Biologist

Axle is seeking a Biologist to join our vibrant team at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) supporting the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) located in Bethesda, MD.

Benefits We Offer:

• 100% Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage for Employees
• 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 Biologist will support research on sleep and circadian behavior in Drosophila melanogaster. The role includes conducting multigeneration selective breeding experiments to develop flies with extreme sleep and circadian phenotypes, computing phenotypes from fly activity data, and performing statistical and quantitative genetics analyses. Additional responsibilities include molecular biology experiments, sequencing sample preparation and analysis, laboratory maintenance, staff training, and contributions to scientific publications.

Additional Qualifications

Education
• Ph.D. in a scientific field. A master's degree plus three years of specialized experience, or a bachelor's degree plus five years of specialized experience, may substitute for the Ph.D.
• Fields of study: Genetics, Microbiology, or Chemistry.

Experience and Skills
• General experience with basic biochemical and molecular biology techniques and an understanding of general scientific principles.
• Proficiency in selective breeding of Drosophila melanogaster.
• Proficiency in measuring sleep and circadian behavior in flies and computing sleep and circadian phenotypes from raw activity data.
• Proficiency in conducting statistical analyses of sleep and circadian behavior.
• Self-motivation, attention to detail, and strong organizational skills.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent analytical and time-management skills.

Software
• Microsoft Suite

Deliverables
• Inspect equipment
• Produce work products and documentation related to selective breeding of flies for extreme sleep and circadian phenotypes
• Produce work products and documentation related to computing sleep phenotypes and conducting statistical and quantitative genetics analyses
• Produce work products and documentation related to preparing fly samples for deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA) sequencing, reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) experiments, and sequencing data analysis
• Maintain accurate experimental records, participate in laboratory meetings and planning sessions, and contribute to scientific papers for publication
• Prepare samples for research assays, assist in processing patient samples, and train summer students and research fellows in basic fly culturing and molecular biology techniques

Statement of Work Details
• Conduct multigeneration selective breeding experiments to develop flies with extreme sleep and circadian phenotypes.
• Compute sleep and circadian phenotypes from fly activity data.
• Conduct statistical analyses of sleep and circadian behavior, including quantitative genetics analyses.
• Maintain Drosophila cultures for experimental purposes.
• Perform Sanger sequencing analysis of genomic DNA samples obtained from Drosophila.
• Prepare DNA and RNA samples for next-generation sequencing.
• Conduct confirmatory experiments using RT-qPCR.
• Prepare samples for laboratory team members' research assays and provide technical support and troubleshooting.
• Analyze laboratory findings and interpret research and operational data.
• Program and use computers to store, process, and analyze data.
• Maintain accurate experimental records and contribute to writing and preparing scientific papers for publication in recognized journals.
• Participate in laboratory meetings and planning sessions.
• Maintain laboratory equipment in good working order, identify maintenance contract needs, and prepare supporting documentation.
• Maintain the REES monitoring system for incubators and freezers.
• Assist with the shared circadian room and weekly dry ice delivery and unloading.
• Maintain the laboratory biosafety manual, provide biosafety training, and track training completion records.
• Flush eyewash stations weekly and coordinate chemical waste disposal and collection.
• Monitor technical operating procedures for conformance to standards.
• Train new fellows and laboratory personnel in fly handling, culturing, sleep measurements, and safety procedures.
• Train fellows in statistical analyses of sleep and circadian data.

Disclaimer: The above description is meant to illustrate the general nature of work and level of effort being performed by individuals assigned to this position or job description. This is not restricted as a complete list of all skills, responsibilities, duties, and/or assignments required. Individuals may be required to perform duties outside of their position, job description or responsibilities as needed.

This role has a market-competitive salary with an anticipated base compensation range listed below. Actual salaries will vary depending on a candidate's experience, qualifications, skills, and location.

Salary Range

$110,000-$115,000 USD