Biologist

Axle • Bethesda, MD

5h • $110,000 - $115,000 • 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).

Axle is seeking a Biologist to join our vibrant team at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) supporting the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) located in Bethesda, MD.

Requirements

• General experience with basic biochemical and molecular biology techniques and an understanding of general scientific principles.
• Proficiency in selective breeding of Drosophila melanogaster.
• Proficiency in measuring sleep and circadian behavior in flies and computing sleep and circadian phenotypes from raw activity data.
• Proficiency in conducting statistical analyses of sleep and circadian behavior.
• Self-motivation, attention to detail, and strong organizational skills.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent analytical and time-management skills.
• Microsoft Suite

Nice To Haves

• Ph.D. in a scientific field. A master's degree plus three years of specialized experience, or a bachelor's degree plus five years of specialized experience, may substitute for the Ph.D.
• Fields of study: Genetics, Microbiology, or Chemistry.

Responsibilities

• Conduct multigeneration selective breeding experiments to develop flies with extreme sleep and circadian phenotypes.
• Compute sleep and circadian phenotypes from fly activity data.
• Conduct statistical analyses of sleep and circadian behavior, including quantitative genetics analyses.
• Maintain Drosophila cultures for experimental purposes.
• Perform Sanger sequencing analysis of genomic DNA samples obtained from Drosophila.
• Prepare DNA and RNA samples for next-generation sequencing.
• Conduct confirmatory experiments using RT-qPCR.
• Prepare samples for laboratory team members' research assays and provide technical support and troubleshooting.
• Analyze laboratory findings and interpret research and operational data.
• Program and use computers to store, process, and analyze data.
• Maintain accurate experimental records and contribute to writing and preparing scientific papers for publication in recognized journals.
• Participate in laboratory meetings and planning sessions.
• Maintain laboratory equipment in good working order, identify maintenance contract needs, and prepare supporting documentation.
• Maintain the REES monitoring system for incubators and freezers.
• Assist with the shared circadian room and weekly dry ice delivery and unloading.
• Maintain the laboratory biosafety manual, provide biosafety training, and track training completion records.
• Flush eyewash stations weekly and coordinate chemical waste disposal and collection.
• Monitor technical operating procedures for conformance to standards.
• Train new fellows and laboratory personnel in fly handling, culturing, sleep measurements, and safety procedures.
• Train fellows in statistical analyses of sleep and circadian data.

Benefits

• 100% Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage for Employees
• Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
• 401K match up to 5%
• Educational Benefits for Career Growth
• Employee Referral Bonus
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Healthcare (FSA), Parking Reimbursement Account (PRK), Dependent Care Assistant Program (DCAP), Transportation Reimbursement Account (TRN)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree