Automation Cell Culture Biologist

GAP Solutions, Inc.; Bethesda (MD); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

GAP Solutions, Inc. supports NIH's National Institute on Aging in Bethesda, MD, conducting automated cell culture research to investigate ADRD genetic pathways using human iPSC models.

The role involves planning experiments, developing differentiation protocols for neural lineages, and operating high-throughput robotic systems. Strong data analysis, GLP, and programming skills are required.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, bioengineering, chemical engineering, or related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of related experience.
• Good Laboratory Practices (GLP).
• Skilled in R and Seurat.
• Experience in programming (VENUS, Visual Basic, C++, MATLAB, or Python).
• Proficiency with automated liquid handling robots.
• Hands-on experience with cell culture, especially iPSCs.
• Experience with operating and programming liquid handling platforms (Hamilton, TECAN, Beckman, Agilent).
• Knowledge of laboratory disposal methods and procedures.
• Experience with MS Office Suite.

Responsibilities

• Plan and administer biological research programs.
• Work with staff to characterize genetic pathways for ADRD using human cell-based models.
• Perform large-scale iPSC cell culture experiments on liquid handling platforms.
• Design and implement new automated methods for cell culture and analysis.
• Coordinate and supervise technicians and scientists on workflows.
• Develop differentiation protocols for iPSC lines into neurons, astrocytes, and microglia.
• Conduct image analysis to assess mutation effects on phenotypes.
• Maintain detailed digital and physical lab records and notebooks.
• Present results in team and department meetings.
• Train staff on instrumentation and software.

Skills

R

Seurat

Python

MATLAB

C++

Visual Basic

VENUS

Python programming

iPSC culture

liquid handling robots

Education

Master's degree in cell biology or related field

Tools

Hamilton liquid handling platform

TECAN liquid handling platform

Beckman robotics

Agilent instruments

Job description

Position Objective: This Automated Cell Culture Biologist supports research at the Center for Alzheimer's and Related Dementias at the National Institute on Aging (NIA) within the National Institutes of Health. This position characterizes genetic pathways for disease by automating large scale cell culture experiments.Duties and Responsibilities:Plan and administer biological research programsStudy basic principles of plant and animal life, such as origin, relationship, development, anatomy, and functionDevelop and maintain liaisons and effective working relations with groups and individuals, agencies, and the public to encourage cooperative management strategies or to develop information and interpret findingsWork with staff to characterize genetic pathways for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia (ADRD) using human cell-based models.Work with staff on performing large-scale iPSC cell culture experiments on liquid handling platforms.Program, operate, and implement novel methods on liquid handling platforms (Hamilton, Tecan).Work with staff on performing various experiments and procedures related to differentiation and phenotyping of induced pluripotent stem cell lines.Evaluate the stability of iPSC and iPSC-derived cells across multiple engineered and non-engineered lines.Work with staff to apply published protocols for cell differentiation to IPSC lines, microscopy, and molecular analysis.Work independently in designing, developing, and performing new methodsWork with staff to provide insight into the effects of ADRD-associated mutations on molecular readouts in cell culture.Support other research projects.Collect, Analyze, interpret, and organize data and present results in team and departmental meetings.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.Collect and analyze biological data about relationships among and between organisms and their environmentMonitor and observe experiments, recording production and test data for evaluation by research personnelAnalyze experimental data and interpret results to write reports and summaries of findingsCoordinate the work of biological technicians and technologists and other scientistsCollaborate with other team members to carry out large-scale cell culture protocols using high throughput robotic systemsPerform standard immunological techniques, including western blotting and immunostaining.Operate, calibrate, or maintain equipment used in quantitative or qualitative analysis, such as spectrophotometers, calorimeters, flame photometers, or computer-controlled analyzersMaintain laboratory equipmentOperate laboratory equipment to analyze samples 5Analyze laboratory findingsTrain staff on the proper usage of laboratory instruments and equipment.Calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot instruments and equipment in the laboratory.Maintain and perform staff training on scientific instrumentation, cell culture microscopies, microanalytical balances, centrifuges, automated platforms.Operate, troubleshoot, and train others to use laboratory equipment and software.Provide assistance to laboratory staff in designing experiments, using instrumentation, data acquisition and analysis, and preparing figures for publicationMaintain scientific equipment and resources including reagents, stocks of frozen cells, mammalian samples including acquisition, documentation, and storageProgram and use computers to store, process, and analyze data 4Monitor operational procedures in technical environments to ensure conformance to standards 1Interpret research or operational data 3Record research or operational data 2Work independently in laboratory assay developmentDevelop new automated differentiation protocols for iPSC lines to differentiate into disease-relevant cell types like neurons, astrocytes, and microgliaDevelop image analysis routines to analyze the effects of disease-associated mutations on cellular phenotypesClean Equipment, Run Validation, Inspect Equipment, Meet with lab members to present updatesWork 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 protocolsWork 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 engineeringWork products and documentation to develop differentiation, microscopy, and automated cell culture protocolsWork products and documentation resulting from 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.Work products and documents related to applying published protocols for cell differentiation to IPSC lines, microscopy, and molecular analysisWork 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.Basic Qualifications:Master's degree in cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, bioengineering, chemical engineering, or a closely related discipline.Minimum of 2 years of related experienceGood Laboratory Practices (GLP)Skilled in R and SeuratExperience in programming (VENUS, Visual Basic, C++, MATLAB, or Python programming)Proficiency with automated liquid handling robotsExperience planning and optimizing experiments and QC TestingHands-on experience with cell culture in particular working with iPS cells.Hands-on experience with operating and programming liquid handling robotics and platforms (Hamilton preferred, TECAN, Beckman, Agilent).Knowledge of proper laboratory disposal methods and proceduresExperience with MS Office SuitePreferred Qualifications:Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with non-technical and technical staffDetail-oriented and possess strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks and projects*This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required by this position.To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.GAP Solutions provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need an accommodation to apply for a job, email us at [e-mail]. You will need to reference the requisition number of the position in which you are interested. Your message will be routed to the appropriate recruiter who will assist you. Please note, this email address is only to be used for those individuals who need an accommodation to apply for a job. Emails for any other reason or those that do not include a requisition number will not be returned.Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.This position is contingent upon contract award.