Biologist; Cell Culture

National Institutes of Health (NIH) - Gaithersburg Campus - Gaithersburg, MD 20878

Salary Range: $1.00 - $2.00 Salary/year |
Position Type: Full Time |
Job Shift: Day |
Education Level: Bachelors Degree |
Travel Percentage: None |
Category: Public Health

Provide services as a Biologist (Cell Culture) in support of the overall functions of the VRC/VPP within the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).

• Develop viral vaccines, recombinant proteins and/or virus-like particles or monoclonal antibodies.
• Perform investigations and documentation of cell line growth, optimization of cell culture/fermentation conditions, cell culture technology development, improvement of cell culture platforms, modeling of cell culture behavior, troubleshooting of cell culture/fermentation processes, and tech transfer of defined cell culture/fermentation processes to the clinical production facility.
• Capture process descriptions and results in lab notebooks, tech transfer documents, and technical reports.
• Independently set-up and operate bioreactors and other cell culture equipment required for development studies.
• Perform cell culture experimental studies.
• Participate in project and laboratory meetings, keep current with compliance obligations, and be responsible for maintenance of the laboratory and equipment.
• Contribute results and studies for publication in peer reviewed journals.
• Develop experimental protocols (EP) for cell culture development studies for transients and/or stable cell line project and present finding, including:
  • Coordinate with Project leads and Project Management on EP goals
  • Design experimental conditions
  • Compile data into project-based presentations
  • Communicate results in project meetings
• Serve as SME in new technologies initiatives, such as perfusion-based cell culture methods, and novel transient transfection techniques.
• Contribute to Lab Operations initiatives including:
  • Responsible for FLEX2 bioanalyzer maintenance/troubleshooting
  • Responsible for upkeep of BIOS 16 Floor centrifuge maintenance and consumables supplies
  • Coordinate with Lab Operations manager on Lab Organizational efforts (e.g. 5S, KANBAN)

• B.S. in Biology, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, or related life science degree is required.
• 3-5 years of industry-level experience in cell culture development is required.
• Experience with tech transfer of cell culture processes to manufacturing is required.

• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with non-technical and technical staff
• Detail-oriented and possess strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks and projects

* 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, email us at  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.

This position is contingent upon contract award.