Overview

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 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 highly ambitious, adaptable, structured, and detail-oriented 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. 

Overall Position Summary and Objectives This order will independently provide support services to satisfy the overall operational objectives.

Deliverables:

• Work products and documents related to developing and optimizing biochemical and cell-based assays; organize findings into tables and figures. - Ad-Hoc
• Work products and documents related to evaluating new techniques and instruments; search literature; propose, design and test alternative assays to established protocols; confirm assay results and protocols; develop improved protocols. - Ad-Hoc
• Work products and documents related to cell and molecular biology experiments; test small molecules for utilization in cell differentiation protocols; propose and investigate new projects related to the goals of the SCTL. - Ad-Hoc
• Work products and documents related to maintain and update notebooks and equipment; prepare technical reports, summaries and manuscripts; prepare oral presentations and posters. - Ad-Hoc
• Meet with lab members to present updates - Ad-Hoc

Work Details:

• Performs research activities and other tasks in a laboratory environment.
• Perform sample preparation for lab assays and for collaboration.
• Perform DNA and RNA extraction and quantification.
• Perform experiments, including DNA and RNA purification, polymerase chain reactions, real-time PCR, Southern and Northern blotting, cloning of DNA segments and sequencing of DNA.
• Perform cell culture and biochemistry experiments, including basic tissue culture techniques, isolation of proteins from tissues/cells, Western blotting and immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence.
• Records observations and measurements and reports results at weekly laboratory meetings.
• Present and communicate results to chemists and project teams.
• Analyze experiment results and present findings in project meetings.
• Present and communicate results with Project Team and staff.
• Prepare a weekly report to include: a summary of the samples (experimental or clinical), the modifications measured, and the antibodies validated
• Prepare and deliver periodic oral group meeting reports.
• Documents and analyzes data from experiments.
• Collect, analyze and interpret data for experimental results; prepare tables and figures.
• Perform statistical analysis of the results to ascertain the association or lack thereof of each modification with the particular condition, diagnosis or manipulation of the samples.
• Organize data into tables and figures with Prism Plot or other data analysis/visualization software.
• Analyze and interpret scientific data.
• Analyze the experimental results and organize findings into tables and figures.
• Evaluates new technologies and instruments.
• Develop and optimize novel bioanalytical methods based on the future needs.
• Evaluate new technologies and instruments resulting in proposals for new screening strategies and novel assay formats.
• Search existing literature; propose, design and test alternative assays for difficult screening targets.
• Collaborate with staff on cutting-edge cell biology and bioassay technologies for the development of disease-relevant assays for screening.
• Maintains lab notebooks and lab equipment.
• Update and maintain records of experiments and results.
• Perform routine laboratory maintenance; ensure research supplies are kept stocked.
• Maintain and update accurate records of daily experiments and results including research documentation.
• Maintain and update laboratory notebooks and equipment.
• Maintain accurate research records digitally.
• Writes technical reports and prepares manuscripts.
• Write manuscript for publications, in collaboration with other team members and outside collaborators.
• Write and review technical protocols and reports documenting analytical development studies pertaining to assigned work.
• Prepare manuscripts and figures for publication.
• Write experiment reports and prepare manuscripts for publication in collaboration with other investigators.
• Write technical reports and prepare manuscripts.
• Performs lab techniques which study the chemical processes of living organisms.
• Develop and optimize cell-based and biochemical assays to support chemistry lead optimization.
• Support cell-based projects with tissue culture; cell culture maintenance including stem cells.
• Perform analysis of chromatin modification; immunohistological and immunofluorescence of samples; perform microdissection as necessary.
• Perform assays to validate antibodies western blot analysis, ELISA and immunoprecipitation.
• Prepare extracts of clinical and experimental samples and use validated antibodies to as many covalent modifications as is practicable to measure the relative modifications.
• Conducts research experiments that will determine the effects of food, drugs, serums, hormones, and other substances on tissues and processes of living organisms.
• Carry out drug repurposing screens against compound collections using the assays developed or transferred from collaborators.
• Set-up and maintain a cell culture lab; provide the material for compound screens.
• Conduct routine and non-routine sample preparation/extraction methods for a variety of biological matrices including but not limited to plasma, urine, skeletal muscle and brain tissue.
• Conduct research experiments that will determine the effects of food, drugs, serums, hormones and other substances on tissues and processes of living organisms.
• Presents findings at scientific conferences and meetings.
• Analyze the experiment results and present findings in project meetings, laboratory and outside meetings. 5
• Present data and results at regularly scheduled lab data clubs and journal clubs.
• Prepare posters and oral presentations for delivery at scientific meetings.
• Participates in the development of laboratory procedures.
• Work with staff on assay design and modification with the input from published scientific literature. 2
• Perform and develop secondary assays and confirmation assays for follow-up study. 4
• Work with staff on method development and validation. 3
• Work with staff in the design, implementation, interpretation, and reporting of bioanalytical method development and sample analysis. 1
• Under the mentorship of the SCTL group leader, address the key challenges that currently impede the translation of the iPSC technology for drug discovery and regenerative medicine applications.
• Establish new standards, quality controls, improved differentiation protocols and other resources for the iPSC field.
• Keep accurate and complete records of all scientific experiments and maintain and update laboratory notebooks and equipment; ensure that these records and raw data are properly retained.
• Develop and optimize biochemical and cell-based assays for fully characterization of pluripotent stem cells and their differentiated progeny.
• Analyze the experimental results and organize findings into tables and figures.
• Evaluate new technologies and instruments resulting in proposals for new screening strategies and novel assay formats.
• Search existing literature; propose, design and test alternative assays and experiments for difficult differentiation protocols.
• Draft technical reports, manuscripts and patent applications and present work internally and externally to consultants and collaborators as needed.
• Prepare oral presentations and posters for internal and external groups/conferences.
• Provide updates to assay providers; send summaries by email; conduct periodical teleconferences to discuss issues and coordinate actions.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5 represents priority rankings, where 1 is highest priority and 5 is lowest priority of those ranked

Minimum Education

• Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology or a related discipline
• Minimum of one (1) year of related experience

Software

• MS OFFICE

Skills

• Skill at maintaining accurate and detailed records of laboratory experiments
• Microscopy: Confocal, Electron, Multi-Photon, Fluorescence, Super-Resolution
• Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), qPCR, RT-PCR, RT-qPCR
• Immunocytochemistry, in-situ Hybridization
• Nucleic acid quantification
• Nucleic Acid Extraction
• Whole exome Sequencing
• Single Cell Sequencing
• Primary cell culture
• Gel Electrophoresis
• Library Preparation
• Immunoprecipitation
• Next-Gen Sequencing
• Manuscript writing
• Molecular Cloning

Benefits

• 100% Medical Dental & Vision Coverage for Employees
• Educational Benefits for Career Growth
• Paid Time Off (Including Holidays)
• Employee Referral Bonus
• Profit Sharing
• 401K Matching
• 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 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

Disclaimer: The above description is meant to illustrate the general nature of work and level of effort being performed by individual’s 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.