Biologist

Axle•Bethesda, MD

1d•$100,000 - $110,000•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). Under this task order, the contractor will independently provide support services to satisfy the overall operational objectives of the NIH Clinical Center, Department of Transfusion Medicine, Human Leukocyte Antigen Laboratory. The primary objective is to provide services and deliverables through performance of support services.

Requirements

American Board of Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics certification eligible.
Field of Study: Genetics, Microbiology, Miscellaneous Biology
MS Office Suite
Strong communications skills, both oral and written.
Excellent analytical, organizational and time management skills.

Responsibilities

Perform work in the DTM HLA Laboratory, including specimen processing, DNA extraction and quantitation utilizing various manual and automated methods, molecular HLA typing utilizing polymerase chain reaction (PCR), sequence specific primer (SSP), sequence specific oligonucleotide (SSO) technology, and sequenced based typing (SBT).
Perform molecular HLA typing utilizing next generation sequencing and next generation sequencing data analysis.
Prepare agarose and perform gel electrophoresis; photo-documentation of results.
Interpret all HLA typing results.
Support the general HLA staff in communication with transplant groups and appropriate documentation.
Perform troubleshooting on current HLA analysis software and database management systems and all facets of laboratory.
Perform various HLA antibody screening and identification methods and interpretation.
Work with staff on the identification of unusual HLA antibody and typing patterns; maintain leadership and support role to encourage staff members to understand the complexities of antibody identification and the other work they perform.
Perform final review analysis process and determine any discrepancies which need resolution.
Participate in the review and audit of laboratory records and standard operating procedures (SOPs) in order to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the laboratory; maintain related documents.
Participate in the review of QC and quality assurance records to assure that the laboratory is maintaining necessary levels of accreditation.
Maintain documents related to keeping maintenance documentation and monitoring of quality assurance practices.
Provide a leadership role in taking the initiative to implement changes upon request.
Work with staff on test assay development, validation and implementation of new equipment and reagents in the sequencing area in order to provide a more efficient high-throughput test; maintain related documents.
Collaborate with staff on the evaluation of any new reagents assays for antibody detection that may benefit the laboratory.
Perform validation and recording of specimens in all appropriate software-based applications.
Apply troubleshooting skills in the areas of the laboratory software applications and instrumentation.
Monitor the quality assurance practices in all aspects of laboratory work.
Coordinate the teaching process of fellows, students, and other laboratory staff regarding new procedures and techniques.
Work on various research projects through the laboratory in order to document potential clinical application in the laboratory.