Automation Cell Culture Biologist

About the role

We are looking for an Automation Cell Culture Biologist to support research at the National Institute on Aging (NIA), Center for Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias (CARD).

Responsibilities

• Perform large-scale iPSC cell culture experiments on automated liquid handling platforms and high-throughput robotic systems.
• Program, operate, calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot automated platforms, including Hamilton and Tecan systems, and laboratory instruments.
• Differentiate, phenotype, and evaluate the stability of engineered and non-engineered iPSC and iPSC-derived cell lines.
• Design, develop, and perform laboratory methods, procedures, automated differentiation protocols, and disease-relevant cell type generation for neurons, astrocytes, and microglia.
• Develop image analysis routines and apply published protocols for cell differentiation, microscopy, molecular analyses, and phenotypic evaluation.
• Plan, administer, and support biological research activities, additional research projects, and laboratory initiatives for ADRD programs.
• Collect, analyze, interpret, organize, and present scientific data, findings, recommendations, and research updates to team members and stakeholders.
• Maintain accurate digital and physical experimental records, laboratory notebooks, databases, research documentation, reagents, frozen cell stocks, biological samples, and storage systems.
• Perform standard immunological techniques, including western blotting and immunostaining.
• Train laboratory staff on scientific instrumentation, equipment, software, and proper use of automated systems.
• Support experimental design, data acquisition, data analysis, figure preparation, manuscript preparation, scientific reports, presentations, and other research deliverables.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Neuroscience, or a closely related scientific discipline.
• Minimum of TWO (2) years of related experience in a laboratory or research environment.
• GLP experience and hands-on cell culture experience, including induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) culture.
• Proficiency operating and programming automated liquid handling platforms and robotics, preferably Hamilton, Tecan, Beckman, or Agilent systems, with experience in experimental planning, optimization, and quality control testing.
• Skilled in analyzing and interpreting biological or scientific data and maintaining laboratory records, notebooks, and databases.
• Strong knowledge of laboratory procedures, equipment maintenance, and proper laboratory disposal methods.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Familiarity with R, Seurat, Google Drive, or similar research software platforms; and programming or coding knowledge using VENUS, Visual Basic, C++, MATLAB, Python, or related languages.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Federal or DoD “public trust”; candidates must receive approved adjudication prior to onboarding with Guidehouse.

Qualifications

• Background supporting Alzheimer’s disease or neurodegenerative disease research programs.
• Hands-on work with human stem cell-based disease models.
• Demonstrated ability to develop automated laboratory workflows and assay development methods.
• Strong written, verbal, analytical, organizational, and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and effectively within multidisciplinary research teams.
• Knowledge of microscopy, phenotypic screening, and image analysis tools.
• Ability to train laboratory staff on scientific instrumentation and automated equipment.
• Contributions to scientific manuscripts, publications, or related research deliverables.
• Familiarity with NIH, federal, academic, or translational research environments.

Skills

• Programming or coding knowledge using VENUS, Visual Basic, C++, MATLAB, Python, or related languages.
• Microsoft Office Suite proficiency.
• Experience with R, Seurat, Google Drive, or similar research software platforms.
• Experience with microscopy, phenotypic screening, and image analysis tools.
• Experience with scientific instrumentation and automated equipment.
• Ability to train laboratory staff on scientific instrumentation and automated equipment.
• Experience with scientific writing and presentation.

Benefits

The annual salary range for this position is $74,000.00-$124,000.00. Compensation decisions depend on a wide range of factors, including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, security clearances, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs.

Pay

The annual salary range for this position is $74,000.00-$124,000.00. Compensation decisions depend on a wide range of factors, including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, security clearances, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs.

Schedule

This is a full-time position located in Bethesda, MD.