Biological Scientist

Axle • Rockville, MD

5d • $80,000 - $85,000

About The Position

Axle is seeking a Biological Scientist to support the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) 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 contributes scientific and technical leadership in laboratory operations, quality control, instrumentation, data analysis, documentation, and multidisciplinary collaboration. The Biological Scientist supports research programs and contributes to reports, presentations, publications, and grant-related activities. Responsibilities include experimental design and execution, mammalian cell culture and stem cell differentiation, genetic construct generation, sample preparation and genomic analyses, cell banking and quality control, high-throughput assay development, tissue and cellular characterization, equipment operation, inventory management, and maintenance of comprehensive laboratory records.

Requirements

• Skills or experience in biology or molecular biology.
• Cell culture experience.
• Molecular biology and genome engineering skills.
• Stem cell biology experience.
• Genomics and sequencing experience.
• Protein and cellular assay experience.
• High-throughput screening experience.
• Experience with advanced instrumentation and microscopy.
• Cell banking and quality-control experience.
• Laboratory operations skills.
• Scientific analysis and 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 studies.
• Prepare and process samples for next-generation sequencing, 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, receipt, and recordkeeping.
• Perform and optimize mammalian cell culture involving primary cells, stem cells, immortalized cell lines, and differentiated cell populations under sterile conditions.
• Differentiate stem cells using established and novel protocols, automated culture systems, and high-throughput platforms.
• Design and generate genetic constructs using molecular cloning, plasmid engineering, CRISPR/Cas genome editing, and viral vector preparation.
• Isolate, quantify, and assess the quality of DNA, RNA, and protein samples from cultured cells and tissue specimens using manual and automated workflows.
• 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 Seahorse metabolic flux analyzers, multi-electrode arrays, flow cytometers, and other specialized platforms.
• Coordinate cell line quality-control programs, including mycoplasma testing, karyotyping, STR/DNA fingerprinting, contamination monitoring, and validation of genetically modified cell lines.
• Operate and maintain advanced imaging systems, including fluorescence and confocal microscopy platforms, and perform quantitative image analysis.
• Establish, maintain, and update inventories of reagents, antibodies, plasmids, cell lines, small molecules, consumables, and experimental protocols.
• Maintain laboratory samples, supplies, equipment, electronic laboratory notebooks, experimental protocols, SOPs, and regulatory documentation.
• Operate, calibrate, troubleshoot, and maintain laboratory equipment and instrumentation; coordinate maintenance and service, validate instrument performance, and train personnel in proper operation.
• Monitor experiments and operational procedures, record and analyze data, interpret results, and prepare reports and summaries.
• Analyze and present experimental data; 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 support 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.
• Perform basic laboratory experiments and procedures and collect biological data about relationships among and between organisms and their environment.

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 account, dependent care assistance program, and transportation reimbursement account

What This Job Offers

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