Automation Cell Culture Biologist

Axle•Baltimore, MD

17h•Onsite

About The Position

Axle is a bioscience and information technology company that offers advancements in translational research, biomedical informatics, and data science applications to research centers and healthcare organizations nationally and abroad. With experts in biomedical science, software engineering, and program management, we focus on developing and applying research tools and techniques to empower decision-making and accelerate research discoveries. We work with some of the top research organizations and facilities in the country including multiple institutes at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Axle is seeking a Automation Cell Culture Biologist to join our vibrant team at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) supporting the National Institute on Aging (NIA) located in Baltimore, MD. This role supports research at the Center for Alzheimer's and Related Dementias by characterizing genetic pathways for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) through automated, large-scale cell culture experiments. The position centers on performing iPSC (induced pluripotent stem cell) culture, differentiation, and phenotyping work on automated liquid handling platforms, and on evaluating how ADRD-associated mutations affect molecular and cellular readouts.

Requirements

Master's degree in cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, bioengineering, chemical engineering, or a closely related discipline
Minimum of two years of related experience
Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) certification
Hands-on experience with automated liquid handling robotics (Hamilton preferred; TECAN, Beckman, or Agilent also considered)
Direct experience culturing iPS cells
Experience in programming/coding (VENUS, Visual Basic, C++, MATLAB, or Python programming)
Proficiency with automated liquid handling robots
Planning and optimizing experiments
QC testing
Hands-on experience with cell culture, particularly working with iPS cells
Hands-on experience operating and programming liquid handling robotics and platforms (Hamilton preferred, TECAN, Beckman, Agilent)
Knowledge of proper laboratory disposal methods and procedures
Strong communication skills, both oral and written
Excellent analytical, organizational, and time management skills

Nice To Haves

Field of Study Genetics
Neuroscience
Molecular Biology
Software Outlook
R
Seurat
Excel
PowerPoint
Google Drive

Responsibilities

Monitor operational procedures in technical environments to ensure conformance to standards
Record research or operational data
Interpret research or operational data
Program and use computers to store, process, and analyze data
Operate laboratory equipment to analyze samples
Plan and administer biological research programs
Study basic principles of plant and animal life, such as origin, relationship, development, anatomy, and function
Develop and maintain liaisons and effective working relations with groups, individuals, agencies, and the public to encourage cooperative management strategies or to develop information and interpret findings
Work with staff to characterize genetic pathways for Alzheimer's disease and related dementia (ADRD) using human cell-based models
Work with staff on performing large-scale iPSC cell culture experiments on liquid handling platforms
Program, operate, and implement novel methods on liquid handling platforms (Hamilton, Tecan)
Work with staff on performing various experiments and procedures related to differentiation and phenotyping of induced pluripotent stem cell lines
Evaluate the stability of iPSC and iPSC-derived cells across multiple engineered and non-engineered lines
Work with staff to apply published protocols for cell differentiation to iPSC lines, microscopy, and molecular analysis
Work independently in designing, developing, and performing new methods
Work with staff to provide insight into the effects of ADRD-associated mutations on molecular readouts in cell culture
Support other research projects
Collect, analyze, interpret, and organize data and present results in team and departmental meetings
Keep detailed, organized, and accurate digital and physical experimental records
Update and maintain laboratory notebooks and databases
Attend meetings and present results and findings for staff discussion
Collect and analyze biological data about relationships among and between organisms and their environment
Monitor and observe experiments, recording production and test data for evaluation by research personnel
Analyze experimental data and interpret results to write reports and summaries of findings
Coordinate the work of biological technicians and technologists and other scientists
Collaborate with other team members to carry out large-scale cell culture protocols using high throughput robotic systems
Perform standard immunological techniques, including western blotting and immunostaining
Operate, calibrate, or maintain equipment used in quantitative or qualitative analysis, such as spectrophotometers, calorimeters, flame photometers, or computer-controlled analyzers
Maintain laboratory equipment
Analyze laboratory findings
Train staff on the proper usage of laboratory instruments and equipment
Calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot instruments and equipment in the laboratory
Maintain and perform staff training on scientific instrumentation, cell culture microscopies, microanalytical balances, centrifuges, and automated platforms
Operate, troubleshoot, and train others to use laboratory equipment and software
Provide assistance to laboratory staff in designing experiments, using instrumentation, data acquisition and analysis, and preparing figures for publication
Maintain scientific equipment and resources including reagents, stocks of frozen cells, and mammalian samples, including their acquisition, documentation, and storage
Work independently in laboratory assay development
Develop new automated differentiation protocols for iPSC lines to differentiate into disease-relevant cell types like neurons, astrocytes, and microglia
Develop image analysis routines to analyze the effects of disease-associated mutations on cellular phenotypes