Automation Cell Culture Biologist

(ID: 2026-3950)

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 Automation Cell Culture Biologist to join our vibrant team at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) supporting the National Institute on Aging (NIA) located in Bethesda, MD.

Benefits We Offer:

• 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)

This automated cell culture biologist supports research at the Center for Alzheimer's and Related Dementias by characterizing genetic pathways for disease by automated large scale cell culture experiments Provides technical experience needed to assist in studying the basic principles of plant and animal life. 

Responsibilities:

- Plan and administer biological research programs 

- Study basic principles of plant and animal life, such as origin, relationship, development, anatomy, and function 

- Develop and maintain liaisons and effective working relations with groups and individuals, agencies, and the public to encourage cooperative management strategies or to develop information and interpret findings 

- Work with staff to characterize genetic pathways for Alzheimer's disease and related dementia (ADRD) using human cell-based models. 

- Work with staff on performing large-scale iPSC cell culture experiments on liquid handling platforms. 

- Program, operate, and implement novel methods on liquid handling platforms (Hamilton, Tecan). 

- Work with staff on performing various experiments and procedures related to differentiation and phenotyping of induced pluripotent stem cell lines. 

- Evaluate the stability of iPSC and iPSC-derived cells across multiple engineered and non-engineered lines. 

- Work with staff to apply published protocols for cell differentiation to IPSC lines, microscopy, and molecular analysis. 

- Work independently in designing, developing, and performing new methods 

- Work with staff to provide insight into the effects of ADRD-associated mutations on molecular readouts in cell culture. 

- Support other research projects. 

- Collect, Analyze, interpret, and organize data and present results in team and departmental meetings. 

- Keep detailed, organized, and accurate digital and physical experimental records. 

- Update and maintain laboratory notebooks and databases. 

- Attend meetings and present results and findings for staff discussion. Assists with performing basic laboratory experiments and procedures 

- Collect and analyze biological data about relationships among and between organisms and their environment 

- Monitor and observe experiments, recording production and test data for evaluation by research personnel 

- Analyze experimental data and interpret results to write reports and summaries of findings 

- Coordinate the work of biological technicians and technologists and other scientists 

- Collaborate with other team members to carry out large-scale cell culture protocols using high throughput robotic systems 

- Perform standard immunological techniques, including western blotting and immunostaining. Prepares, organizes and maintains various lab samples, supplies, and equipment 

- Operate, calibrate, or maintain equipment used in quantitative or qualitative analysis, such as spectrophotometers, calorimeters, flame photometers, or computer-controlled analyzers 

- Maintain laboratory equipment 

- Analyze laboratory findings 

- Train staff on the proper usage of laboratory instruments and equipment. 

- Calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot instruments and equipment in the laboratory. 

- Maintain and perform staff training on scientific instrumentation, cell culture microscopies, microanalytical balances, centrifuges, automated platforms. 

- Operate, troubleshoot, and train others to use laboratory equipment and software. 

- Provide assistance to laboratory staff in designing experiments, using instrumentation, data acquisition and analysis, and preparing figures for publication 

- Maintain scientific equipment and resources including reagents, stocks of frozen cells, mammalian samples including acquisition, documentation, and storage Learns new laboratory techniques and procedures 

- Work independently in laboratory assay development 

- Develop new automated differentiation protocols for iPSC lines to differentiate into disease-relevant cell types like neurons, astrocytes, and microglia 

- Develop image analysis routines to analyze the effects of disease-associated mutations on cellular phenotypes

 - Clean Equipment 

- Monitor operational procedures in technical environments to ensure conformance to standards. - 1 

- Record research or operational data. - 2 

- Interpret research or operational data. - 3 

- Program and use computers to store, process, and analyze data. - 4 

- Operate laboratory equipment to analyze samples. - 5 

- Daily - Run Validation and Inspect Equipment 

- Weekly: Meet with lab members to present updates 

- Bi-Weekly: Work products and documents related to characterizing genetic pathways for Alzheimer's disease and related dementia (ADRD) using human cell-based models; use IPSC lines to develop the differentiation protocols - Ad-Hoc

- Work products and documents related to evaluating the stability of differentiated cells across clines and passages to identify cell lines with desirable characteristics for subsequent cell engineering. - Ad-Hoc

- Work products and documentation to develop differentiation, microscopy, and automated cell culture protocols - Ad-Hoc 

- Work products and documentation resulting from automated cell culture phenotyping of iPSC lines. - Ad-Hoc

- Work products and documents related to providing insight into the effects of ADRD-associated mutations on molecular readouts in cell culture; conduct independent research relating to the genetics of ADRD. - Ad-Hoc

- Work products and documents related to applying published protocols for cell differentiation to IPSC lines, microscopy, and molecular analysis - Ad-Hoc

- Work products and documents related to updating and maintaining laboratory notebooks and databases; collect, analyze, and interpret data; prepare summaries and reports based on results and findings; draft and revise manuscripts for publication; attend meetings and present results and findings for staff discussion. - Ad-Hoc 

Certifications/Licenses: 

- Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) 

- Master's degree in cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, bioengineering, chemical engineering, or a closely related discipline 

- Minimum of two (2) years of related experience. 

- Genetics - Neuroscience - Molecular Biology 

Software: 

- Outlook 

- R 

- Seurat 

- Excel 

- Power point 

- Google Drive 

- Experience in programming/coding (VENUS, Visual Basic, C++, MATLAB, or Python programming). 

Skills: 

- Proficiency with automated liquid handling robots 

- Planning and optimizing experiments 

- QC Testing 

- Hands-on experience with cell culture in particular working with iPS cells. 

- Hands-on experience with operating and programming liquid handling robotics and platforms (Hamilton preferred, TECAN, Beckman, Agilent). 

- Knowledge of proper laboratory disposal methods and procedures 

- Strong communications skills, both oral and written - Excellent analytical, organizational and time management skills.

Disclaimer: The above description is meant to illustrate the general nature of work and level of effort being performed by individuals assigned to this position or job description. This is not restricted as a complete list of all skills, responsibilities, duties, and/or assignments required. Individuals may be required to perform duties outside of their position, job description or responsibilities as needed.

The diversity of Axle’s employees is a tremendous asset. We are firmly committed to providing equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and will not tolerate any illegal discrimination or harassment based on age, race, gender, religion, national origin, disability, marital status, covered veteran status, sexual orientation, status with respect to public assistance, and other characteristics protected under state, federal, or local law and to deter those who aid, abet, or induce discrimination or coerce others to discriminate.

Accessibility: If you need an accommodation as part of the employment process please contact: [email protected]

This role has a market-competitive salary with an anticipated base compensation range listed below. Actual salaries will vary depending on a candidate’s experience, qualifications, skills, and location.

Salary Range

$110,000—$114,000 USD