Biologist (52562)

GAP SOLUTIONS INC•Bethesda, MD

2d•$80,000 - $90,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Biologist will independently provide support services to satisfy the overall operational objectives of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases within the National Institutes of Health. The primary objective is to provide services and deliverables through performance of support services.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Biology, Life Sciences, or a related discipline
Three years of specialized experience plus a Bachelor’s degree is equivalent to a Master’s degree.
Minimum of five years of laboratory experience.
Expertise in molecular biology techniques.
Knowledge of maintaining accurate and detailed records.
Knowledge of proper laboratory disposal methods and safety procedures.
Experienced using MS Office Suite.

Nice To Haves

Strong presentation, self-motivational, analytical, problem solving and organizational skills.
Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with non-technical and technical staff
Detail-oriented and possess strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks and projects
Knowledge of HHS agency regulations, policies, and procedures related to biospecimen management.

Responsibilities

Perform laboratory procedures following protocols including deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequencing, cloning and extraction, ribonucleic acid (RNA) purification, or gel electrophoresis.
Operate all basic lab equipment such as computers, centrifuges, UV light box and camera, quantitation instruments, Agilent Bioanalyzer, PCR and qPCR instruments, plate reader, etc.
Evaluate new technologies to enhance or complement current research.
Research and recommend implementation to qPCR and multiplex PCR, DNA and RNA isolation and characterization methdologies.
Perform quality control, validation, and other quality activities to verify performance of clinical assays.
Maintain precise and complete records of all experimental activities, to include methodologies, instrumentation and findings for future reference.
Input accurate record of all research activties and findings in in-house databases and repositories.
Prepare routine status updates and outcome briefings to peer researchers and senior program executives.
Provide routine activity updates and briefings to senior researchers and program executives.
Consult with diverse, cross-functional stakeholder groups to identify opportunities, develop problem statements and understand context to inform research strategies.
Search scientific literature to select and modify methods and procedures.
Collaborate with professional and academic societies, associations and organizations to identify new approaches to diagnostic testing and prepare recommendations for adoption.
Maintain deep understanding of research methodologies and the latest trends and developments in molecular and celluar biological testing and research.
Produce final reports and presentations of experiments and findings for distribution internally among researchers and senior administrators.
Work with staff on scientific research experiments involving, but not limited to, molecular biology, biochemical and electrophoretic techniques, cell biology and genetics.
Perform experiments to investigate alterations in chromatin structure and modification associated with switch recombination of the immunoglobulin loci in human cells.
Conduct experiments designed to analyze interactions of the catalytic factors in antigen receptor gene rearrangements with other proteins, specifically with poly-ADP Ribose polymerase.
Coordinate, develop, and implement all assigned experiments and protocols, including time and resources required; establish plans and schedules supporting the successful completion of assays; evaluate progress of experiments to ensure that they are proceeding as planned.
Process human biospecimens including blood and urine products to be used in research and development activities.
Make recommendations on the best storage conditions for biospecimens; ensure that matrixed environments are used to preserve and protect the specimens.
Provide support for the acquisition and management of biological samples used for calculating energy expenditure by bomb calorimetry.
Critically analyze results of experiments to determine whether generated data is accurate and valid; compare results with previous related studies to verify data validity.
Identify unusual or unexpected results and their probable causes; recommend rerunning experiments or modifying conditions as necessary.
Coordinate daily operations, including inventory tracking, processing, distribution, storage, withdrawal, shipment and destruction of biological material in the biorepository.
Orient and train staff on methods and procedures used in the laboratory; instruct students, visiting scientists and others on laboratory procedures and equipment usage.
Coordinate activities for laboratory research projects and staff.
Ensure that laboratory equipment is available as needed, properly calibrated and in working order; perform preventive maintenance and make repairs or arrange for service.
Review and recommend new equipment; schedule demonstrations; and initiate procurement; coordinate installation and training for new equipment.
Organize daily laboratory notebook on experiments.
Use a variety of statistical methods for analysis of data; interpret findings, summarize conclusions and prepare data in final form.
Prepare weekly updates on on-going experiments and tasks.
Provide monthly progress notes on assigned projects.
Submit final progress reports and future directions on projects.
Prepare short resumes on scientific questions.
Perform scientific literature searches.
Write and submit research papers to peer-reviewed scientific journals.
Contribute in collaborative projects with other laboratories and departments.
Give lab presentations about important scientific paper or results.
Produce presentation slides for meetings.
Clean Equipment
Run Validation
Inspect Equipment
Meet with lab members to present updates