Automation Cell Culture Biologist

Guidehouse • Bethesda, MD

5d • $85,000 - $141,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Guidehouse is seeking an Automation Cell Culture Biologist to support NIH research characterizing genetic pathways associated with disease through automated, large-scale cell culture experiments. This is a full-time, on-site position in Bethesda, Maryland, with no travel required. The work includes independently developing experimental methods while collaborating with scientific staff and multidisciplinary research teams.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in genetics, neuroscience, or molecular biology and at least two years of related research experience in cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, bioengineering, chemical engineering, or a closely related discipline; alternatively, a bachelor’s degree and at least five years of related research experience.
• Programming or coding experience with VENUS, Visual Basic, C++, MATLAB, or Python.
• Hands-on cell-culture experience, particularly working with iPS cells.
• Proficiency with automated liquid-handling robots.
• Hands-on experience operating and programming liquid-handling robotics and platforms.
• Experience planning and optimizing experiments and performing quality-control testing.
• Ability to obtain and maintain Federal or DoD public trust; approved adjudication is required before onboarding with Guidehouse.

Nice To Haves

• Active public trust or suitability.
• Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) certification.
• Knowledge of proper laboratory disposal methods and procedures.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and time-management skills.
• Experience with Hamilton, Tecan, Beckman, or Agilent liquid-handling platforms; Hamilton is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan, design, develop, and conduct biological research studies involving biological mechanisms, cellular function, development, and disease-related processes.
• Collaborate with scientific staff to characterize neurological disease-associated genetic pathways using human cell-based models.
• Conduct large-scale induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) culture experiments, including work using high-throughput liquid-handling and robotic platforms.
• Perform iPSC differentiation and phenotypic characterization, and apply established protocols for differentiation, microscopy, molecular analysis, and cellular characterization.
• Develop and optimize automated differentiation protocols for iPSC lines into neurons, astrocytes, microglia, and other disease-relevant cell types.
• Evaluate the stability and reproducibility of iPSC and iPSC-derived cells across engineered and non-engineered cell lines.
• Program, operate, and implement methods on automated liquid-handling platforms, including Hamilton and Tecan systems; collaborate with team members to execute large-scale automated cell-culture protocols.
• Perform immunological and molecular biology techniques, including Western blotting and immunostaining.
• Develop image-analysis methods to assess the effects of disease-associated mutations on cellular phenotypes.
• Analyze molecular and cellular data to characterize the effects of disease-associated mutations on experimental readouts.
• Collect, interpret, organize, and record experimental and operational data; prepare reports, summaries, figures, and other research outputs; and present results at team and departmental meetings.
• Assist scientific staff with experimental design, instrumentation, data acquisition and analysis, and preparation of research outputs.
• Operate laboratory equipment to analyze samples and maintain, operate, and support laboratory instrumentation and equipment.
• Train laboratory staff in the proper use of scientific instrumentation, laboratory equipment, and automated platforms.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, reagents, frozen cell stocks, and mammalian biological samples, including acquisition, documentation, inventory, and storage.
• Coordinate the activities of biological technicians, technologists, scientists, and other laboratory personnel in support of research objectives.
• Develop and maintain working relationships with internal and external collaborators to support scientific coordination, information exchange, and interpretation of findings.
• Provide scientific and technical support to additional research projects as required.
• Monitor operational procedures in technical environments to ensure compliance with standards.

Benefits

• Medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance
• Personal and family sick time
• Company-paid holidays
• Parental leave
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Group term life insurance and travel assistance
• Voluntary life and AD&D insurance
• Health savings account
• Health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• Transit and parking commuter benefits
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Tuition reimbursement
• Personal development, certifications, and learning opportunities
• Employee referral program
• Corporate-sponsored events and community outreach
• Care.com annual membership
• Employee assistance program
• Supplemental benefits, including critical care, hospital indemnity, accident insurance, legal assistance, and identity theft protection
• Position may be eligible for a discretionary variable incentive bonus

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level