Provide services as a Cell Biologist 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. Provides technical experience needed to assist Cell Culture platform and work with staff to characterize genetic pathways for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia (ADRD) using human cell-based models.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work with staff on performing various experiments and procedures related to differentiation and phenotyping of induced pluripotent stem cell iPSC lines, including longitudinal and automated imaging of CNS-differentiated cells. 1
• Evaluate the stability of iPSC and iPSC-derived cells across lines and passages to identify cell lines with desirable characteristics for subsequent cell engineering.
• 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.
• Work with staff to characterize genetic pathways for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia (ADRD) using human cell-based models.
• Collaborate with other team members to carry out small and large-scale of iPSC cell culture experiments. 2
• Perform standard immunological techniques, including western blotting and immunostaining.
• 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. 3
• Operate, troubleshoot, and train others to use laboratory equipment and software.
• Provide advice and assistance to users in designing experiments, using instrumentation, data acquisition and analysis, and preparing figures for publication.
• Assist scientific equipment and resources including reagents, stocks of frozen sells, animal samples including acquisition, documentation, and storage.
• Optimize and perform iPSC culture and CNS cell differentiation of isogenic iPSC lines.
• Develop new 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 Willing to learn automated cell culture.
• Mentors junior level scientists.
• Train staff on the proper usage of equipment.
• Provide scientific and technical expertise to all visiting fellows, post-docs, and technicians internal and external. Support other research projects. 4
• 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. 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. 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. Work products and documents related to applying published protocols for cell differentiation to IPSC lines, microscopy and molecular analysis. - Weekly
• 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. - Weekly

Basic Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in a cell biology, neurobiology, or related discipline.
• Experience with PowerPoint, Excel, and Word.
• Minimum of two (2) years of related experience.
• Experience with human iPSC culture.
• Knowledge of proper laboratory disposal methods and procedures.

Minimum Qualifications:

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

• 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.