Lab Technician

(ID: ******** )



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: ******** #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