Key Role:

Work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment as a scientific and technical advisor supporting advanced research and development for the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H). Apply expertise in plant toxicology, agricultural chemistry, analytical chemical methods, spectroscopy, molecular biology, and field-deployable sensing to shape and support high-impact programs at the intersection of agriculture and human health. Provide subject matter expertise in herbicide mechanisms of action, phytotoxicity, molecular markers of effectiveness, and the fate of agrochemicals in ecological systems, soil, and water.

Collaborate with the ARPA-H Program Manager, government stakeholders, scientific reviewers, and multidisciplinary performers to assess emerging technologies and identify opportunities in next-generation herbicide discovery, agricultural chemical monitoring, economically sustainable weed control, agrochemical remediation, and non-contact chemical analysis of drugs and other medical products. Evaluate technical proposals for scientific merit, innovation, feasibility, and alignment with program objectives; organize reviewer feedback; and develop recommendations, project summaries, and briefing materials.

Conduct technical due diligence, market and regulatory analyses, and literature reviews; synthesize findings into decision-quality reports and executive-level briefings for technical and non-technical audiences. Develop programmatic documentation on short timelines to communicate technical approach, progress, cost, schedule, and risk. Track performer progress against established milestones and metrics, identify gaps in the research landscape, and advise the Program Manager on the development and execution of new and existing programs. Operate effectively with minimal guidance while balancing multiple priorities in both independent and team settings. This is a remote position with approximately 10-20% CONUS travel.

Basic Qualifications:

• PhD in a relevant field with 2+ years of experience; or Master's degree in a relevant field with 5+ years of experience; or Bachelor's degree in a relevant field with 7+ years of experience.
• Experience in plant toxicology and/or agricultural chemistry, including herbicide mechanisms of action, phytotoxicity, molecular markers, and environmental fate in soil, water, or ecological systems.
• Experience developing and/or evaluating analytical chemistry methods for agricultural applications, field-deployable sensing platforms, biosensor-based detection systems, and spectroscopic or chromatographic techniques.
• Ability to evaluate scientific and technical proposals, conduct literature reviews and technical due diligence, and translate complex findings into actionable recommendations.
• Demonstrated record of producing high-quality technical reports, program documentation, project summaries, and briefing materials for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong oral and written communication, organization, teamwork, and the ability to manage multiple priorities on short timelines with minimal guidance.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft PowerPoint and Excel, including the ability to create and revise briefing slides and analytical files rapidly in high-pressure meeting environments.
• Professional curiosity, adaptability, attention to detail, and a continuous drive for learning.
• Ability to obtain a federal government Public Trust.

Additional Qualifications:

• Familiarity with the Advanced Research Projects Agency model, including ARPA-H, DARPA, IARPA, ARPA-E, or U.S. Department of Defense advanced development programs.
• Knowledge of AI-enabled and high-throughput methods for herbicide discovery, including biological herbicides, precision agriculture technologies, agrochemical remediation, and chemical sensing and detection.
• Familiarity with USDA- and EPA-regulated agricultural technologies and policies, including relevant intersections with FDA-regulated biotechnology.
• Experience coordinating independent verification and validation and overseeing programs supported through cooperative agreements, Other Transaction awards, milestone-based contracts, FFRDCs, interagency efforts, or commercialization activities.
• Experience conducting market and regulatory analyses involving farming practices, agricultural chemicals, soil health, worker safety, consumer health, or related public-health considerations.
• Familiarity with spectrometry and other non-contact chemical analysis methods for assessing the quality and safety of drugs or other medical products.
• Experience supporting executives or program managers responsible for large-budget R&D portfolios.
• Ability to anticipate and help mitigate ethical, legal, and societal implications associated with high-profile research programs.
• Mastery of scientific literature, technical writing, and public presentations, with the ability to communicate across scientific, engineering, policy, and operational communities.

Compensation, Bonuses, and Other Incentives:

Intertwine Associates LLC offers a competitive compensation package. The anticipated base salary range for this position is $90,000-$220,000 per year. This range is a good-faith estimate at the time of posting and reflects the base salary the company reasonably expects to offer for this role. Actual base salary will be determined based on lawful, job-related factors, including education, experience, specialized expertise, credentials, geographic location, scope of responsibilities, internal equity, client and contract requirements, and funding availability.

This position may be eligible for discretionary bonuses, signing or retention incentives, or other variable compensation, as stated in the applicable written offer or plan documents. Any bonus or incentive is not guaranteed and is subject to applicable plan terms, individual and company performance, client or contract requirements, funding availability, and applicable law. Bonuses and other incentives are separate from base salary and may be modified or discontinued. The salary range does not include potential bonuses, other incentive compensation, or benefits. Nothing in this posting creates an employment contract or guarantees any specific salary, bonus, incentive, benefit, or term of employment.