Biological Scientist

Position Objective

The Biological Scientist is responsible for developing functional 3D neural models with immune cells, have a background in neuroscience. Develop 3D neural spheroid models to model neurological disease and pharmacology and toxicology testing at NCATS within the National Institutes of Health.

• Provides subject matter expertise to senior scientists and program executives.
• Designs and performs experiments related to the brain and nervous system 1
• Develops tools and models to support testing of the brain and nervous system 2
• Designs and performs original molecular and cellular research
• Develop protocols to assemble physiologically validated 3D neural tissue models relevant to neurological and neurodegenerative diseases, and neurotoxicity. Tissue models include bioprinted tissues, spheroids and organoids, in multi well plate screening platforms 3
• Develop 2D and 3D assays relevant to neuronal activity, including calcium flux with fluorescence readers like FLIPR or cell imaging, action potential with multielectrode arrays, optogenetics with fiber photometry 4
• Maintain tissues for up to two months after assembly to allow them to mature and develop wild-type features, including development of automated tissue maintenance and programming protocols using automated liquid handlers available at NCATS 5
• Perform cell culture work using primary and iPSC-derived cells, including cell expansion, differentiation, and scaling up to generate the number of cells necessary with good viability to produce 3D tissues; check cells regularly for mycoplasma contamination
• Fix and process 3D tissues for histology; embed tissues in paraffin or cryostat; cut tissue slices and mount onto histology slides stain slides with colorimetric dyes or IHC antibodies for imaging analysis
• Collect cellular fluorescence imaging data using multiple imaging platforms, including PE Phenix HCS Imager, MD Image Xpress,
• Leica SP8 Multi-Photon Imager, Leica Aperio Versa Slide Scanner; process images for analysis
• Analyze laboratory findings
• Enter orders for equipment and consumables into POTS/SOS ordering system; consult with vendors for options and quotes; complete necessary paperwork; upload documents into POTS/SOS; enter purchasing details
• Provide input for software programs to enhance data analysis tools
• Learns new laboratory techniques and procedures
• Maintain deep understanding of research methodologies and the latest trends and developments in the field of in vitro neural models
• Attend meetings; present results and findings.
• Visit collaborators; attend trainings
• Clean Equipment
• Inspect Equipment
• Meet with lab members to present updates
• Work products and documentation supporting development, production, validation, and analysis of 2D and 3D neural tissue models, including bioprinted tissues, spheroids, organoids, and multiwell screening platforms for neurological and neurodegenerative disease research.
• Work products and documentation supporting cell culture, iPSC and primary cell expansion, differentiation, scale-up, bioprinting, tissue maturation, neuronal activity assays, histology, imaging, data collection, and analysis using relevant laboratory and analytical technologies.
• Work products and documentation supporting protocol and software development, bioprinter operation, technology evaluation, training, laboratory operations, procurement activities, equipment and consumable acquisition, vendor coordination, pricing review, and administrative documentation.