Automation Cell Culture Biologist

Axle • Bethesda, MD

10d • $110,000 - $114,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Axle is seeking an Automation Cell Culture Biologist to join its team at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), supporting the National Institute on Aging (NIA) in Bethesda, Maryland. The role supports research at the Center for Alzheimer's and Related Dementias, characterizing genetic pathways for disease through automated, large-scale cell culture experiments. The position applies technical expertise in biological research, human cell-based models, induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) culture and differentiation, automation, and laboratory analysis.

The biologist performs and develops experiments and protocols involving iPSC lines, automated liquid-handling platforms, microscopy, molecular analysis, and cell phenotyping. The role includes evaluating cell-line stability, investigating the effects of ADRD-associated mutations, developing automated differentiation and image-analysis methods, and supporting other research projects. The biologist also analyzes and presents results, maintains accurate experimental records and laboratory resources, operates and maintains equipment, and assists and trains laboratory staff.

Requirements

• Master's degree in cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, bioengineering, chemical engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• At least two years of related experience.
• Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) certification or knowledge.
• Knowledge or experience in genetics, neuroscience, and molecular biology.
• Hands-on cell culture experience, particularly with iPS cells.
• Proficiency with automated liquid-handling robots.
• Experience operating and programming liquid-handling robotics and platforms.
• Ability to plan and optimize experiments and perform quality-control testing.
• Knowledge of proper laboratory disposal methods and procedures.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and time-management skills.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Hamilton liquid-handling platforms; experience with TECAN, Beckman, or Agilent platforms is also relevant.
• Programming or coding experience with VENUS, Visual Basic, C++, MATLAB, or Python.
• Experience with R, Seurat, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and Google Drive.

Responsibilities

• Plan and administer biological research programs and study biological principles, relationships, development, anatomy, and function.
• Collaborate with staff to characterize genetic pathways for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) using human cell-based models.
• Perform large-scale iPSC cell culture experiments using liquid-handling platforms.
• Program, operate, implement methods on, calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot liquid-handling platforms and other laboratory instruments.
• Perform experiments and procedures related to differentiation and phenotyping of induced pluripotent stem cell lines.
• Evaluate the stability of iPSCs and iPSC-derived cells across engineered and non-engineered lines, passages, and cell types.
• Apply published protocols for cell differentiation, microscopy, and molecular analysis.
• Independently design, develop, and perform new laboratory methods and assays.
• Develop automated differentiation protocols for iPSC lines into disease-relevant cell types, including neurons, astrocytes, and microglia.
• Develop image-analysis routines to assess effects of disease-associated mutations on cellular phenotypes.
• Provide insight into effects of ADRD-associated mutations on molecular readouts in cell culture and conduct related research.
• Collect, analyze, interpret, organize, and record biological and experimental data; prepare reports, summaries, figures, and manuscripts.
• Present updates and findings at team, departmental, and staff meetings.
• Maintain detailed experimental records, laboratory notebooks, databases, reagents, frozen cell stocks, mammalian samples, and other laboratory resources.
• Perform standard immunological techniques, including western blotting and immunostaining.
• Operate, calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment, including automated platforms, microscopes, balances, and centrifuges; clean equipment and inspect and validate its operation.
• Train staff in the proper use of laboratory instruments, equipment, software, and scientific instrumentation.
• Assist laboratory staff with experiment design, instrumentation, data acquisition and analysis, and preparation of figures for publication.
• Coordinate and collaborate with biological technicians, technologists, scientists, and other team members on research and high-throughput cell culture protocols.
• Monitor laboratory and technical procedures for compliance with standards and proper disposal procedures.
• Meet with laboratory members weekly to present updates and complete other research-related work products and documentation as needed.

Benefits

• 100% medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees.
• Paid time off and paid holidays.
• 401(k) match up to 5%.
• Educational benefits for career growth.
• Employee referral bonus.
• Flexible spending accounts, including healthcare FSA, parking reimbursement, dependent care assistance, and transportation reimbursement.

What This Job Offers

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