Job Information
The MITRE Corporation Group Lead – Counter WMD in McLean, Virginia
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Department Summary:
The Biotechnology and Life Sciences Department within the Emerging Technologies Innovation Center is looking for a Group Leader for the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction group. The Group Leader will be part of a Department Leadership Team and will provide direct supervision of and mentorship to a diverse team working across MITREs sponsor base to enhance the US Governments ability to prevent the proliferation or use of WMDs (particularly biological weapons), mitigate the consequences of the use of WMDs, and assess the impact of emerging technologies on their missions. This role can be performed from McLean, VA, Bedford, MA, or remotely.
Roles & Responsibilities:
In addition to being a strong technical contributor, the Group Leader will serve as the primary point of contact on human resource matters for assigned staff and be responsible for staff engagement, coaching, collaboration, and professional development. Major aspects of this role will be to provide strategic vision, ensure the professional development of staff, and grow/develop an impactful work program in c-WMD. As first-line supervisor, the Group Leader:
Maintains awareness of USG efforts in c-WMD, identifies opportunities for MITRE impact, and engages across MITRE and with sponsors to develop and grow impactful work.
Develops and executes a holistic vision for the group that supports the department strategic plan, covers all WMD modalities (counter C, B, R, and N), and includes related areas such as counter proliferation, strategic trade control, etc…
Works with the department Chief Engineer to ensure staff members technical skills are being maintained and expanded
Works with staff to establish appropriate roles with well-defined goals, ensuring performance feedback is received and understood and helps staff in navigating transitions between projects.
Works with other Group Leaders and department leadership to create a vibrant inter-group dynamic in which collaboration, mentoring and development across groups is nurtured and encouraged.
Coach, mentor, and support staff who have broad technical expertise spanning biomedicine, biodefense, computational modeling, and biomechanics to maximize their short- and long-term career success
Coordinate with organizations across MITRE to connect employees with projects, individuals, MITRE communities, and training resources aligned with the employee’s career aspirations.
Engage in ongoing and meaningful development-focused and career conversations on topics including work assignments, role expectations, learning opportunities, delivering value (e.g., the Mission Value Chain), performance, feedback, and professional development.
Provide guidance to staff on expectations for performance and department goals and objectives with which staff can identify; effectively recognizes and rewards both individual and team achievements in accordance with MITRE values
The successful candidate will be a motivated technical leader and experienced mentor who has the experience, skills, and confidence required to take on this role. A Group Leader is expected to balance management duties with direct work program contributions.
Key Functions of the GL role include:
Individual Contributor/Task Leader – Functions as a SME across Department relevant domains. Provides technical leadership to core Department work programs.
Staff Engagement – Serves as the direct supervisor for 7-10 assigned staff, providing technical support, conducting regular performance and development conversations, staff advocacy and recognition, and communication with Project/Task Leads on performance. Serves as the main point of contact for new employee onboarding and as a resource to guide staff in navigating the MITRE organization and processes
Recruiting and Hiring – Plays a key role in the department recruiting and hiring process including identifying when additional staff are required and participation in candidate presentations and technical panel interviews.
Collaboration and Communications – Supports regular communication between staff and Project/Task Leaders and serves as a proactive liaison between staff and Department/upper management
Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree in one of the following disciplines: molecular biology, microbiology, biomedical engineering, computational biology, chemistry, chemical engineering, nuclear engineering or related field and 8 years related experience.
Active Secret clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain a US Top Secret security clearance.
The candidate should possess the ability to define projects or programs greater than themselves.
Demonstrated expertise and proven track record in c-WMD or similar field
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to coach, mentor, and advocate for staff. Desire to help staff at various points in their careers
This position requires a minimum of 50% hybrid on-site
Preferred Qualifications:
Master’s degree and 10 years of experience or Ph.D. and 5 years’ experience
At least one year of experience working in a MITRE Innovation Center
At least one year of experience as project or technical lead of a c-WMD related project
Familiarity with L271 and/or the MITRE wide c-WMD work program
Active TS/SCI clearance
This requisition requires the candidate to have a minimum of the following clearance(s):
Secret
This requisition requires the hired candidate to have or obtain, within one year from the date of hire, the following clearance(s):
Top Secret
Work Location Type:
Hybrid
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