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

• Plan and execute the generation of stable cell lines for preclinical and clinical material production to advance candidates including monoclonal antibodies, recombinant proteins, and virus like particles
• Use molecular biology techniques, including RT-PCR and NGS, for genetic characterization of cell lines
• Gene synthesis including oligo synthesis, plasmid design, and construction
• Independently execute all steps of the process including plasmid construction, stable pool generation, single cell cloning, and top clone selection
• Supports the planning and execution of research experiments in the context of the laboratory's overall research program
• Draft and verify data for CMC sections of pre-IND and IND documents to ensure successful registration of candidates
• Design, perform, and troubleshoot experiments and analyze data for both development and deliverable projects
• Supports laboratory staff on research projects and techniques
• Maintain and support one or more pieces of laboratory instrumentation
• Maintains laboratory equipment and the training of others in their use
• Assists in maintaining adequate space and facilities for ongoing and projected research studies
• Identify, propose, and execute process and procedural changes to improve performance, robustness, productivity, and efficiency by reviewing recent literature and new technologies
• Evaluates, analyzes and interprets research data, communicates results and methods in reports, presentations, and manuscripts
• Develop and track timelines and experimental plans for multiple projects simultaneously and regularly review records of tasks performed by other team members
• Coordinates with junior staff to modify research protocols
• Prepare oral presentations and posters for internal and external groups/conferences
• Presents research at national scientific meetings and symposia
• Generate, maintain, and review accurate daily records of experiments and results in a laboratory notebook
• Prepare and review experimental plans, proposals, reports, SOPs, and production records
• Provides interpretation of results, guidance, and scientific support to the management team
• Train staff on the proper usage of equipment
• Mentors junior level scientists

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Biological Sciences or a related field with a minimum of 2 years of experience in an industrial setting focused on the development of stable cell lines for vaccine and biotherapeutic candidates
• Extensive hands-on experience with aseptic technique and mammalian cell culture for the purpose of generating clonally derived cell lines to produce monoclonal antibodies or vaccine candidates
• Demonstrated ability to produce and screen hundreds of clonally derived CHO or 293 cell lines for top performers
• Expertise in designing and constructing plasmids for gene expression using molecular cloning methods
• Hands-on experience with multiple supporting technologies for cell line engineering, including cell counting, high-throughput transfection, single-cell cloning/deposition, flow cytometry, automated liquid handling systems, and automated small-scale bioreactor systems
• Ability to independently design experiments and work plans and manage project timelines for multiple complex projects simultaneously
• Experience preparing technical reports, SOPs, data presentations, and documents needed for technology transfer and regulatory filing
• Expertise in molecular biology techniques for genetic characterization of cell lines, including RT-PCR and NGS

Skills

• MS Office Suite
• Biology
• Software

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 salary range for this role is $120,000 USD - $127,000 USD, depending on experience, qualifications, skills, and location.