to join this unique workplace, please visit our website at www.ara.com.
Please apply at www.careers.ara.com for the Anomalous Health Incidents (AHI) Principal Scientist position.