Biological Scientist
(ID: 2026-3851)
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 Biological Scientist to join our vibrant team at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) supporting the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) located in Rockville, 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)
Position Information:
This position designs, executes, and optimizes advanced molecular, cellular, genomic, and functional studies using genome engineering, stem cell biology, high-throughput screening, imaging, sequencing, and specialized analytical platforms to support mechanistic and translational research. The role also provides scientific and technical leadership in laboratory operations, quality control, instrumentation, data analysis, documentation, and multidisciplinary collaboration, contributing to research programs, publications, presentations, and grant-related activities
Additional Qualifications:
Field of Study
Biology
Molecular Biology
Skills
Cell culture
Molecular biology
Molecular Biology Genome Engineering
Cell Stem Cell Biology
Genomics Sequencing
Protein Cellular Assays
High-Throughput Screening
Advanced Instrumentation
Microscopy
Cell Banking Quality Control
Laboratory Operations
Scientific Analysis Communication
Deliverables:
Run Validation - Ad-Hoc
Inspect Equipment - Ad-Hoc
Meet with lab members to present updates - Weekly
Molecular biology, genome engineering, and functional genomics work products related to experimental reports, protocols, construct maps, plasmid inventories, and technical documentation related to the design, execution, and optimization of molecular biology and cell-based experiments, including CRISPR genome editing, cloning, construct design, gene expression analysis, and functional genomics studies - Ad-Hoc
Mammalian cell culture work products, laboratory reports, and technical documentation related to the maintenance, expansion, characterization, and experimental use of stem cell lines, and differentiated cell populations - Ad-Hoc
Stem cell differentiation work products, protocols, differentiation records, assay results, and technical reports related to stem cell differentiation, optimization of culture conditions, and implementation of automated and high-throughput cell culture platforms - Ad-Hoc
Genetic construct design and generation work products, construct designs, plasmid maps, cloning records, genome-editing validation reports, and associated documentation related to molecular cloning, plasmid engineering, CRISPR/Cas-mediated genome editing, and viral vector development - Ad-Hoc
DNA, RNA, and protein isolation work products, laboratory reports, quality control documentation, and technical records related to the isolation, quantification, characterization, and storage of DNA, RNA, and protein samples from cellular and tissue specimens - Ad-Hoc
Genomic sample preparation and sequencing support work products, sequencing preparation records, library preparation documentation, quality control reports, and technical documentation related to PCR, qPCR, next-generation sequencing (NGS), transcriptomics, and single-cell sequencing workflows - Ad-Hoc
multi-omics work products, sequencing reports, sample tracking records, analytical summaries, and technical documentation related to transcriptomic and genomic data generation workflows and coordination of downstream bioinformatics analyses - Ad-Hoc
Cell characterization and functional analysis work products, assay reports, experimental data, and technical documentation related to Western blotting, immunocytochemistry, immunofluorescence staining, and related protein and cellular characterization studies - Ad-Hoc
Tissue processing and histological analysis work products, microscopy datasets, tissue preparation records, cryostat sectioning documentation, image analysis reports, and technical documentation supporting cellular and molecular characterization studies - Ad-Hoc
High-throughput assay development work products, assay development plans, validation reports, screening datasets, and technical documentation related to the development, optimization, validation, and implementation of high-throughput screening platforms, including bioluminescence-, fluorescence-, and reporter-based assays - Ad-Hoc
Laboratory inventory management work products, inventory databases, reagent tracking systems, laboratory resource catalogs, and documentation related to establishing, maintaining, and updating inventories of reagents, antibodies, plasmids, cell lines, small molecules, consumables, and experimental protocols - Ad-Hoc
Statement of Work Details:
Design, execute, and optimize molecular biology and cell-based experiments utilizing advanced techniques including CRISPR genome editing, cloning, construct design, gene expression analysis, and functional genomics approaches. - 1
Prepare and process samples for next-generation sequencing (NGS), transcriptomic analyses, single-cell sequencing, PCR, qPCR, and other genomic applications, including library preparation and QC - 2
Conduct transcriptomic and genomic data generation workflows, including sample preparation, sequencing support, and coordination with bioinformatics teams for downstream analyses - 3
Coordinate all aspects of cell banking and cell line stewardship, including cryopreservation, recovery, authentication, distribution, shipment and receipt of cell lines, and maintenance of associated records - 4
Collaborate with multidisciplinary research teams, contributing scientific expertise in molecular biology, genome engineering, stem cell biology, assay development, and translational research to support program objectives and publications - 5
Provides technical experience needed to assist in studying the basic principles of plant and animal life
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
Perform and optimize mammalian cell culture experiments, including maintenance of primary cells, stem cells, immortalized cell lines, and differentiated cell populations under sterile conditions
Differentiate stem cells into specialized cell types using established and novel protocols, automated culture systems, and high throughput platforms to support translational and mechanistic studies
Design and generate genetic constructs through molecular cloning, plasmid engineering, CRISPR/Cas-based genome editing, and viral vector preparation to support functional studies
Isolate, quantify, and assess quality of DNA, RNA, and protein samples from cultured cells and tissue specimens using manual and automated workflows
Perform protein characterization assays, including Western blotting, immunocytochemistry, immunofluorescence staining, and related molecular and cellular analyses
Prepare and analyze tissue specimens using cryostat sectioning, microscopy, and histological techniques, supporting cellular and molecular characterization studies
Develop, validate, and implement high-throughput screening assays, including bioluminescence-, fluorescence-, and reporter-based assays for drug discovery and functional genomics applications
Perform cellular functional assays using instrumentation such as Seahorse metabolic flux analyzers, multi-electrode arrays, flow cytometers, and other specialized research platforms
Coordinate cell line QC programs, including mycoplasma testing, karyotyping, STR/DNA fingerprinting, contamination monitoring, and validation of genetically modified cell lines
Collaborate with multidisciplinary research teams, contributing scientific expertise in molecular biology, genome engineering, stem cell biology, assay development, and translational research to support program objectives and publications
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- Operate laboratory equipment to analyze samples
Analyze laboratory findings
Establish, maintain, and update laboratory inventories for reagents, antibodies, plasmids, cell lines, small molecules, consumables, and experimental protocols, ensuring accurate documentation and compliance with laboratory quality standards
Operate and maintain advanced imaging systems, including fluorescence and confocal microscopy platforms, and perform quantitative image analysis to assess cellular phenotypes and molecular markers
Maintain comprehensive laboratory records, including electronic laboratory notebooks, experimental protocols, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and regulatory documentation to ensure reproducibility and compliance
Monitor laboratory instrumentation and infrastructure, including troubleshooting equipment, coordinating maintenance and service contracts, validating instrument performance, and training laboratory personnel on proper operation
Analyze, interpret, and present experimental data, prepare technical reports, manuscripts, protocols, and presentations, and contribute to grant applications, scientific publications, and collaborative research initiatives
Learns new laboratory techniques and procedures
Program and use computers to store, process, and analyze data
Monitor operational procedures in technical environments to ensure conformance to standards
Interpret research or operational data
Record research or operational data
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: careers@axleinfo.com
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
$80,000—$85,000 USD