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Senior Scientist - High Content Screening

Rockville, MD

(ID: 2025-1339)


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).

 

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)

 

Axle is seeking a Senior Scientist highly experienced in High Content Screening (HCS) to support research programs within the Department of Preclinical Innovation (DPI) at the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS). The scientist will provide advanced expertise in quantitative image-based cell assays, high-content screening technologies, and data analysis to enable translational research efforts across NCATS. The role involves close collaboration with NCATS investigators, technical leadership in HCS assay development, and stewardship of complex screening and computational infrastructure.

 

Key Responsibilities

High Content Screening and Assay Development

  • Design, optimize, and execute quantitative cell-based and image-based assays for high-content screening applications, specifically with small molecules or siRNAs

  • Support assays using a range of biological model systems, including 2D cultures, 3D spheroids, and organoid models, with demonstrated experience supporting stem cell-derived and disease-relevant models.

  • Select and configure appropriate automated microscopy systems, plate readers, and acquisition parameters to ensure optimal data quality, specifically Revvity Opera Phenix, Molecular Devices ImageXpress, and additional imaging systems in use at NCATS, including non-HCS microscopy platforms that support complementary assay development and translational research.

  • Provide scientific and technical guidance on assay design, feasibility, and interpretation of screening results.

  • Support primary, secondary, and mechanistic follow-up screens, including dose–response studies.

Image Analysis and Data Science

  • Develop, implement, and maintain image analysis workflows using both commercial HCS platforms, such as Revvity Signals Image Artist and Revvity Columbus and open-source software.

  • Create custom analytical solutions when commercial tools are insufficient, including:

  • Classical image processing and statistical methods

  • Machine learning-based approaches for segmentation, feature extraction, and phenotypic classification

  • Analyze large, high-dimensional datasets and present results to NCATS investigators and project teams.

  • Apply supervised and unsupervised learning methods to support mechanism-of-action studies and phenotypic profiling.

HCS Infrastructure and Computational Support

  • Support and help maintain state-of-the-art HCS infrastructure, including automated microscopes, robotic liquid handling systems, and associated software.

  • Collaborate with NCATS IT and informatics teams to ensure appropriate data storage, networking, security, and high-performance computing solutions for large image datasets.

  • Assist with evaluation, integration, and validation of new instrumentation, software, and analytical platforms.

Collaboration, Training, and Leadership

  • Work closely with NCATS biologists, project leads, and technical staff to understand scientific goals and technical requirements.

  • Train and mentor NCATS researchers in the effective use of HCS instrumentation, software tools, and analytical methods.

  • Organize and spearhead imaging workshops and technical training sessions in collaboration with commercial imaging and analysis vendors and internal stakeholders to introduce, evaluate, and disseminate advanced microscopy and high-content screening methodologies to NCATS researchers.

  • Provide day-to-day technical support as well as sustained scientific collaboration on long-term projects.

  • Contribute intellectual input to experimental design, analysis strategies, and interpretation of complex datasets.

 

Scientific Contributions

  • Support collaborative research efforts that lead to peer-reviewed publications, reports, and internal deliverables.

  • Assist in the dissemination and adoption of advanced HCS methodologies across NCATS research teams.

  • Promote best practices in quantitative imaging, data quality, and reproducibility.

 

Required Qualifications

  • PhD in cell biology, biomedical engineering, bioengineering, computational biology, biophysics, or a related scientific discipline.

  • 8+ years of post-PhD research or professional experience in high-content screening or quantitative image-based assays.

  • Extensive hands-on experience designing and executing cell-based, image-driven screening assays.

  • Demonstrated expertise with automated microscopy and HCS platforms from Revvity/Perkin Elmer and Molecular Devices.

  • Strong background in image analysis and data analytics, using commercial and/or open-source tools.

  • Working proficiency in scientific programming or analytical environments supporting quantitative imaging (e.g., Python, MATLAB, or equivalent).

  • Proven ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary research teams.

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.

 

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience supporting or managing HCS instrumentation and automation infrastructure.

  • Demonstrated application of machine learning and/or deep learning techniques to biological image analysis.

  • Experience working with large-scale image datasets and high-performance or cloud-based computing environments.

  • Prior experience training or mentoring scientists and technical staff.

  • Track record of contributing to collaborative, peer-reviewed publications.

  • Experience working in a government laboratory or large collaborative research environment.

 

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

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.

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Salary Range

$145,000 - $200,000 USD

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