Pilot Biologist Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

(ID: 2026-2962)

Axle is a bioscience and information technology company that offers advancements in translational research, biomedical informatics, and data science applications to research centers and healthcare organizations nationally and abroad. With experts in biomedical science, software engineering, and program management, we focus on developing and applying research tools and techniques to empower decision-making and accelerate research discoveries. We work with some of the top research organizations and facilities in the country including multiple institutes at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Axle is seeking a Scientist to join our vibrant team at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) supporting the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) 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

Axle is seeking a Scientist to support the planning and execution of research experiments within the laboratory's overall research program, performing protein assays, transfection experiments, DNA cloning, and phenotyping of mutant mouse strains, along with protein function assays and mouse colony maintenance. This role supports laboratory staff on research projects and techniques, including mentoring post-baccalaureate fellows and assisting post-doctoral fellows with experiments in protein biochemistry, and evaluates, analyzes, and interprets research data, communicating results and methods in reports, presentations, and manuscripts. A Master's degree in Biology, Life Sciences, or a related discipline is required, along with extensive experience as a lead investigator on research projects.

Certifications & Licenses

• Master's degree in Biology, Life Sciences, or a related discipline

Field of Study

• Genetics

Software

• PowerPoint
• Outlook
• Excel
• Word

Skills

• Extensive experience as lead investigator on research projects

Deliverables

• Work products and documents related to performing protein assays, phenotyping of mutant mouse strains, protein functional assays, and other less common assays; performing transfection experiments with plasmids and retroviruses into cell lines or primary mouse cells; and DNA cloning and generation of constructs for gene expression and gene targeting in ES cells — Ad-Hoc
• Work products and documents related to preparing media, buffers, and chemical reagents; maintaining lab supplies and equipment; and assisting post-doctoral fellows in their own independent projects through consultation and by performing selected key experiments within the contractor's area of expertise — Ad-Hoc
• Work products and documents related to performing key pilot experiments to test new hypotheses forming the foundation of new research projects; performing cell culture and fetal thymus organ culture; and maintaining a mouse colony for experiments — Ad-Hoc
• Work products and documents related to analyzing and summarizing data for reports; assessing project direction, performing literature searches, and assisting with identification of new projects and research directions to pursue; and participating in meetings and discussions — Ad-Hoc
• Meet with lab members to present updates — Weekly

Statement of Work Details

• Perform protein assays by Western Blotting to detect protein expression and protein associations in T cells from mice — 1
• Perform transfection experiments with plasmids and retroviruses into cell lines or primary mouse cells — 2
• Perform DNA cloning and generate constructs for gene expression and gene targeting in ES cells — 3
• Support the planning and execution of research experiments in the context of the laboratory's overall research program
• Perform phenotyping of mutant mouse strains by multicolor flow cytometry
• Perform protein function (signaling) assays on thymocytes and T cells
• Perform and optimize less common assays, such as phosphatase assay and GTPase assay
• Perform cell culture and fetal thymus organ culture
• Maintain a mouse colony for experiments
• Participate in animal tracking and genotyping by PCR
• Prepare media, buffers, and chemical reagents as needed
• Support laboratory staff on research projects and techniques
• Assist with mentoring and teaching of post-baccalaureate fellows
• Assist post-doctoral fellows in their independent projects through consultation and by performing selected key experiments within the contractor's area of expertise (protein biochemistry)
• Maintain and update laboratory notebooks and databases; collect, analyze, and summarize data for reports
• Participate in laboratory meetings and discussions; review literature for assay techniques and topics of interest
• In consultation with staff, assess project direction, perform literature searches, and assist with identifying new projects and research directions to pursue
• Perform key pilot experiments to test new hypotheses forming the foundation of new research projects
• Maintain laboratory equipment and train others in its use
• Maintain laboratory supplies and equipment
• Assist in maintaining adequate space and facilities for ongoing and projected research studies
• Manage scientific equipment and resources (e.g., reagents, frozen cell stocks, animal samples), including acquisition, documentation, and storage
• Evaluate, analyze, and interpret research data; communicate results and methods in reports, presentations, and manuscripts
• Attend international scientific meetings and present findings in oral presentations or as posters, as allowed per STOPS Contract Travel SOP
• Assist staff in reviewing scientific papers and writing invited review articles and technical experimental methods articles in specific areas of expertise
• Analyze and summarize data for reporting results; consult with staff regarding techniques and results

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.

The diversity of Axle's employees is a tremendous asset. We are firmly committed to providing equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and will not tolerate any illegal discrimination or harassment based on age, race, gender, religion, national origin, disability, marital status, covered veteran status, sexual orientation, status with respect to public assistance, and other characteristics protected under state, federal, or local law and to deter those who aid, abet, or induce discrimination or coerce others to discriminate.

Accessibility: If you need an accommodation as part of the employment process please contact: careers@axleinfo.com

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.