Biologist

We are looking for a Biologist to support drug repurposing screening projects, disease model development, assay development, and scientific research activities for the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS). This is a full-time position located in Rockville, MD.

Responsibilities

• Work with assay providers for assay development and assay transfer to the TDB program.
• Perform assay development, optimization, and miniaturization activities.
• Conduct high throughput screening using known drugs and bioactive compounds to identify active compounds.
• Confirm primary hits and perform secondary and tertiary assays to narrow candidates to top lead compounds.
• Perform mechanistic studies to characterize lead compounds when necessary.
• Evaluate and apply new technologies and instruments to establish physiologically relevant disease models.
• Characterize human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and iPSC-derived cells, including developmental marker analysis and disease phenotype studies.
• Establish human iPSC-derived cell-based assays for disease modeling.
• Lead assay development and compound screening using high-content imaging and flow cytometry assays.
• Operate and maintain high throughput flow cytometry instrumentation, including the iQue flow cytometer.
• Maintain accurate scientific records and communicate effectively with collaborators and project teams.
• Present research findings at internal and external scientific meetings.
• Write, submit, and support the publication of scientific manuscripts.
• Assist team members with manuscript preparation and revisions.
• Collaborate with staff scientists, postdoctoral fellows, IRTA fellows, and external collaborators.
• Mentor and train postbaccalaureate IRTA fellows and summer students.
• Support the overall operational and scientific objectives of NCATS research programs.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Molecular, Cell Biology, or Biological Sciences.
• Minimum of eight (8) years of experience in flow cytometry assays.
• Experience in assay development, high-content imaging assay analysis, compound screening, and lead identification.
• Experience with in vitro and in vivo disease model systems.
• Proficiency with FlowJo, GraphPad Prism, and Microsoft Office.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to write scientific manuscripts and present scientific data and research findings.
• Ability to maintain accurate laboratory documentation and records.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Federal or DoD “public trust”; candidates must receive approved adjudication prior to onboarding. Candidates with an active public trust or suitability are preferred.

Qualifications

• Background supporting drug repurposing programs.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.
• Hands-on use of high throughput screening platforms and technologies.
• Ability to establish disease models using human primary cells or iPSC-derived cells.
• Skilled in mentoring junior researchers, fellows, and students.
• Collaborative approach with external scientific partners and multidisciplinary project teams.
• Scientific publication record in peer-reviewed journals.
• Track record presenting research at national or international scientific conferences.

Pay

The annual salary range for this position is $115,200.00-$172,800.00. 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.

Benefits

• Medical, Rx, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Personal and Family Sick Time & Company Paid Holidays
• Parental Leave
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Group Term Life and Travel Assistance
• Voluntary Life and AD&D Insurance
• Health Savings Account, Health Care & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Transit and Parking Commuter Benefits
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• Tuition Reimbursement, Personal Development, Certifications & Learning Opportunities
• Employee Referral Program
• Corporate Sponsored Events & Community Outreach
• Care.com annual membership
• Employee Assistance Program
• Supplemental Benefits via Corestream (Critical Care, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, Legal Assistance and ID theft protection, etc.)
• Position may be eligible for a discretionary variable incentive bonus