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Principal Policy Analyst (ELSI) (Secret Clearance #25-055)
Job Code:25-055
Location:Arlington, VA
FT/PT Status:Full Time
Required Clearance:Secret
  
Strategic Analysis is seeking a detail-oriented individual to support existing DARPA research programs in designing and establishing program-focused ELSI components or activities. DARPA’s Ethical Legal Societal Implications (ELSI) Team fosters research on ethical, legal, and societal implications for development of emerging technologies across all DARPA Technical Offices. Will work across diverse program topics, engaging with multiple technical offices to support research in a multitude of technical, policy, social science, and other areas to create and refine ELSI activities at DARPA. Apply familiarity with one or more DoD and DARPA policy domains (such as DoD policy governing Autonomous Weapons Systems; Biomanufacturing; Space manufacturing and development; AI/ML; Cyber operations; Modeling and Simulation).

Duties may include researching and reviewing policy and ELSI materials related to programs, brainstorming on workshop agendas and workshop attendees, and operating as a liaison between DARPA Program Managers with similar ELSI components.

Responsibilities:
• Serve as an Ethical, Legal, and Societal Implications (ELSI) Advisor, reviewing and assessing ethical and legal frameworks for DARPA research      programs in alignment with national security standards and emerging technology policies. 
• Developing comprehensive ELSI methodologies, including frameworks to assess the potential for malign re-purposing of emerging technologies. 
• Apply expertise from a Red Cell perspective, providing expert analysis on the risks posed by adversarial actors who may exploit these technologies. 
• Elevate security protocol awareness, particularly in anticipation of commercialization efforts, ensuring robust protection consideration during development against potential future misuse.
• Develop and implement innovative frameworks to assess and address the ethical, legal, and social implications of DARPA programs.
• Collaborate with Program Managers and funded research teams to integrate ELSI considerations into the design and conduct of projects.
• Conduct ongoing reviews of projects for ELSI compliance and provide recommendations to mitigate risks.
• Educate and train DARPA staff and stakeholders on ELSI issues related to DoD and DARPA policy domains (such as DoD policy governing Autonomous Weapons Systems; Biomanufacturing; Space manufacturing and development; AI/ML; Cyber operations; Modeling and Simulation).
• Convene DARPA staff and internal subject matter experts to participate and provide 
relevant expertise on ELSI matters 
• Serve as liaison between DARPA and external program-specific ELSI bodies (committees, experts, etc.), ensuring that projects meet all ethical and legal requirements.
• Participate in drafting policy recommendations and guidelines to enhance national research ethics.
• Collaborate with communication and public affairs team to develop accurate content and communication for target audiences. Includes risk communication.
• Engage with the public and other external parties to communicate the ethical dimensions of DARPA programs.
• Other strategic planning and duties related to the ELSI, equity, and messaging goals of the agency, as assigned by the Director for ELSI.


Requirements:
• Advanced degree in Bioethics, Law, Social Sciences, Public Health, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in an ELSI role, preferably within a research, academic, or governmental setting.
• Demonstrated knowledge of bioethics, privacy laws, and the regulatory landscape relevant to health research.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage complex ethical and legal issues.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of effectively interacting with a variety of stakeholders.
• Proven track record of working in multidisciplinary teams and fostering a collaborative environment.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Active TS/SCI clearance
• PhD or JD highly preferred.
• Experience in a leadership role in an ethics committee or similar body.
• Publications in relevant fields demonstrating thought leadership in ELSI issues.

Security Clearance: 
• Secret clearance required
SA is an equal opportunity/Affirmative Action Plan employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.