Back to jobs

Lab Technician

Bethesda, MD

(ID: 2024-8426)


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).


Axle is seeking a Lab Technician to join our vibrant team at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) supporting the National Institute on Aging (NIA) located in Bethesda, MD.


Benefits We Offer:

  • 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)

Overall Position Summary and Objectives

Under this task order, the contractor will independently provide support services to satisfy the overall operational objectives of the National Institute on Aging - Center for Alzheimer's and Related Dementias (CARD). The primary objective is to provide services and deliverables through performance of support services.


Deliverables:

  • Clean Equipment - Daily
  • Meet with lab members to present updates - Weekly
  • Work products and documents related to characterizing genetic pathways for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia (ADRD) using human cell-based models; use IPSC lines to develop the differentiation protocols.
  • Work products and documents related to evaluating the stability of differentiated cells across clines and passages to identify cell lines with desirable characteristics for subsequent cell engineering.
  • Work products and documentation to develop differentiation, microscopy, and automated cell culture protocols.
  • Work products and documentation resulting from large-scale automated cell culture phenotyping of iPSC lines.
  • Work products and documents related to providing insight into the effects of ADRD-associated mutations on molecular readouts in cell culture; conduct independent research relating to the genetics of ADRD. - Weekly
  • Inspect Equipment - Weekly
  • Work products and documents related to evaluating the stability of differentiated cells across clines and passages to identify cell lines with desirable characteristics for subsequent cell engineering. - Weekly
  • Work products and documentation to develop cell differentiation, microscopy, and automated cell culture protocols - Weekly
  • Work products and documents related to developing novel tools for CRISPR interference tool development in iPSCs - Weekly
  • Work products and documentation resulting from cell culture phenotyping of iPSC lines. - Weekly
  • Work products and documents related to providing insight into the effects of ADRD-associated mutations on molecular readouts in cell culture; conduct independent research relating to the genetics of ADRD. - Weekly
  • Work products and documents related to applying published protocols for cell differentiation to IPSC lines, microscopy, and molecular analysis - Weekly
  • Work products and documents related to updating and maintaining laboratory notebooks and databases; collect, analyze, and interpret data; prepare summaries and reports based on results and findings; draft and revise manuscripts for publication; attend meetings and present results and findings for staff discussion. - Weekly

Work Details:

  • Provides technical experience needed to assist in studying the basic principles of plant and animal life.
  • Keep detailed, organized, and accurate digital and physical experimental records.
  • Update and maintain laboratory notebooks and databases.
  • Attend meetings and present results and findings for staff discussion.
  • Work with staff on performing large-scale automated iPSC cell culture experiments.
  • Work with staff on performing various experiments and procedures related to differentiation and phenotyping of induced pluripotent stem cell lines. - 1
  • Work with staff to characterize genetic pathways for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia (ADRD) using human cell-based models.
  • Work with staff to apply published protocols for cell differentiation to IPSC lines, microscopy, and molecular analysis.
  • Collect, Analyze, interpret, and organize data and present results in team and departmental meetings.
  • Work independently in designing, developing, and performing new methods.
  • Support other research projects.
  • Work independently on expanding and banking mutant iPSC lines.
  • Evaluate the stability of iPSC and iPSC-derived cells across multiple engineered and non-engineered lines.
  • Work with staff to provide insight into the effects of ADRD-associated mutations on cellular and molecular readouts in cell culture.
  • Keep detailed, organized and accurate digital and physical inventory from mutant iPSC lines banked.
  • Train Staff on cell culture techniques.
  • Train staff on the proper usage of equipment.
  • Provide scientific and technical expertise to all visiting fellows, post-docs, and technicians internal and external.
  • Support other research projects.
  • Assists with performing basic laboratory experiments and procedures.
  • Collaborate with other team members to carry out large-scale cell culture protocols using manual and high throughput robotic systems.
  • Perform standard immunological techniques, including western blotting and immunostaining. - 2
  • Independently design, troubleshoot, and carry out cell culture experiments to develop iPSC differentiations.
  • Transduce iPSCs with lentivirus and transfect iPSCs with plasmids as part of routine cell culture experiments.
  • Support other research projects performing cell culture protocols manual or high throughput scale.
  • Support other research projects performing mycoplasma assay of routine cell culture.
  • Prepares, organizes and maintains various lab samples, supplies, and equipment.
  • Operate laboratory equipment to analyze samples. - 3
  • Calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot instruments and equipment in the laboratory.
  • Maintain and perform staff training on scientific instrumentation, cell culture microscopes, microanalytical balances, centrifuges, automated platforms.
  • Operate, troubleshoot, and train others to use laboratory equipment and software.
  • Train staff on the proper usage of laboratory instruments and equipment.
  • Provide assistance to laboratory staff in designing experiments, using instrumentation, data acquisition and analysis, and preparing figures for publication.
  • Review scientific equipment and resources including reagents, stocks of frozen cells, mammalian samples including acquisition, documentation, and storage.
  • Keep inventory of consumables and reagents use for cell culture techniques.
  • Learns new laboratory techniques and procedures.
  • Develop image analysis routines to analyze the effects of disease-associated mutations on cellular phenotypes.
  • Develop new differentiation protocols for iPSC lines to differentiate into disease-relevant cell types like neurons, astrocytes, and microglia.
  • Learn how to operate and implement novel methods on liquid handling platforms (Hamilton, Biotek).

1, 2, 3, 4, 5 represents priority rankings, where 1 is highest priority and 5 is lowest priority of those ranked


Minimum Education

Masters


Additional Qualifications:

Certifications & Licenses

  • Master’s degree in a cell biology, neurobiology, or related discipline

 

Field of Study

  • Biology
  • Miscellaneous Biology
  • Biochemical Sciences
  • Neuroscience

 

Software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Excel
  • Microsoft Word

 

Skills

  • Knowledge of proper laboratory disposal methods and procedures
  • Minimum of three (3) years of related experience
  • Strong communications skills, both oral and written
  • Hands-on experience with cell culture in particular working with iPS cells, design, implement and troubleshooting
  • Excellent analytical, organizational and time management skills

Disclaimer:The above description is meant to illustrate the general nature of work and level of effort being performed by individuals assigned to this position or job description. This is not restricted as a complete list of all skills, responsibilities, duties, and/or assignments required. Individuals may be required to perform duties outside of their position, job description or responsibilities as needed.


The diversity of Axle’s employees is a tremendous asset. We are firmly committed to providing equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and will not tolerate any illegal discrimination or harassment based on age, race, gender, religion, national origin, disability, marital status, covered veteran status, sexual orientation, status with respect to public assistance, and other characteristics protected under state, federal, or local law and to deter those who aid, abet, or induce discrimination or coerce others to discriminate.


Accessibility: If you need an accommodation as part of the employment process please contact: careers@axleinfo.com

#INDPSD


This role has a market-competitive salary with an anticipated base compensation range listed below. Actual salaries will vary depending on a candidate’s experience, qualifications, skills, and location.

Salary Range

$87,000 - $103,000 USD

Apply for this job

*

indicates a required field

Resume/CV*

Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, txt, rtf

Cover Letter

Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, txt, rtf

Select...
Select...
Select...
Select...
Select...
Select...

Voluntary Self-Identification

For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self-identification survey. Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiring process or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in a confidential file.

As set forth in Axle’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.

Select...
Select...
Race & Ethnicity Definitions

If you believe you belong to any of the categories of protected veterans listed below, please indicate by making the appropriate selection. As a government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), we request this information in order to measure the effectiveness of the outreach and positive recruitment efforts we undertake pursuant to VEVRAA. Classification of protected categories is as follows:

A "disabled veteran" is one of the following: a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.

A "recently separated veteran" means any veteran during the three-year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service.

An "active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran" means a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized under the laws administered by the Department of Defense.

An "Armed forces service medal veteran" means a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985.

Select...

Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability

Form CC-305
Page 1 of 1
OMB Control Number 1250-0005
Expires 04/30/2026

Why are you being asked to complete this form?

We are a federal contractor or subcontractor. The law requires us to provide equal employment opportunity to qualified people with disabilities. We have a goal of having at least 7% of our workers as people with disabilities. The law says we must measure our progress towards this goal. To do this, we must ask applicants and employees if they have a disability or have ever had one. People can become disabled, so we need to ask this question at least every five years.

Completing this form is voluntary, and we hope that you will choose to do so. Your answer is confidential. No one who makes hiring decisions will see it. Your decision to complete the form and your answer will not harm you in any way. If you want to learn more about the law or this form, visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) website at www.dol.gov/ofccp.

How do you know if you have a disability?

A disability is a condition that substantially limits one or more of your “major life activities.” If you have or have ever had such a condition, you are a person with a disability. Disabilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Alcohol or other substance use disorder (not currently using drugs illegally)
  • Autoimmune disorder, for example, lupus, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, HIV/AIDS
  • Blind or low vision
  • Cancer (past or present)
  • Cardiovascular or heart disease
  • Celiac disease
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Deaf or serious difficulty hearing
  • Diabetes
  • Disfigurement, for example, disfigurement caused by burns, wounds, accidents, or congenital disorders
  • Epilepsy or other seizure disorder
  • Gastrointestinal disorders, for example, Crohn's Disease, irritable bowel syndrome
  • Intellectual or developmental disability
  • Mental health conditions, for example, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD
  • Missing limbs or partially missing limbs
  • Mobility impairment, benefiting from the use of a wheelchair, scooter, walker, leg brace(s) and/or other supports
  • Nervous system condition, for example, migraine headaches, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS)
  • Neurodivergence, for example, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, dyspraxia, other learning disabilities
  • Partial or complete paralysis (any cause)
  • Pulmonary or respiratory conditions, for example, tuberculosis, asthma, emphysema
  • Short stature (dwarfism)
  • Traumatic brain injury
Select...

PUBLIC BURDEN STATEMENT: According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control number. This survey should take about 5 minutes to complete.