Biological Scientist

Axle • Rockville, MD

5d • Onsite

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 using genome engineering, stem cell biology, high-throughput screening, imaging, sequencing, and specialized analytical platforms to support mechanistic and translational research. It also provides scientific and technical leadership in laboratory operations, quality control, instrumentation, data analysis, documentation, and multidisciplinary collaboration, contributing to research programs, publications, presentations, and grant-related activities.

The role includes molecular biology and cell-based experimentation, mammalian cell culture and stem cell differentiation, genetic construct design and genome editing, nucleic acid and protein sample preparation, sequencing support, cell banking and quality control, tissue processing, microscopy, and assay development. The scientist maintains laboratory equipment, inventories, records, and quality standards; analyzes and presents research findings; and collaborates with research and bioinformatics teams. The job description also states that the role assists with studying basic principles of plant and animal life and may include coordinating the work of biological technicians, technologists, and other scientists.

The anticipated base compensation range is $80,000–$85,000 USD. Actual salaries may vary based on experience, qualifications, skills, and location.

Requirements

• Field of study: Biology or Molecular Biology.
• Skills and experience in cell culture, molecular biology, genome engineering, stem cell biology, genomics, sequencing, protein and cellular assays, high-throughput screening, advanced instrumentation, microscopy, cell banking, quality control, laboratory operations, scientific analysis, and communication.
• Ability to perform molecular and cell-based experiments, including CRISPR genome editing, cloning, construct design, gene expression analysis, and functional genomics.
• Ability to prepare samples and support PCR, qPCR, NGS, transcriptomic, and single-cell sequencing workflows.
• Ability to maintain laboratory records, equipment, supplies, and inventories and to analyze and report experimental findings.

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 through 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 transcriptomic and genomic 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.
• Coordinate cell-line quality-control programs, including mycoplasma testing, karyotyping, STR/DNA fingerprinting, contamination monitoring, and validation of genetically modified cell lines.
• Isolate, quantify, characterize, and assess the quality of DNA, RNA, and protein 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 specialized platforms such as Seahorse metabolic flux analyzers, multi-electrode arrays, and flow cytometers.
• Operate and maintain fluorescence and confocal microscopy systems 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, protocols, SOPs, and regulatory documentation.
• Operate, calibrate, troubleshoot, and maintain laboratory equipment; coordinate service and maintenance, validate instrument performance, and train personnel on equipment operation.
• Monitor laboratory operations and instrumentation to ensure conformance to standards and quality requirements.
• Collect, record, analyze, and interpret biological and experimental data; prepare reports and summaries of findings.
• Present updates to laboratory members and prepare technical reports, manuscripts, protocols, and presentations; contribute to grant applications, publications, and collaborative research initiatives.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary research teams, contributing expertise in molecular biology, genome engineering, stem cell biology, assay development, and translational research.
• Assist with studying basic principles of plant and animal life, performing laboratory experiments, and collecting and analyzing biological data about relationships among organisms and their environment.
• Coordinate the work of biological technicians, technologists, and other scientists.

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