Axle Informatics 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).

OverviewAxle is seeking a highly ambitious, adaptable, structured, and detail-oriented Laboratory Technician join our vibrant team at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), Vaccine Research Center (VRC), Vaccine Production Program (VPP).

Technical Requirements: Laboratory Technician

• Contribute to the generation of stable cell lines for vaccine and therapeutic protein candidates including monoclonal antibodies, recombinant proteins, and virus-like particles.

• Independently culture mammalian cells in plates and shake flasks with aseptic technique.

• Independently transfect, select, and clone mammalian cells.

• Independently generate stable pools and perform transient protein production for supply of reagent-grade material.

• Prepare plasmid DNA using standard molecular cloning techniques including PCR, restriction digest, and bacterial culture.

• Participate in cell line development platform design, optimization, and cycle-time reduction studies including methods for clone selection, expansion, ranking, and characterization.

• Perform small-scale process development studies using various culture vessels including tissue culture plates, shake flasks, and small-scale bioreactors.

• Provide laboratory support for medium preparation and ordering of supplies.

• Oversee maintenance and support for core laboratory equipment (Cedex BioHT bioprocess analyzer used for tracking nutrients and metabolites in production runs)

o Maintain inventory of all associated supplies

o Train team members on proper usage, cleaning, and data retrieval

o Respond same day to requests from team members for troubleshooting support

o Perform routine maintenance and arrange service visits as needed

• Write and review technical reports documenting process development studies and stable cell line generation work.

• Write and review standard operating procedures for cell line development processes and instrumentation.

• Maintain complete documentation records, including a detailed and up-to-date laboratory notebook, to support regulatory filings.

• Regularly communicate progress to project lead and present work to cell line development team

Requirements

• B.S. in Biological Sciences with a minimum of 4 years of relevant work experience.

• Hands-on experience with aseptic technique and mammalian cell culture along with supporting technologies for cell line engineering including cell counting, high[1]throughput transfection, single-cell cloning, and flow cytometry.

• Experience in preparing technical reports, standard operating procedures, and data presentations.

• Ability to work independently to execute defined experiments and troubleshoot issues as needed to meet project timelines.

• Ability to effectively communicate plans, results, challenges, and ideas to other team members in oral and written forms.

• Familiarity with computer software for word processing and data analysis (Microsoft Excel, Word, and Powerpoint, Prism, FlowJo).

• Experience in monoclonal antibody and/or vaccine production.

Benefits

• 100% Medical, Dental & Vision premium coverage for Employees
• Paid Time Off (Including Holidays)
• Employee Referral Bonus
• 401K Match
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities
• Flexible Spending Accounts:
• Healthcare (FSA)
• Parking Reimbursement Account (PRK)
• Dependent Care Assistant Program (DCAP)
• Transportation Reimbursement Account (TRN)

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 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.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Commuter assistance
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Experience:

• Stable Cell Culture and Cell Line Generation: 2 years (Required)
• Cloning Mammalian Cells: 1 year (Required)
• Shake Flask and Fermenting Equipment: 1 year (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Bethesda, MD 20892: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person