Associate Scientist

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 Associate Scientist to join our vibrant team at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) supporting the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) located in Gaithersburg, MD.

Benefits We

Offer:

• 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 Overview:

The Associate Scientist provides scientific and technical support to the Formulation Development Group within the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). The position supports vaccine and biotherapeutic formulation and stability research through the execution of formulation and stability studies, independent generation and analysis of samples using standard and advanced analytical methods, coordination of laboratory instrumentation maintenance and troubleshooting, and documentation of stability protocols and technical reports.

A Master's degree is required, with a preferred field of study in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or Pharmacy Pharmaceutical Sciences and Administration. Familiarity with UV-visible, fluorescence, Circular Dichroism and/or IR spectroscopy, Differential Scanning Calorimetry, and particle characterization techniques is preferred, along with hands‑on experience in protein/vaccine formulation, stability, and biophysical characterization.

Certifications & Licenses

B.S. or M.S. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline is required.

Field of Study

Chemical Engineering

Biomedical Engineering

Pharmacy Pharmaceutical Sciences and Administration

Software

Experience with data analysis using standard software platforms (Excel, Prism, Sigma Plot, etc.).

Skills

Hands‑on experience in one or more of the following areas: protein/vaccine formulation, protein/vaccine stability, biophysical characterization, bioanalytical development.

Hands‑on experience with one or more of the following techniques: UV-visible, fluorescence, Circular Dichroism and/or IR spectroscopy;
Differential Scanning Calorimetry;
Particle characterization (light scattering, HIAC and/or MFI).

Knowledge of the structural properties of proteins

Ability to work independently

Good written, oral, and visual communication skills

1 year (minimum) industry, government or equivalent experience in protein formulation or a related field (Master's thesis may fulfill this requirement).

• Execute formulation and stability studies, including coordination of analytical sample generation and testing, under direction of the federal task leader. — 1
• Independently generate and analyze samples using both standard and advanced study specific analytical methods. — 2
• Coordinate and execute formulation development studies for vaccine and biotherapeutic characterization under direction of the federal task leader. — 3
• Independently analyze and collate analytical data in collaboration with a project development team. — 4
• Present data in small group and department settings. — 5
• Coordinate external service and execute routine maintenance and troubleshooting for one or more pieces of laboratory instrumentation.
• Write and review routine stability study protocols under the direction of a Formulation Scientist/Senior Scientist.
• Write and review technical reports documenting formulation, stability and method development studies.

Disclaimer: The above description is meant to…