Associate Research Scientist; PREP

PREP Research Associate – National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

This position is part of NIST’s Professional Research Experience (PREP) program, a collaborative partnership between NIST laboratories and U.S. academic institutions. The selected candidate will work in the Material Measurement Laboratory (MML) developing measurement infrastructure for a biomanufacturing research program in collaboration with university partners.

Laboratory Automation for Cell-Based Assays (U.S. Citizens preferred)

The role will contribute to the development of advanced measurement infrastructure for biomanufacturing and the automation of biological assays, supporting distribution manufacturing concepts in biofoundry networks.

• Conduct innovative research in transferable manufacturing systems for living‑cell reference materials.
• Translate experimental designs into automated laboratory instrumentation programs.
• Design and execute experiments, analyze data, and interpret results.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across the institute.
• Write and publish manuscripts for peer‑reviewed and open‑science outlets.

• Ph.D. in Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Cell Biology, Synthetic Biology, or a related field.
• Experience working with mammalian cell cultures, specifically induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).
• Experience programming large laboratory automation systems (e.g., liquid handlers, automated microscopes) for cellular measurements.
• A track record of interdisciplinary research within automated laboratory frameworks.
• Strong oral and written communication skills and willingness to travel occasionally for collaborations.
• Presentation experience at national conferences and institutional meetings.

EEO Statement
Employment is open to qualified candidates regardless of sex, gender, marital status, pregnancy, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. The federal government is an equal opportunity employer.