Scientist

Axle•Rockville, MD

9h•$70,000 - $90,000

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 around the globe. 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 looking to add a driven, flexible, organized, and meticulous Scientist to our dynamic team. The Contractor(s) shall provide services in support of the overall functions of the Vaccine Research Center (VRC), Vaccine Immunology Program (VIP).

Requirements

Master’s degree in biology, Life Sciences, or a related discipline. Two (2) years of specialized experience plus a BA/BS degree is equivalent to a Master’s degree.
Minimum of five (5) years of experience in biology or a related field including cell and molecular biology, immunology, and/or next generation sequencing.

Responsibilities

Plan and execute a wide range of complex procedures and techniques including, aseptic cell culture, molecular biology (DNA/RNA isolation, cloning, analysis, purification, Illumina next generation sequencing, RNAseq through single cell SMARTseq, 10X Genomics), and cellular assays (binding and neutralization).
Design and implement improved methods to existing single-cell sequencing protocols.
Develop and optimize assays for diverse new projects.
Conduct research including planning and conducting experiments and data analysis.
Maintain and operate a variety of laboratory instruments.
Collaborate with scientists from other organizations or institutions involved in similar or related research projects.
Provide support and mentor to students, post-doctoral fellows and non-doctoral research technicians on experimental design and laboratory-based methodologies.
Maintain accurate daily records of experiments to include the organization and archiving of research data properly.
Manage project pipeline for the Vaccine Immunology Program.
Maintain, operate, and optimize robotics to increase library prep throughput and sample clean-up.
Integrate single cell next generation sequencing instruments (NextSeq, Miseq, 10x Chromium) to increase the project versatility of the Genome Analysis Core.
Produce high quality scientific data and analysis consistently using new methods such as single cell sequencing.
Analyze and interpret research data, communicate results and methods in reports, presentations, and manuscripts.
Prepare presentations of research for internal data review and for external audiences.
Help train post-baccalaureate IRTAs in molecular biology assays in the core.
Train collaborators in molecular biology assays performed by the core.
Wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in a BSL-2 laboratory.
Work collaboratively with team members to complete all tasks for the day, but also be accountable as an individual for personal tasks.
Utilize various laboratory equipment such as Biological Safety Cabinet (BSC), centrifuge, pipettes, liquid nitrogen tank, and others.
Perform basic equipment maintenance as needed.
Write and revise SOPs within VIP’s electronic database.