Biological Scientist

National Institutes of Health / National Institute of

Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)

Place of Performance: NIDCD, 35A Convent Drive, Building 35A, Room GF-118, Bethesda, MD 2089

Position Summary and Objectives: The Biologist provides advanced scientific and technical support to the Laboratory of Cell Structure and Dynamics within the NIDCD Division of Intramural Research. The position supports investigations of inner ear cellular biology through the design and execution of laboratory experiments, the preparation and analysis of biological specimens, the management of transgenic mouse colonies, and the collection and interpretation of microscopy data. The role calls for hands-on bench proficiency paired with the computational skill to process and quantify high-resolution imaging datasets, and for the judgment to work independently while contributing to a collaborative laboratory environment.

Technical Requirements: Biologist (Inner Ear Biological Scientist)

Technical support for the study of basic principles of animal life

• Perform sample preparation for studies of rodent inner ear cellular biology, including dissection, fixation, immunostaining, and mounting of cochlear and vestibular tissue for high-resolution imaging.
• Apply established histological and molecular techniques to generate specimens of consistent quality suitable for confocal and other advanced microscopy.
• Manage transgenic mouse colonies, including breeding, genotyping, record-keeping, and coordination with animal care staff to maintain the lines required for ongoing studies.
• Adhere to institutional protocols governing the humane care and use of laboratory animals and maintain the documentation those protocols require.

Laboratory experiments and procedures

• Assist in the design and execution of laboratory experiments investigating cell structure and dynamics within the inner ear.
• Collect and analyze biological data concerning relationships among and between organisms and their environment.
• Carry out routine and specialized laboratory procedures under the direction of the principal investigator, adjusting technique as experimental needs evolve.
• Evaluate experimental outcomes for quality and consistency and identify sources of variability that warrant follow-up.

Preparation, organization, and maintenance of laboratory samples, supplies, and equipment

• Prepare, organize, and maintain laboratory samples, reagents, supplies, and equipment so that experimental work proceeds without interruption.
• Operate laboratory equipment to analyze samples, including state-of-the-art confocal microscopy systems.
• Analyze laboratory findings and document results in a form suitable for review by investigators and collaborators.
• Maintain inventory logs, reagent tracking records, and equipment maintenance documentation, and coordinate service and calibration as needed.

Adoption of new laboratory techniques and procedures

• Learn and apply new laboratory techniques and procedures as the research program advances.
• Program and use computers to store, process, and analyze data generated by laboratory instrumentation.
• Perform computational analysis of microscopy data, including image segmentation, quantification, and visualization of cellular structures.
• Review relevant scientific literature to inform experimental design and the selection of methodologies and prepare periodic summaries of that literature for the laboratory.

Documentation, reporting, and deliverables

• Prepare written summaries of experimental findings, including figures and interpretations, for internal review, publications, and presentations.
• Provide oral or written progress updates during laboratory meetings or as requested by the COR or the on-site manager.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of the methods applied and the results obtained so that analyses can be reproduced.

Specific Qualifications:

• Master's degree required in Biology or a related biological or life-science discipline.
• Demonstrated experience with transgenic mice and the management of a mouse colony.
• Demonstrated experience with sample preparation for confocal microscopy.
• A history of careful, well-documented bench work and reliable record-keeping.

Required Software and Tools:

• Microsoft Office.
• Confocal microscopy acquisition and instrument control software.
• Image analysis and processing environments such as ImageJ/Fiji, Imaris, or equivalent.
• Scripting for data processing and analysis, such as Python, R, or MATLAB.

Required Skills and Expertise:

• Familiarity with state-of-the-art confocal microscopy systems.
• Experience with computational analysis of microscopy data.
• Experience with transgenic mice and mouse colony management.
• Experience with sample preparation for confocal microscopy.

Other Requirements:

• Telework may be authorized if approved by the Task Leader, COR, and the Contracting Officer.
• The position involves work with rodents and the use of Class 1 laser instrumentation and requires the use of personal protective equipment including gloves, lab coat, safety glasses, face shields or goggles, safety shoes, hearing protection, impervious suit, disposable masks, and clean room uniform.