Automation Cell Culture Biologist

Job Family:

Biologist

Travel Required:

None

Clearance Required:

Ability to Obtain Public Trust

What You Will Do:

​We are currently searching for Automation Cell Culture Biologist to support research characterizing genetic pathways for disease by automated large scale cell culture experiments within the National Institutes of Health (NIH).  This is a full-time, on-site opportunity in Bethesda, MD. 

• Monitor operational procedures in technical environments to ensure conformance to standards. 

• Record research or operational data, keep detailed, organized, and accurate digital and physical experimental records.  

• Interpret research or operational data. 

• Program and use computers to store, process, and analyze data. 

• Operate laboratory equipment to analyze samples. 

• Plan, design, develop, and conduct biological research studies, including investigations of biological mechanisms, cellular function, development, and disease-related processes. 

• Work independently to design, develop, and perform new experimental methods and approaches, while collaboratively supporting multidisciplinary research projects. 

• Collaborate with scientific staff to characterize genetic pathways associated with neurological disease using human cell-based models. 

• Assist scientific staff with experimental design, instrumentation, data acquisition and analysis, and preparation of figures and other research outputs.  

• Conduct large-scale induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) culture experiments, including experiments performed using high-throughput liquid-handling and robotic platforms. 

• Perform experiments and procedures involving the differentiation and phenotypic characterization of iPSC lines. 

• Apply established and published protocols for iPSC differentiation, microscopy, molecular analysis, and cellular characterization. 

• Develop and optimize automated differentiation protocols for iPSC lines into disease-relevant cell types, including neurons, astrocytes, and microglia. 

• Evaluate the stability and reproducibility of iPSC and iPSC-derived cells across multiple engineered and non-engineered cell lines.res and other research outputs. 

• Program, operate, and implement novel methods on automated liquid-handling platforms, including Hamilton and Tecan systems. 

• Collaborate with research team members to execute large-scale cell culture protocols using high-throughput robotic systems. 

• Perform standard immunological and molecular biology techniques, including Western blotting and immunostaining. 

• Develop image-analysis methods and routines to assess the effects of disease-associated mutations on cellular phenotypes. 

• Analyze molecular and cellular data to characterize the effects of disease-associated mutations on experimental readouts in cell culture models. 

• Collect, analyze, interpret, and organize experimental data; prepare reports, summaries, and figures; and present research results at team and departmental meetings. 

• Monitor experiments and accurately record experimental, production, and test data for evaluation and interpretation by research personnel. 

• Maintain, operate, and support scientific instrumentation and laboratory equipment, including cell-culture microscopy systems, microanalytical balances, centrifuges, and automated platforms. 

• Train laboratory staff in the proper use and operation of scientific instrumentation, laboratory equipment, and automated platforms. 

• Maintain laboratory equipment, reagents, frozen cell stocks, and mammalian biological samples, including acquisition, documentation, inventory, storage, and general resource management. 

• Coordinate activities of biological technicians, technologists, scientists, and other laboratory personnel in support of research objectives. 

• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external collaborators to facilitate scientific coordination, information exchange, and interpretation of research findings. 

• Provide scientific and technical support to additional research projects as required. 

What You Will Need:

• Master’s degree in genetics, neuroscience, or molecular biology with at Minimum TWO (2) years of related research experience in subject areas such as cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, bioengineering, chemical engineering, or a closely related discipline OR Bachelor’s degree with at least FIVE (5) years of related research experience. 

• Experience in programming/coding (VENUS, Visual Basic, C++, MATLAB, or Python programming).  

• Hands-on experience with cell culture in particular working with iPS cells. 

• Proficiency with automated liquid handling robots  

• Hands-on experience with operating and programming liquid handling robotics and platforms (Hamilton preferred, TECAN, Beckman, Agilent) 

• Experience in planning and optimizing experiments and performing QC testing. 

• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Federal or DoD “public trust”; candidates must receive approved adjudication prior to onboarding with Guidehouse. Candidates with an active public trust or suitability are preferred. 

What Would Be Nice To Have:

• Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) certification strongly preferred. 
• Knowledge of proper laboratory disposal methods and procedures. 

• Strong verbal and written communications skills. 

• Excellent analytical, organizational and time management skills.

The annual salary range for this position is $85,000.00-$141,000.00. Compensation decisions depend on a wide range of factors, including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, security clearances, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs.

What We Offer:

Guidehouse offers a comprehensive, total rewards package that includes competitive compensation and a flexible benefits package that reflects our commitment to creating a diverse and supportive workplace.

Benefits include:

• Medical, Rx, Dental & Vision Insurance

• Personal and Family Sick Time & Company Paid Holidays

• Parental Leave

• 401(k) Retirement Plan

• Group Term Life and Travel Assistance

• Voluntary Life and AD&D Insurance

• Health Savings Account, Health Care & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts

• Transit and Parking Commuter Benefits

• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability

• Tuition Reimbursement, Personal Development, Certifications & Learning Opportunities

• Employee Referral Program

• Corporate Sponsored Events & Community Outreach

• Care.com annual membership

• Employee Assistance Program

• Supplemental Benefits via Corestream (Critical Care, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, Legal Assistance and ID theft protection, etc.)

• Position may be eligible for a discretionary variable incentive bonus

About Guidehouse

Guidehouse is an Equal Opportunity Employer–Protected Veterans, Individuals with Disabilities or any other basis protected by law, ordinance, or regulation.

Guidehouse will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law or ordinance including the Fair Chance Ordinance of Los Angeles and San Francisco.

If you have visited our website for information about employment opportunities, or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation, please contact Guidehouse Recruiting at 1-571-633-1711 or via email at [email protected]. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodation.

All communication regarding recruitment for a Guidehouse position will be sent from Guidehouse email domains including @guidehouse.com or [email protected].  Correspondence received by an applicant from any other domain should be considered unauthorized and will not be honored by Guidehouse.  Note that Guidehouse will never charge a fee or require a money transfer at any stage of the recruitment process and does not collect fees from educational institutions for participation in a recruitment event. Never provide your banking information to a third party purporting to need that information to proceed in the hiring process.

If any person or organization demands money related to a job opportunity with Guidehouse, please report the matter to Guidehouse’s Ethics Hotline. If you want to check the validity of correspondence you have received, please contact [email protected]. Guidehouse is not responsible for losses incurred (monetary or otherwise) from an applicant’s dealings with unauthorized third parties.

Guidehouse does not accept unsolicited resumes through or from search firms or staffing agencies. All unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of Guidehouse and Guidehouse will not be obligated to pay a placement fee.