(ID: 2024-5285)
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 Lab Technician to join our vibrant team at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) supporting the National Institute on Aging (NIA) located in Bethesda, 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)
Overall Position Summary and Objectives
Deliverables:
- Clean Equipment - Daily
- Meet with lab members to present updates - Weekly
- Work on 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 on 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 documentation to develop differentiation, microscopy, and automated cell culture protocols.
- Work products and documentation resulting from large-scale automated cell culture phenotyping of iPSC lines.
- 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. - Weekly
- Inspect Equipment - Weekly
- Work products and documents related to applying published protocols for cell differentiation to IPSC lines, microscopy, and molecular analysis.
- 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. - Bi-Weekly
Work Details:
- Provides technical experience needed to assist in studying the basic principles of plant and animal life
- Work with staff on performing various experiments and procedures related to differentiation and phenotyping of induced pluripotent stem cell lines, 1
- Perform standard immunological techniques, including western blotting and immunostaining 2
- Operate laboratory equipment to analyze samples 3
- Analyze laboratory findings
- Train staff on the proper usage of laboratory instruments and equipment.
- Provide assistance to laboratory staff in designing experiments, using instrumentation, data acquisition and analysis,and preparing figures for publication.
- Work as a team to provide upkeep of scientific equipment and resources, including reagents, stocks of frozen sells animal samples, including acquisition, documentation, and storage.
- Learns new laboratory techniques and procedures
- Program and use computers to store, process, and analyze data
- Monitor operational procedures in technical environments to ensure conformance to standards
- Interpret research or operational data
- Record research or operational data
- Develop new automated 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
- Work with staff to provide insight into the effects of ADRD-associated mutations on molecular readouts in cell culture.
- Work with staff to characterize genetic pathways for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia (ADRD) using human cell-based models
- Work with staff to apply published protocols for cell differentiation to IPSC lines, microscopy, and molecular analysis.
- Program, operate, and implement novel methods on liquid handling platforms (Hamilton, Tecan)
- Work with staff on performing large-scale iPSC cell culture experiments on liquid handling platforms.
- Support other research projects
- Assists with performing basic laboratory experiments and procedures
- Collaborate with other team members to carry out large-scale cell culture protocols using high throughout robotic systems.
- Prepares, organizes, and maintains various lab samples, supplies, and equipment
- Maintain laboratory equipment
1, 2, 3, 4, 5 represents priority rankings, where 1 is highest priority and 5 is lowest priority of those ranked
Minimum Education
Masters
Additional Qualifications:
- Master's Degree in a Cell Biology, Neurobiology, or Related Discipline
- Biology
- Miscellaneous Biology
- Biochemical Sciences
- Neuroscience
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Strong scientific communication skills, both oral and written.
- Team player in large research institutes.
- Minimum of one (1) year of related experience.
- Minimum of two (2) years of related experience
- Experience with human iPSC culture and automated platforms
- Experience in scripting/coding to create, test, and perform new methods in automated cell culture platforms (Basic Venus-Based method scripting for Hamilton robot would be very much appreciated)
- Knowledge of proper laboratory disposal methods and procedures
- Strong communication skills, both oral and written
- Excellent analytical, organizational, and time management skills
Disclaimer:The above description is meant to illustrate the general nature of work and level of effort being performed by individuals 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.
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