Scientist

About the role

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. We are seeking a Scientist to join our vibrant team at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) supporting the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) located in Gaithersburg, MD.

Responsibilities

• Meet with lab members to present updates
• Oversee the development of downstream processes for VRC clinical candidates and the process tech transfer to the VCMP for clinical material generation for the VRC
• Provide project support to lead scientists and/or associates to develop downstream process methods that meet the product quality and recovery characteristics to guarantee successful production of clinical material
• Work with scientists and/or associates in troubleshooting and improving downstream methods during the development cycle, including efforts in designing optimization studies (DOE with JMP) and streamlining efforts to ensure timely development schedules
• Supports the planning and execution of research experiments in the context of the laboratory's overall research program
• Supports laboratory staff on research projects and techniques
• Work with regulatory team, as needed, to support IND submissions and other requests
• Oversee viral clearance strategies in relevant downstream processes and direct the viral clearance validation efforts (SEC evaluation of CRO vendors, scale-down method SOP/validation approval, etc.)
• Maintains laboratory equipment and the training of others in their use
• Train staff on the proper usage of laboratory instruments and equipment
• Assists in maintaining adequate space and facilities for ongoing and projected research studies
• Coordinate closely with Manufacturing teams to ensure timely and scale-appropriate Technology Transfer is achieved
• Evaluates, analyzes and interprets research data, communicates results and methods in reports, presentations, and manuscripts
• Responsible for planning and overseeing the downstream processes for toxicology lot material production, including editing/approving all process protocols, managing execution thereof, and generating production reports following successful campaigns
• Coordinates with junior staff to modify research protocols
• Presents research at national scientific meetings and symposia
• Encourage and drive innovation to meet new downstream challenges and seek to publicly distribute novel technologies through presentations at conferences and/or publication in peer-reviewed journals
• Provides interpretation of results, guidance, and scientific support to the management team
• Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) in guiding purification strategies for new vaccine or therapeutic mAb candidates (both internal to the downstream team and throughout the VPP)
• Mentors junior level scientists
• Work closely with Project Managers to ensure downstream milestones are appropriately set and met on time

Requirements

• PhD in Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, or a related discipline is required
• Minimum of eight (8) years of experience in recombinant protein purification development for GMP clinical-phase products is required
• Demonstrated knowledge of maintaining accurate and detailed records
• Must be a team player who can effectively work with members from cross-functional departments
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Familiarity with computer software including word processing and data evaluation

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

The role has a market-competitive salary with an anticipated base compensation range of $120,000 USD - $127,000 USD.