Scientist

Axle•Rockville, MD

11d•$85,000 - $92,000

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 Production Program (VPP), Vaccine Research Center (VRC).

Requirements

B.S. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline. 4 years (minimum) industry, government or equivalent experience in protein formulation or a related field.
OR M.S. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline. 2 years (minimum) industry, government or equivalent experience in protein formulation or a related field.
Experience with study coordination and execution in one or more of the following areas: protein/vaccine formulation, protein/vaccine stability, protein/vaccine pre-formulation or related biophysical characterization/development.
Hands-on experience, including data analysis and basic theoretical knowledge, with three or more of the following techniques: UV-visible, fluorescence, Circular Dichroism and/or IRspectroscopy; Differential Scanning Calorimetry; Particle characterization (light scattering, subvisible particle analysis, HIAC, and/or MFI).
Strong knowledge of protein chemistry and biophysical properties of proteins.
Knowledge of standard biophysical and bioanalytical methods and underlying theory.
Experience with data analysis using standard and specialized software platforms (JMP, Origin,GRAMS, Prism, SigmaPlot, etc.).
Strong time management skills and experience balancing multiple projects.
Strong written, oral, and visual communication skills.
Ability to work independently
Proficiency with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, or other equivalent software suites.

Responsibilities

Coordinate and execute formulation and stability studies within a development team, including internal and interdepartmental coordination of activities as well as collation and interpretation of study data, under direction of a Formulation Scientist/Senior Scientist.
Write and review formulation, stability, and method development study protocols under direction of a Formulation Scientist/Senior Scientist.
Independently generate and analyze samples using both standard and advanced study specific analytical methods.
Independently analyze and collate analytical data.
Interpret analytical data with an understanding of protein/vaccine structure and stability concepts, and elements of the effects of solution components on stability.
Develop assays for vaccine and biotherapeutic characterization, including providing input into study design, under direction of a Formulation Scientist/Senior Scientist.
Provide technical guidance and training to formulation team members.
Write and review technical reports and protocols documenting formulation, stability, and method development studies.
Present data in small group, department, and conference settings.
Obtain information on new scientific advances in the field and new technologies, as required to for VRC programs
Oversee external service and execute routine maintenance and troubleshooting for one or more pieces of laboratory instrumentation.
Serve as Subject Matter Expert for one or more analytical and/or theoretical areas relevant to the formulation development program.