Biological Scientist

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).

About the role

Axle is seeking a Biological Scientist to join our team at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) supporting the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) located in Bethesda, MD.

Responsibilities

• Assess technical capabilities of TBIP to conduct NHP experiments with infectious agents and make recommendations to the TBIP program director.
• Monitor and recover anesthetized NHPs and rabbits for procedures, including PET/CT scans.
• Assist with microbiology assessment of samples collected from research subjects in a BSL-3 environment.
• Provide technical experience needed to assist in studying the basic principles of plant and animal life.
• Clearly communicate any changes in animals’ health status to facility veterinarian and appropriate team members.
• Advise PIs on clinical monitoring of animals.
• Provide feedback on methods and technical procedures to improve workflow and results of animal monitoring.
• Assist with managing work assignments of the TBIP program staff, including distribution of responsibilities among team members.
• Assist with performing basic laboratory experiments and procedures.
• Provide critical care and intervention for anesthetized animals, identifying issues and correcting them.
• Manipulate infectious and radioactive NHPs and rabbits safely and proficiently.
• Operate centrifuge, CBC machine, Chemistry machine, i-STAT, glucometer, and other equipment, providing results to scientific personnel.
• Assist in training TBIP staff on equipment use.
• Assist with scheduling multiple overlapping experiments with program PIs and streamline tasks.
• Prepare, organize, and maintain lab samples, supplies, and equipment.
• Perform blood draws, catheter placement, intubation, injections, BALs, necropsies, and other technical procedures in NHPs and rabbits.
• Train staff on technical manipulations to conduct work in multiple rooms simultaneously.
• Process blood and tissues according to specific experimental needs.
• Learn new laboratory techniques and procedures.
• Maintain accurate animal records and documentation associated with technical procedures.
• Assist staff in maintaining inventories of relevant supplies for upcoming experiments.
• Collect, organize, and analyze data; assist in preparing technical reports, manuscripts, summaries, protocols, and inventories.
• Maintain proper safety training and ensure compliance under the guidance of the TBIP Director.
• Monitor training records of staff for annual training compliance and report additional training needs to the Director.
• Clean equipment daily and run validation monthly.
• Meet with lab members weekly to present updates.

Requirements

• AS or BS degree in a scientific-related field or related certifications such as ALAT, LATg.
• 4 years of experience is equivalent to a Master’s degree.
• Field of Study: Biology.
• Experience working in a lab/animal facility setting.
• Experience in BSL-3 laboratory and ABSL-3 laboratory with NHPs, rabbits, and mice (required).
• Proficiency in MS Office.

Benefits

• 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).

Pay

Salary Range: $105,000 USD - $112,000 USD. Actual salaries will vary depending on experience, qualifications, skills, and location.