Position Objective: Provide services as a Biological Scientist (ADRD) in support of the overall functions of the National Institute on Aging (NIA) within the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Under this task order, the contractor will independently provide support services to satisfy the overall operational objectives of the National Institute on Aging – Center for Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias (CARD). The primary objective is to provide services and deliverables through performance of support services.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work with staff to characterize genetic pathways for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia (ADRD) using human cell-based models. 1
• Work with staff on performing large-scale iPSC cell culture experiments. 2
• 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.
• Independently design, troubleshoot, and carry out various molecular cloning experiments related to CRISPR.
• Interference tool development and iPSC differentiation. 3
• Use SnapGene software to design and plan novel cloning projects. Transform bacteria with agar and liquid culture.
• Perform plasmid miniprep, maxiprep, gigaprep using column-based extraction kits.
• Prepare plasmid samples for sequencing by external companies.
• Perform genomic DNA extraction using column-based extraction kits.
• Prepare custom genomic DNA libraries for next-generation sequencing.
• Collaborate with other team members to carry out large-scale cell culture protocols using manual and high throughput robotic systems.
• Transduce iPSCs with lentivirus and transfect iPSCs with plasmids as part of routine cell culture experiments. Perform standard immunological techniques, including western blotting and immunostaining.
• Perform flow cytometry on iPSCs.
• Provide scientific and technical expertise to all visiting fellows, post-docs, and technicians internal and external. Mentor junior level scientists by supporting other research projects.
• Train staff on the proper usage of laboratory instruments and equipment. 4
• 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.
• Review scientific equipment and resources including reagents, stocks of frozen cells, mammalian samples including acquisition, documentation, and storage.
• Mentor junior level scientists by training them on the proper use of equipment.
• Develop new differentiation protocols for iPSC lines to differentiate into disease-relevant cell types like neurons, astrocytes, and microglia. 5
• Develop image analysis routines to analyze the effects of disease-associated mutations on cellular phenotypes. Willing to learn how to operate, and implement novel methods on liquid handling platforms (Hamilton, Biotek Willing to learn and maintain in-house flow cytometry machine.
• 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 molecular cloning, cell differentiation, microscopy, and automated cell culture protocols. - Ad-Hoc
• Work products and documents related to developing novel tools for CRISPR interference tool development in iPSCs - 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
• Work products and documentation resulting from cell culture phenotyping of iPSC lines. - Ad-Hoc

Basic Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, or a closely related discipline.
• Skilled in MS Office Suite and SnapGene.
• Hands-on experience with molecular cloning design, implementation, and troubleshooting.
• Hands-on experience with cell culture in particular working with iPS cells.
• Knowledge of proper laboratory disposal methods and procedures.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ability to multi-task and pay close attention to detail.
• Excellent analytical, organizational and time management skills.
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written.

*This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required by this position.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

GAP Solutions provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need an accommodation to apply for a job us at recruiting@gapsi.com. You will need to reference the requisition number of the position in which you are interested. Your message will be routed to the appropriate recruiter who will assist you. Please note, this email address is only to be used for those individuals who need an accommodation to apply for a job. Emails for any other reason or those that do not include a requisition number will not be returned.

GAP Solutions is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, ethnicity, ancestry, color, sex, religion, creed, age, national origin, citizenship status, disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation or perceived sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, and gender expression, familial status, political affiliation, genetic information, or any other legally protected status or characteristics.

This position is contingent upon contract award.