Automation Cell Culture Biologist

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 Automation Cell Culture Biologist to join our vibrant team at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) supporting the National Institute on Aging (NIA) located in Baltimore, MD.

• 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)

This role supports research at the Center for Alzheimer's and Related Dementias by characterizing genetic pathways for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) through automated, large-scale cell culture experiments. The position centers on performing iPSC (induced pluripotent stem cell) culture, differentiation, and phenotyping work on automated liquid handling platforms, and on evaluating how ADRD-associated mutations affect molecular and cellular readouts. A Master's degree in cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, bioengineering, chemical engineering, or a closely related discipline is required, along with a minimum of two years of related experience and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) certification.

Preferred candidates bring hands‑on experience with automated liquid handling robotics (Hamilton preferred; TECAN, Beckman, or Agilent also considered) and direct experience culturing iPS cells.

• Good Laboratory Practices (GLP)
• Master's degree in cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, bioengineering, chemical engineering, or a closely related discipline
• Minimum of two (2) years of related experience

• Genetics
• Molecular Biology

• Outlook
• R
• Excel
• Power Point
• Google Drive
• Experience in programming/coding (VENUS, Visual Basic, C++, MATLAB, or Python programming)

• Proficiency with automated liquid handling robots
• Planning and optimizing experiments
• QC testing
• Hands‑on experience with cell culture, particularly working with iPS cells
• Hands‑on experience operating and programming liquid handling robotics and platforms (Hamilton preferred, TECAN, Beckman, Agilent)
• Knowledge of proper laboratory disposal methods and procedures
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and time management skills
• Clean Equipment — Daily
• Meet with lab members to present updates — Bi‑Weekly
• Work 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 protocols — Ad‑Hoc
• Work products and documents related to evaluating the stability of differentiated cells across lines and passages to identify cell lines with desirable characteristics for subsequent cell engineering — Ad‑Hoc
• Work products and documentation to develop differentiation, microscopy, and automated cell culture protocols — Ad‑Hoc
• Work products and documentation resulting from automated cell culture phenotyping of iPSC lines — Ad‑Hoc
• 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 — Ad‑Hoc
• Work products and documents related to applying published protocols for cell differentiation to iPSC lines, microscopy, and molecular analysis — Ad‑Hoc
• Work products and documents related to updating and maintaining laboratory notebooks and databases; collect, analyze,…