Associate Scientist

Axle; Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 90,000 - 97,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

401K match

Educational Benefits

Employee referral bonus

FSA: Healthcare

FSA: Parking

FSA: Dependent Care

FSA: Transportation

Job summary

Axle, a bioscience and information technology company, is seeking an Associate Scientist to join the Formulation Development Group at NIH/NIAID in Gaithersburg, MD. The role supports vaccine and biotherapeutic formulation and stability research, executing studies, generating and analyzing samples, maintaining instruments, and documenting protocols.

Qualified candidates hold a Master’s in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field, with hands-on experience in protein

Qualifications

• The candidate has a Master’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering or Pharmacy Pharmaceutical Sciences and Administration.
• Familiarity with UV-visible, fluorescence, Circular Dichroism and/or IR spectroscopy, DSC and particle characterization is preferred.
• Hands-on experience in protein/vaccine formulation, stability and biophysical characterization.
• 1 year (minimum) industry/government or equivalent experience in protein formulation or related field.

Responsibilities

• Execute formulation and stability studies under direction; coordinate analytical sample generation and testing.
• Independently generate and analyze samples using standard and advanced analytical methods.
• Coordinate formulation development studies for vaccine and biotherapeutic characterization.
• Independently analyze and collate analytical data with a project team.
• Present data in small group and department settings.
• Coordinate external services and maintain/troubleshoot laboratory instrumentation.
• Write and review stability study protocols and technical reports.

Skills

Protein formulation

Protein stability

Biophysical characterization

Bioanalytical development

Data analysis (Excel/Prism)

Independent worker

Communication skills

Education

Master's degree in Chemistry/ Chemical Engineering/ Biochemistry

B.S. or M.S. in Chemistry/ Biochemistry/ Chemical Engineering

Tools

Excel

Prism

SigmaPlot

Job description

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 Associate Scientist to join our vibrant team at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) supporting the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) located in Gaithersburg, MD.

Benefits We Offer:

• 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)

Position Overview:

The Associate Scientist provides scientific and technical support to the Formulation Development Group within the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). The position supports vaccine and biotherapeutic formulation and stability research through the execution of formulation and stability studies, independent generation and analysis of samples using standard and advanced analytical methods, coordination of laboratory instrumentation maintenance and troubleshooting, and documentation of stability protocols and technical reports. A Master's degree is required, with a preferred field of study in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or Pharmacy Pharmaceutical Sciences and Administration. Familiarity with UV-visible, fluorescence, Circular Dichroism and/or IR spectroscopy, Differential Scanning Calorimetry, and particle characterization techniques is preferred, along with hands‑on experience in protein/vaccine formulation, stability, and biophysical characterization.

Certifications & Licenses

B.S. or M.S. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline is required.

Field of Study

Chemical Engineering

Biomedical Engineering

Pharmacy Pharmaceutical Sciences and Administration

Software

Experience with data analysis using standard software platforms (Excel, Prism, SigmaPlot, etc.).

Skills

Hands‑on experience in one or more of the following areas: protein/vaccine formulation, protein/vaccine stability, biophysical characterization, bioanalytical development.

Hands‑on experience with one or more of the following techniques: UV-visible, fluorescence, Circular Dichroism and/or IR spectroscopy; Differential Scanning Calorimetry; Particle characterization (light scattering, HIAC and/or MFI).

Knowledge of the structural properties of proteins

Ability to work independently

Good written, oral, and visual communication skills

1 year (minimum) industry, government or equivalent experience in protein formulation or a related field (Master's thesis may fulfill this requirement).

Statement of Work Details

• Execute formulation and stability studies, including coordination of analytical sample generation and testing, under direction of the federal task leader. — 1
• Independently generate and analyze samples using both standard and advanced study specific analytical methods. — 2
• Coordinate and execute formulation development studies for vaccine and biotherapeutic characterization under direction of the federal task leader. — 3
• Independently analyze and collate analytical data in collaboration with a project development team. — 4
• Present data in small group and department settings. — 5
• Coordinate external service and execute routine maintenance and troubleshooting for one or more pieces of laboratory instrumentation.
• Write and review routine stability study protocols under the direction of a Formulation Scientist/Senior Scientist.
• Write and review technical reports documenting formulation, stability and method development studies.

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: [e-mail]

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

$90,000 - $97,000 USD

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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.

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