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.

Duties and Responsibilities:

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.

Basic Qualifications:

Ph.D. in Neuroscience Skilled in Experience assembling 3D neural models, including neural spheroids, for disease modeling and drug screening

Experience developing functional assays on 3D neural models, including calcium measurements using FLIPR calcium assays

Experience in tissue culture of IPSC-derived cells

Experience developing neural 3D models

Experience with fluorescent microscopy and high content imaging

Preferred Qualifications:

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.

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