Neural Engineering Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

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 stainslides with colorimetric dyes or IHC antibodies for imaging analysis
• Collect cellular fluorescence imaging data using multiple imaging platforms, including PE Phenix HCS Imager, MD ImageXpress,
• 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.

GAP Solutions provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need an accommodation to apply for a job, email us at recruiting@gapsi.com. You will need to reference the requisition number of the position in which you are interested. Your message will be routed to the appropriate recruiter who will assist you. Please note, this email address is only to be used for those individuals who need an accommodation to apply for a job. Emails for any other reason or those that do not include a requisition number will not be returned.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

This position is contingent upon contract award.