Staff Scientist

Axle Labs; Rockville (MD); On-site; USD 100,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

Paid time off

401K match

Educational benefits

Referral bonus

Healthcare FSA

Parking reimbursement

Dependent Care Assistance Program

Transportation Reimbursement Account

Job summary

Axle is seeking a Staff Scientist to join the NHLBI Hematology Branch at Bethesda, MD, supporting translational hematology research. The role involves designing, conducting, analyzing, and communicating original studies using cell models and approved in vivo systems as needed. Responsibilities include running validations, presenting updates daily, and delivering publication-ready data and figures.

A Ph.D. with 5–8 years of research experience is required, with NIH postdoctoral experience

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Cell and Developmental Biology or related discipline.
• Minimum 5 to 8 years of scientific research experience including 3 to 5 years post-doctoral at the NIH.
• Field of study: Biology.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Suite.

Responsibilities

• Run Validation - Ad-Hoc
• Meet with lab members to present updates - Daily
• Well-documented experimental datasets; validated methods, protocols, and standard operating procedures - Bi-Weekly
• Lead laboratory research and mentor students, postbaccalaureate trainees, and fellows
• Lead laboratory research supporting the development of LNP‑mediated in vivo genome editing of HSPCs.

Skills

Analytical skills

Project coordination

Strong communication

Experimental techniques

Publications

Reproducibility

Gene delivery knowledge

Education

PhD in Cell and Developmental Biology

Biology field of study

Tools

Microsoft Suite

Job description

(ID: 2026-3430)

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 Staff Scientist to join our vibrant team at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) supporting the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) 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)

Position Information:

The purpose of this position is to support the research mission of NHLBI’s Hematology Branch. The contractor shall design, conduct, analyze, and communicate original translational hematology research.

Additional Qualifications:

Certifications & Licenses

• Ph.D. in Cell and Developmental Biology or related discipline

• Minimum 5 to 8 years of experience in scientific research including 3 to 5 years post-doctoral fellow at the NIH

Field of Study

• Biology

Software

• Microsoft Suite

Skills

• Excellent analytical, organizational and time-management skills

• Proficiency in coordinating multiple research projects in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong communications skills, both oral and written.

• Proven track record of conducting state-of-the‑art experimental techniques.

• Recognized academic excellence with numerous publications and research awards.

• Demonstrates outstanding scientific judgment, creativity, experimental rigor, troubleshooting ability, organization, and attention to reproducibility.

• Expertise in identifying and overcoming cellular barriers to therapeutic gene delivery.

Deliverables:

• Run Validation - Ad-Hoc

• Meet with lab members to present updates - Daily

• Work products and documents related to presenting findings at scientific meetings. - Ad-Hoc

• Well-documented experimental datasets; validated methods, protocols, and standard operating procedures; analyses and publication-quality figures - Bi-Weekly

Statement of Work Details:

• Analyze laboratory findings- Independently design and execute the scientific research projects and studies. - 1

• Generate reproducible experimental data, validated methods, scientific analyses, protocols, and written products aligned with NHLBI research priorities. - 2

• Perform confirmatory and mechanistic studies as needed, resolve technical limitations, integrate findings across experiments, and prepare the resulting work for peer-reviewed publication. - 3

• Studies may use established cell models, primary human HSPCs, and approved in vivo models, as scientifically appropriate - 4

• Provides technical experience needed to assist in studying the basic principles of plant and animal life

• Plan and administer biological research programs

• Identify, classify, and study structure, behavior, ecology, physiology, nutrition, culture, and distribution of plant and animal species

• Comply with all applicable NIH and NHLBI requirements for laboratory safety, biosafety, research integrity, information security, animal research, and research involving human specimens.

• Assists with performing basic laboratory experiments and procedures

• Monitor and observe experiments, recording production and test data for evaluation by research personnel

• Analyze experimental data and interpret results to write reports and summaries of findings

• Complete and extend studies evaluating baculovirus as a delivery platform for large DNA donor templates used in CRISPR-based targeted gene integration

• Provide hands‑on scientific instruction and mentorship to students, postbaccalaureate trainees, fellows, and other laboratory personnel

• Lead laboratory research supporting the development of LNP‑mediated in vivo genome editing of HSPCs.

• Develop, qualify, and apply reproducible assays to evaluate mRNA integrity and translation, double‑stranded RNA (dsRNA) impurities and related quality attributes, and cellular innate immune responses.

• Prepares, organizes and maintains various lab samples, supplies, and equipment

• Maintain laboratory equipment

• Improving expression of functional editing proteins from messenger RNA (mRNA) cargo and on defining and mitigating innate immune responses that limit delivery, cell fitness, or editing activity.

• Learns new laboratory techniques and procedures

• Interpret research or operational data

• Record research or operational data

• Prepare and revise protocols, technical summaries, figures, manuscripts, abstracts, presentations, and scientific sections of grant or other research applications under government direction.

• Maintain complete, contemporaneous laboratory records, including electronic notebooks, source data, analysis files, code or calculation records where applicable, sample and reagent identifiers, and version‑controlled protocols.

• Develop and refine experimental protocols and standard operating procedures; troubleshoot complex methods; establish assay controls and acceptance criteria; introduce new technologies when justified

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.

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Salary Range: $100,000 — $115,000 USD