Biologist (Functional Genomics)

GAP SOLUTIONS INC; Rockville (MD); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

GAP Solutions INC. in Rockville, MD is seeking a Biologist (Functional Genomics) to support NCATS/NIH projects involving high throughput RNAi and CRISPR screens.

You will collaborate with a federal task leader, perform advanced cell culture, qRT-PCR, and reporter assays, and assist in interpreting data and preparing technical reports. The role emphasizes rigorous record-keeping, reagent preparation, and workflow optimization for pooled and arrayed CRISPR screens in complex 3D models such as

Qualifications

• PhD in cell/molecular biology, genetics, or related field.
• At least 2 years of biological laboratory experience.
• Strong data analysis skills and record-keeping.
• Proficient with GraphPad Prism, PowerPoint, Excel, MS Office.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture and DNA sequencing analysis.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate to develop and validate RNAi and CRISPR screens.
• Perform sterile cell culture and qRT-PCR assays.
• Analyze data, write reports, and maintain notebooks.
• Maintain and QC lab equipment and inventories.
• Prepare reagents for CRISPR screens and organoid work.
• Document workflows, SOPs, and manuscripts.

Skills

Graphpad Prism

PowerPoint

Excel

MS Office

Molecular biology

DNA sequencing analysis

Mammalian cell culture

Education

PhD in cell or molecular biology or genetics or related discipline

Job description

Position Objective: Provide services as a Biologist (Functional Genomics) in support of the overall functions of the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) within the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The contractor position will support research activities related to the functional genomics pipeline. The purpose of this position is to support an FGL scientist in conducting and analyzing high throughput RNAi and CRISPR screens as well as evaluate tools for the development of CRISPR screen assays.Duties and Responsibilities:Collaborate with federal task leader to learn and employ multiple techniques involved in RNAi and CRISPR assay development and validation for various projects, including but not limited to sterile cell culture technique, qRT-PCR, reporter cell-based assays, enzyme assays, and culturing complex 3D models such as organoids. 1Regularly update and maintain laboratory notebooks, databases and inventory filesAnalyze experimental data and interpret results to write reports and summaries of findings Conduct RNAi screens based on optimized assaysDemonstrate lab citizenship; including but not limited to restocking general laboratory consumables, maintaining cell culture lab, emptying laboratory waste, validating machinery and maintaining personal as well as lab inventories of chemicals, freezers, cell lines, and biologics. 5Operate, calibrate, or maintain equipment used in quantitative or qualitative analysis, such as spectrophotometers, calorimeters, flame photometers, or computer-controlled analyzers.Maintain laboratory equipment.Operate laboratory equipment to analyze samples.Analyze laboratory findings.Amplify and purify transfection and packaging ready plasmids.Prepare, aliquot and store various supplements needed for complex cell culture models, keep track of inventories of supplements prepared. 4Prepare, bulk up and QC reagents for CRISPR screens. 3Program and use computers to store, process, and analyze data.Interpret research or operational data.Record research or operational data.Learn the workflow of pooled and arrayed CRISPR screens and implement it.Learn the maintenance, expansion and cryopreservation of organoids, their lentiviral infection and their high content imaging. 2Work products and documents related to optimizing and performing RNAi screens – Weekly.Clean Equipment - Ad-Hoc.Inspect Equipment – Monthly.Meet with lab members to present updates – Quarterly.Work products and documents related to generation and QC of reagents for CRISPR screens. – Weekly.Documents listing availability/location and QC results of CRISPR reagents (DNA Libraries, Lentiviral stocks, and cell lines). - Bi-Weekly.Work products and documents related to preparing technical reports, SOPs, manuscripts, and oral presentations - Bi-Weekly.Work products and documents related to assays for screening targets; develop and optimize cell-based assays; analyze and interpret results; confirm results; - Daily.Attend required and suggested trainings for new equipment and software - Ad-Hoc.Run Validation – Weekly.Basic Qualifications:PhD in cell or molecular biology or genetics or a related discipline.Minimum of 2 years of relevant Laboratory experience in biological sciences required.Skilled in Graphpad Prism, PowerPoint, Excel, and MS Office.Experience in molecular biology, DNA sequencing analysis, and mammalian cell culture required.Experienced in maintaining accurate and detailed records of laboratory experiments.Preferred Qualifications:Ability to multi-task and pay close attention to detail.Excellent analytical, organizational and time management skills.Strong communication skills, both oral and written.*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 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.