Automation Cell Culture Biologist

Guidehouse•Bethesda, MD

7d•$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 role requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust, with approved adjudication required before onboarding. The biologist will work independently to develop and perform experimental methods while collaborating with scientific staff and multidisciplinary teams. Core work includes large-scale induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) culture and differentiation, using high-throughput liquid-handling and robotic platforms, and evaluating the stability and reproducibility of iPSC-derived cells. The position also involves molecular and cellular analyses, microscopy and image-analysis methods, data interpretation, and preparation and presentation of research findings. The role includes supporting laboratory operations and research personnel by maintaining scientific equipment, reagents, and biological samples; training laboratory staff; coordinating laboratory activities; and providing scientific and technical support to additional projects as needed.

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.
Experience with programming or coding, such as VENUS, Visual Basic, C++, MATLAB, or Python.
Hands-on cell-culture experience, particularly 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 a Federal or DoD Public Trust; approved adjudication is required before onboarding.

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

Monitor technical procedures to ensure conformance to standards.
Record, organize, and maintain accurate digital and physical experimental, operational, production, and test records.
Collect, process, analyze, interpret, and organize research data.
Program and use computers to store, process, and analyze data.
Operate laboratory equipment to analyze samples.
Plan, design, develop, and conduct biological research studies into biological mechanisms, cellular function, development, and disease-related processes.
Independently design, develop, and perform experimental methods while supporting multidisciplinary research projects.
Collaborate with scientific staff to characterize genetic pathways associated with neurological disease using human cell-based models.
Assist scientific staff with experimental design, instrumentation, data acquisition and analysis, and preparation of figures and other research outputs.
Conduct large-scale iPSC culture experiments using high-throughput liquid-handling and robotic platforms.
Perform iPSC differentiation and phenotypic characterization procedures using established and published protocols.
Develop and optimize automated iPSC differentiation protocols for disease-relevant cell types, including neurons, astrocytes, and microglia.
Evaluate the stability and reproducibility of iPSCs 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 research team members to execute large-scale cell culture protocols using high-throughput robotic systems.
Perform immunological and molecular biology techniques, including Western blotting and immunostaining.
Develop image-analysis methods and routines 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 cell-culture model readouts.
Prepare reports, summaries, and figures, and present research results at team and departmental meetings.
Maintain, operate, and support scientific instrumentation and laboratory equipment, including cell-culture microscopy systems, microanalytical balances, centrifuges, and automated platforms.
Train laboratory staff in the proper use and operation of scientific instrumentation, laboratory equipment, and automated platforms.
Maintain laboratory equipment, reagents, frozen cell stocks, and mammalian biological samples, including acquisition, documentation, inventory, storage, and resource management.
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 research findings.
Provide scientific and technical support to additional research projects as required.

Benefits

Medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance.
Personal and family sick time and 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 and 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.