Associate Research Scientist; PREP

PREP Research Associate

Position is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Professional Research Experience Program (PREP). NIST recognizes that its research staff may want to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest and, therefore, requires those institutions to be recipients of a PREP award. The PREP program involves staff from a wide range of backgrounds conducting scientific research across various fields.

Individuals in this position will perform technical work supporting the collaboration's scientific research.

Senior Research Associate – Fit-for-Purpose Cellular Measurements for Process Analytical Technologies (U.S. Citizens preferred)

Material Measurement Laboratory of NIST is seeking qualified persons (U.S. Citizens preferred) to contribute to cutting‑edge research projects aimed at developing process analytical technologies to support cell‑based manufacturing and cell‑based assays. The successful appointee will join a dynamic, multidisciplinary team working with cutting‑edge cell analytical technologies within the NIST Biomaterials Group to address critical cell measurement challenges in biotechnology. They will contribute to international standardization efforts in cell characterization, and the development of reference strategies to support reproducibility for cell culture and cell‑based assays.

• Conduct mammalian cell culture
• Design and execute cell characterization experiments, develop and conduct data analysis workflows including statistical analyses, and interpret results
• Ensure that protocols and results are well‑documented
• Present findings at meetings and conferences and prepare manuscripts
• Collaborate with stakeholders and multidisciplinary teams

• Ph.D. in biomedical engineering, molecular biology, biochemistry, or a related field
• 3+ years of experience in mammalian cell culture with 1+ year of specialized experience in adherent cells
• 3+ years of experience in mammalian cell health assays (e.g., viability, apoptosis, DNA damage)
• 3+ years of experience in mass spectrometry with 1 year of specialized experience in cell‑based metabolomics
• 3+ years of experience in cytometry (e.g., image‑based, flow‑based)
• Proficiency in operating advanced cell analysis instrumentation and developing protocols
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to lead research efforts to successfully achieve research goals
• Experience with cell process analytical technologies (e.g., real‑time, label‑free, non‑destructive) (preferred)
• Familiarity with statistical analysis tools and design of experiment strategies (preferred)

The National Institute of Standards and Technology is committed to equal opportunity for its faculty, staff, and students. To that end, the agency does not discriminate on the basis of sex, gender, marital status, pregnancy, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristics. The agency is committed to providing qualified individuals access to all academic and employment programs, benefits and activities on the basis of demonstrated ability, performance and merit without regard to personal factors or demographic characteristics that are irrelevant to the programs involved.