Senior Scientist

Job Title: Multiplex & IF Staining Nuerology Scientist

Location: Gaithersburg, MD

Pay rate: $60-70 an hour

Duration: 3-4 Month Contract (opportunity to extend)

Key Responsibilities

Multiplex Immunofluorescence & High‑Plex Imaging (Core Focus)

• Perform multiplex IF staining on FFPE tissue sections, including complex, high‑parameter antibody panels specific to neurological targets and pathways.
• Operate Cell DIVE™ or comparable high‑plex imaging platforms, including image acquisition, optimization, and troubleshooting.
• Execute image pre‑processing, segmentation, quality control, and multiplex imaging analysis workflows.
• Evaluate staining quality, signal specificity, background, and reproducibility across neuro tissue samples.
• Perform routine maintenance, calibration, and performance checks on imaging instrumentation.

Neurology‑Focused Histology & Tissue Processing

• Prepare and process FFPE neural tissue samples, including embedding, sectioning, and slide preparation.
• Conduct automated and manual IHC staining (Ventana, Leica, Dako, etc.), with a focus on neuroscience biomarkers.
• Optimize staining protocols for difficult neural tissues and complex multiplex panels.
• Ensure accurate documentation, sample tracking, and traceability throughout lab workflows.

Multiplex Image Analysis & Data Interpretation

• Perform quantitative multiplex imaging analysis for spatial biology datasets derived from neurological tissues.
• Review and QC imaging outputs to ensure scientific rigor and reproducibility.
• Support interpretation of spatial patterns, co‑localization, and biomarker expression relevant to neuro biology.
• Facilitate structured data handoff to pathology, translational science, and bioinformatics teams.

Scientific Collaboration & Engagement

• Participate in cross‑functional meetings with translational, pathology, biomarker, and neuroscience stakeholders.
• Contribute scientific input to study design, assay optimization, and troubleshooting activities.
• Balance hands‑on wet‑lab work with scientific discussions and planning meetings, ensuring alignment with program objectives.
• Maintain high‑quality documentation in accordance with AstraZeneca lab standards and regulatory expectations.

Required Qualifications

Scientist (BS / MS Level)

• BS or MS in Biology, Neuroscience, Molecular Biology, Pathology, Biomedical Sciences, or related field.
• Hands‑on experience with IHC and multiplex IF staining, preferably using automated platforms.
• Demonstrated experience handling FFPE tissues, ideally neural or CNS‑derived samples.
• Familiarity with microscopy, image acquisition, and basic image analysis principles.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to execute standardized laboratory workflows.

Senior Scientist (PhD Level)

• PhD in Neuroscience, Immunology, Pathology, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Engineering, or related discipline.
• Extensive experience with multiplex IF staining, high‑plex panel development, and optimization.
• Proven expertise with high‑plex imaging technologies (Cell DIVE™, PhenoCycler, MIBI, CosMx, etc.).
• Strong background in multiplex imaging analysis and spatial biology, preferably applied to neurology programs.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with multiplex image analysis software (HALO, QuPath, CellProfiler, or similar).
• Familiarity with neurological disease biology, CNS biomarkers, or translational neuroscience research.
• Ability to troubleshoot staining challenges, imaging artifacts, or analytical inconsistencies in neural tissues.
• Experience working in GLP‑like or highly structured laboratory environments.

Soft Skills & Attributes

• Strong communication skills with the ability to engage in both technical lab work and scientific discussions.
• Comfortable managing time between wet‑lab execution and collaborative meetings.
• Self‑directed, organized, and able to prioritize deliverables in a fast‑paced research setting.
• High scientific rigor with excellent documentation practices.