Biological Scientist (Stem Cell Biology/Genome Engineering)

Nextonic Solutions • Rockville, MD

1d

About The Position

Nextonic Solutions is seeking a Biological Scientist to join its team at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), supporting the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) in Rockville, Maryland. The position designs, executes, and optimizes advanced molecular, cellular, genomic, and functional studies supporting mechanistic and translational research. Work uses genome engineering, stem cell biology, high-throughput screening, imaging, sequencing, and specialized analytical platforms.

The role provides scientific and technical leadership in laboratory operations, quality control, instrumentation, data analysis, documentation, and multidisciplinary collaboration. The scientist contributes to research programs, publications, presentations, and grant-related activities, and maintains laboratory records and inventories while supporting reproducible, standards-compliant research.

Requirements

• Skills or experience in cell culture.
• Skills or experience in molecular biology.
• Skills or experience in genome engineering.
• Skills or experience in stem cell biology.
• Skills or experience in genomics and sequencing.
• Skills or experience in protein and cellular assays.
• Skills or experience in high-throughput screening.
• Skills or experience with advanced instrumentation and microscopy.
• Skills or experience in cell banking and quality control.
• Skills or experience in laboratory operations and scientific analysis.
• Communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and optimize molecular biology and cell-based experiments, including CRISPR genome editing, cloning, construct design, gene expression analysis, and functional genomics.
• Perform and optimize mammalian cell culture, including maintenance of primary cells, stem cells, immortalized cell lines, and differentiated cell populations under sterile conditions.
• Differentiate stem cells into specialized cell types using established and novel protocols, automated culture systems, and high-throughput platforms.
• Design and generate genetic constructs using molecular cloning, plasmid engineering, CRISPR/Cas-based genome editing, and viral vector preparation.
• Prepare and process samples for NGS, transcriptomic analyses, single-cell sequencing, PCR, qPCR, and other genomic applications, including library preparation and quality control.
• Conduct genomic and transcriptomic data-generation workflows and coordinate with bioinformatics teams on downstream analyses.
• Coordinate cell banking and cell-line stewardship, including cryopreservation, recovery, authentication, distribution, shipment and receipt, and record maintenance.
• Isolate, quantify, characterize, and store DNA, RNA, and protein samples from cellular and tissue specimens.
• Perform protein and cellular characterization assays, including Western blotting, immunocytochemistry, and immunofluorescence staining.
• Prepare and analyze tissue specimens using cryostat sectioning, microscopy, and histological techniques.
• Develop, validate, and implement high-throughput screening assays, including bioluminescence-, fluorescence-, and reporter-based assays.
• Perform cellular functional assays using platforms such as Seahorse metabolic flux analyzers, multi-electrode arrays, and flow cytometers.
• Coordinate cell-line quality control, including mycoplasma testing, karyotyping, STR/DNA fingerprinting, contamination monitoring, and validation of genetically modified cell lines.
• Operate, calibrate, maintain, troubleshoot, and validate laboratory equipment and instrumentation; coordinate service and maintenance and train laboratory personnel in proper operation.
• Operate fluorescence and confocal microscopy systems and perform quantitative image analysis of cellular phenotypes and molecular markers.
• Establish, maintain, and update inventories of reagents, antibodies, plasmids, cell lines, small molecules, consumables, and experimental protocols.
• Prepare, organize, and maintain laboratory samples, supplies, equipment, experimental protocols, SOPs, electronic laboratory notebooks, and regulatory documentation.
• Monitor laboratory operational procedures for conformance to standards and maintain accurate research and operational data.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret biological and experimental data; record observations and results; and prepare reports and summaries.
• Present data and prepare technical reports, manuscripts, protocols, and presentations, and contribute to grant applications, publications, and collaborative research initiatives.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary research teams and contribute scientific expertise to program objectives and publications.
• Coordinate the work of biological technicians, technologists, and other scientists.
• Learn new laboratory techniques and procedures and use computers to store, process, and analyze data.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed