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Biologist

Rockville, MD

(ID: 2025-0448)


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 around the globe. 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).


Benefits:

  • 100% Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage for Employees
  • Paid Time Off (Including Holidays)
  • Employee Referral Bonus
  • 401K Match
  • Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities
  • Flexible Spending Accounts:
    • Healthcare (FSA)
    • Parking Reimbursement Account (PRK)
    • Dependent Care Assistant Program (DCAP)
    • Transportation Reimbursement Account (TRN)

Overview

Axle is looking to add a driven, flexible, organized, and meticulous Biologist to our dynamic team. The Contractor(s) shall provide services in support of the overall functions of the Vaccine Research Center (VRC), Vaccine Immunology Program (VIP).

 

Technical Requirements:

  • Produce and purify viral proteins and monoclonal antibodies as research reagents using transient transfection of mammalian cells or by expansion of stable cell lines or pools.

  • Develop high-throughput and automated protein purification methodology, if required.

  • Act as the Scientific Technical Lead and advise on the design and development of viral proteins and monoclonal antibodies.

  • Test antigenicity and specificity of proteins produced through Meso Scale Discovery, Carterra and/or Octet affinity measurements.

  • Culture and maintain cell lines.

  • Organize and maintain protein inventories.

  • Participate in project and laboratory meetings.

  • Locate and review literature pertinent to projects and to identify/modify the most applicable protocols and methods for experiments.

  • Trouble shoot assays and adjust scientific methodology to correct problems or deficiencies in a research project, experiment, or trial.

  • Maintain accurate laboratory records to ensure proper retention of scientific data. Provide oversight and be the Scientific Technical Lead all protein production performed by the group.

  • Serve as a subject matter expert on development, validation and deployment of assays and methods for evaluation of antibody-protein interactions.

  • Train other contractors and students in methodologies related to protein production and purification and antibody evaluation. Assist the Federal Task Leader in designing and implementing training guidelines for instrumentation and assays.

  • Analyze and communicate complex data sets to internal and external groups.

  • Develop and maintain collegial, collaborative relationships with colleagues in the VRC research groups.

 

Specific Qualifications:

  • Masters degree with minimum of 2 years of related experience or Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Life Sciences or a related discipline with 3 years of specialized experience is required.

  • Knowledge of viral and vaccine immunology

  • Basic computer skills to include MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Background in biology, chemistry, biochemistry and/or biophysics.

  • Ability to multi-task in a high-volume fast paced work environment.

  • Experience with mammalian cell culture for both anchorage dependent and suspension cell culture.

  • Experience with purification of eukaryotic proteins such as IMAC, affinity purification, ion exchange chromatography, FPLC and HPLC with a demonstrated ability to develop optimal methods of purification to obtain high quality proteins.

  • Expertise in molecular biology and design of expression vectors, transfection techniques, screening of cells expressing recombinant proteins and knowledge of classical purification methods such as ammonium sulfate precipitation.

  • Experience with biomolecular interactions using ELISA as well as the use of label-free methods such as BioLayer Interferometry and SPR.

  • Familiarity with scientific 2D graphing and statistics software (GraphPad Prism, etc.)

  • Familiarity with protein structure modeling programs such as Pymol preferred.

  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

  • Knowledge of laws, regulations, policies, and guidelines and ethics that govern research.

  • Demonstrates knowledge of maintaining accurate and detailed records.

  • Demonstrates knowledge of proper laboratory disposal methods and safety procedures.


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 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

Disclaimer: The above description is meant to illustrate the general nature of work and level of effort being performed by individual’s 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.

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

$60,000 - $80,000 USD

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