Biological Scientist

(ID: 2026-3851)

Axle 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 Biological 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.

Benefits We Offer:

100% Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage for Employees

Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays

401K match up to 5%

Educational Benefits for Career Growth

Employee Referral Bonus

Flexible Spending Accounts:

Healthcare (FSA)

Parking Reimbursement Account (PRK)

Dependent Care Assistant Program (DCAP)

Transportation Reimbursement Account (TRN)

Position Information:

This position designs, executes, and optimizes advanced molecular, cellular, genomic, and functional studies using genome engineering, stem cell biology, high-throughput screening, imaging, sequencing, and specialized analytical platforms to support mechanistic and translational research. The role also provides scientific and technical leadership in laboratory operations, quality control, instrumentation, data analysis, documentation, and multidisciplinary collaboration, contributing to research programs, publications, presentations, and grant-related activities

Additional Qualifications:

Field of Study

Biology

Molecular Biology

Skills

Cell culture

Molecular biology

Molecular Biology Genome Engineering

Cell Stem Cell Biology

Genomics Sequencing

Protein Cellular Assays

High-Throughput Screening

Advanced Instrumentation

Microscopy

Cell Banking Quality Control

Laboratory Operations

Scientific Analysis Communication

Deliverables:

Run Validation - Ad-Hoc

Inspect Equipment - Ad-Hoc

Meet with lab members to present updates - Weekly

Molecular biology, genome engineering, and functional genomics work products related to experimental reports, protocols, construct maps, plasmid inventories, and technical documentation related to the design, execution, and optimization of molecular biology and cell-based experiments, including CRISPR genome editing, cloning, construct design, gene expression analysis, and functional genomics studies - Ad-Hoc

Mammalian cell culture work products, laboratory reports, and technical documentation related to the maintenance, expansion, characterization, and experimental use of stem cell lines, and differentiated cell populations - Ad-Hoc

Stem cell differentiation work products, protocols, differentiation records, assay results, and technical reports related to stem cell differentiation, optimization of culture conditions, and implementation of automated and high-throughput cell culture platforms - Ad-Hoc

Genetic construct design and generation work products, construct designs, plasmid maps, cloning records, genome-editing validation reports, and associated documentation related to molecular cloning, plasmid engineering, CRISPR/Cas-mediated genome editing, and viral vector development - Ad-Hoc

DNA, RNA, and protein isolation work products, laboratory reports, quality control documentation, and technical records related to the isolation, quantification, characterization, and storage of DNA, RNA, and protein samples from cellular and tissue specimens - Ad-Hoc

Genomic sample preparation and sequencing support work products, sequencing preparation records, library preparation documentation, quality control reports, and technical documentation related to PCR, qPCR, next-generation sequencing (NGS), transcriptomics, and single-cell sequencing workflows - Ad-Hoc

multi-omics work products, sequencing reports, sample tracking records, analytical summaries, and technical documentation related to transcriptomic and genomic data generation workflows and coordination of downstream bioinformatics analyses - Ad-Hoc

Cell characterization and functional analysis work products, assay reports, experimental data, and technical documentation related to Western blotting, immunocytochemistry, immunofluorescence staining, and related protein and cellular characterization studies - Ad-Hoc

Tissue processing and histological analysis work products, microscopy datasets, tissue preparation records, cryostat sectioning documentation, image analysis reports, and technical documentation supporting cellular and molecular characterization studies - Ad-Hoc

High-throughput assay development work products, assay development plans, validation reports, screening datasets, and technical documentation related to the development, optimization, validation, and implementation of high-throughput screening platforms, including bioluminescence-, fluorescence-, and reporter-based assays - Ad-Hoc

Laboratory inventory management work products, inventory databases, reagent tracking systems, laboratory resource catalogs, and documentation related to establishing, maintaining, and updating inventories of reagents, antibodies, plasmids, cell lines, small molecules, consumables, and experimental protocols - Ad-Hoc

Statement of Work Details:

Design, execute, and optimize molecular biology and cell-based experiments utilizing advanced techniques including CRISPR genome editing, cloning, construct design, gene expression analysis, and functional genomics approaches. - 1

Prepare and process samples for next-generation sequencing (NGS), transcriptomic analyses, single-cell sequencing, PCR, qPCR, and other genomic applications, including library preparation and QC - 2

Conduct transcriptomic and genomic data generation workflows, including sample preparation, sequencing support, and coordination with bioinformatics teams for downstream analyses - 3

Coordinate all aspects of cell banking and cell line stewardship, including cryopreservation, recovery, authentication, distribution, shipment and receipt of cell lines, and maintenance of associated records - 4

Collaborate with multidisciplinary research teams, contributing scientific expertise in molecular biology, genome engineering, stem cell biology, assay development, and translational research to support program objectives and publications - 5

Provides technical experience needed to assist in studying the basic principles of plant and animal life

Assists with performing basic laboratory experiments and procedures

Collect and analyze biological data about relationships among and between organisms and their environment

Monitor and observe experiments, recording production and test data for evaluation by research personnel

Analyze experimental data and interpret results to write reports and summaries of findings

Coordinate the work of biological technicians and technologists and other scientists

Perform and optimize mammalian cell culture experiments, including maintenance of primary cells, stem cells, immortalized cell lines, and differentiated cell populations under sterile conditions

Differentiate stem cells into specialized cell types using established and novel protocols, automated culture systems, and high throughput platforms to support translational and mechanistic studies

Design and generate genetic constructs through molecular cloning, plasmid engineering, CRISPR/Cas-based genome editing, and viral vector preparation to support functional studies

Isolate, quantify, and assess quality of DNA, RNA, and protein samples from cultured cells and tissue specimens using manual and automated workflows

Perform protein characterization assays, including Western blotting, immunocytoch