Laboratory Neuroscientist 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 Laboratory Neuroscientist Technician to join our vibrant team at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) supporting the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) located in Rockville, 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 The Translational Immunopsychiatry Unit (TIU) of the National Institute of Mental Health is developing an integrated clinical, basic, and translational research ecosystem that identifies and characterizes immunologic processes that causally contribute to psychiatric illness, starting with rare autoantibodies in neuropsychiatric disorders. Deliverables: Work products related to screening for autoantibodies in human biofluids (blood fractions and cerebrospinal fluid) using a variety of methods including rodent (and non-human primate) brain tissue immunostaining, human protein array, iPSC-derived neuronal culture and immunostaining, and (less commonly) immunoprecipitation mass spectrometry (IP-MS). - Daily Work products related to Assist in troubleshooting and calibrating various laboratory equipment and instruments. - Daily Work products related to Collect, analyze and interpret data; prepare summaries and reports based on results and finding. - Daily Work Details: Collaborate with in-house bio informaticists, biologists, and biochemists and have opportunities to mentor junior scientists. 1 Contribute to the development of secondary neuroscientific questions stemming from antibody discovery research 2 Present work at national conferences and publish their findings in peer-reviewed journals. 3 Plans, executes, and arranges laboratory experiments, new techniques and procedures; and performs laboratory techniques relating to scientific research.  Draft and maintain standard operating procedures for antibody screens and testing. Operates laboratory machines and instruments; and prepares specimens and equipment for use.  Maintain electronic biospecimen handling and testing logs. Performs sample management and storage.  Schedule regular maintenance of equipment logs and maintain performance logs. Analyzes, documents and reports on all procedures performed.  Ensure that reagents are made correctly and that expired reagents or defective products are replaced to ensure validity of results. Maintains inventory of laboratory supplies.  Sacrifice, perfuse, and cryopreserve mouse brain tissue. Cleans and sterilizes instruments, glassware and equipment.  Immunostaining rodent and/or NHP brain tissue with human CSF, serum/plasma, and commercial antibodies. Plan, execute and arrange laboratory experiments, new techniques and procedures; and performs laboratory techniques relating to scientific research.  Preparation of presentation slides and figures for outside investigators. Occasionally attend lab meetings of outside investigators. Maintains inventory of laboratory supplies and initiates purchase orders.  Assist in troubleshooting and calibrating various laboratory equipment and instruments.  Collect, analyze and interpret data; prepare summaries and reports based on results and findings. Performs routine equipment maintenance.  Primary cell isolation and culture (neurons, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and mixed cell culture).  iPSC-derived neuronal cell differentiation and culture. Plan, execute and arrange laboratory experiments, new techniques and procedures; and performs laboratory techniques relating to scientific research.   Perform experiments on samples according to protocols.  Logging of assay and experimental results in electronic laboratory notebook (Lab Archives). Analyzes, documents and reports on all procedures performed and produces detailed reports for use by senior staff.  Human protein array immunostaining (HuProt) and data processing.  Performs advanced equipment maintenance.  Screening for autoantibodies in human biofluids (blood fractions and cerebrospinal fluid) using a variety of methods including rodent (and non-human primate) brain tissue immunostaining, human protein array, iPSC-derived neuronal culture and immunostaining, and (less commonly) immunoprecipitation mass spectrometry (IP-MS).  Trains staff in performing routine laboratory tests and procedures.  Expected to engage with outside investigators for the purpose of interpreting and contextualizing preliminary results. Provides insights and expertise and recommends new strategies and approaches.  1, 2, 3, 4, 5 represents priority rankings, where 1 is highest priority and 5 is lowest priority of those ranked Minimum Education Bachelor





Additional Qualifications: Certifications & Licenses: Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)  Field of Study: Microbiology  Molecular Biology  Software: PowerPoint  MS Project  MS Access  Skills: Experience in CLIA-Certified Lab  Experience in Rodent Handling and Husbandry  Expertise in Cell Line and Primary Cell Culture  Expertise in Small Rodent Sacrifice, Perfusion, Cryopreservation, and Paraffin Embedding  Expertise in Immunostaining: Immunofluorescence, DAB, and Colorimetric  Animal Handling: Non-Human Primates 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: ******** 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
$64,600—$76,000 USD