Bone and Matrix Scientist

We are seeking a highly qualified Bone and Matrix Scientist to support laboratory research activities within the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD).

This position will support the planning, design, and execution of research experiments within the laboratory’s broader research program. The Bone and Matrix Scientist will conduct independent research with an emphasis on bone tissue and bone cell development, evaluate new laboratory techniques and technologies, analyze experimental data, and contribute to scientific reports, presentations, and manuscripts.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, design, and conduct complex research experiments requiring broad knowledge of scientific theories, principles, and laboratory methods.
• Perform research involving bone tissue, bone cell development, physiology, cell biology, and molecular biology.
• Independently direct and conduct high-priority research projects, including projects focused on developing novel research treatments.
• Advance laboratory research through the development of new procedures, methodologies, and scientific discoveries.
• Evaluate new laboratory techniques, instruments, and software for potential incorporation into existing standard operating procedures.
• Collaborate with investigators and laboratory staff to interpret experiments and evaluate research findings.
• Review scientific data and determine whether new research programs or projects can be developed from an idea or existing data package.
• Design, develop, optimize, and validate experimental assays using a range of laboratory techniques.
• Confirm assay results and develop appropriate secondary assays.
• Research scientific literature and recommend alternative or complementary experimental approaches.
• Troubleshoot difficult screening targets and propose, design, and test alternative assays.
• Perform molecular and cellular biology techniques, including PCR, qPCR, RT-PCR, RT-qPCR, molecular cloning, gel electrophoresis, and nucleic acid extraction and purification.
• Perform protein analysis techniques, including SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, Southern blotting, and ELISA.
• Conduct mammalian cell culture, primary cell culture, bacterial culture, transfections, and related laboratory procedures.
• Perform mouse handling, tissue dissection, tissue sectioning, animal imaging, and genotyping.
• Prepare and submit laboratory animal study protocols for review and approval.
• Provide basic and advanced training to staff on animal care and use procedures.
• Train laboratory personnel in the proper use of laboratory instruments and equipment.
• Advise and assist laboratory users with experimental design, instrumentation, data acquisition, data analysis, and preparation of publication-quality figures.
• Conduct bioinformatics and statistical analyses to support research projects.
• Oversee research data quality and analyze and interpret experimental results.
• Assemble and prepare data for scientific abstracts, presentations, manuscripts, and publications.
• Write technical reports and contribute to the preparation and submission of scientific manuscripts.
• Prepare PowerPoint presentations for laboratory meetings, scientific conferences, and other research-related activities.
• Present project updates and research findings to laboratory members on an ad hoc basis.
• Maintain a detailed, accurate, and current electronic laboratory notebook documenting all experiments and findings.
• Coordinate with junior staff to modify and optimize research protocols.
• Support the maintenance of adequate laboratory space, equipment, and facilities for ongoing and projected research studies.
• Follow all applicable laboratory safety, animal care, data integrity, and NIH research requirements.

Qualifications

Education

• Master’s degree in Molecular Biology, Physiology, Cell Biology, or a closely related scientific discipline required.
• Ph.D. in Physiology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, or a related discipline strongly preferred.

Experience

• Demonstrated experience conducting independent biomedical laboratory research.
• Experience with techniques related to bone tissue and bone cell development required.
• Experience designing, conducting, analyzing, and interpreting complex scientific experiments.
• Experience working with mouse models and preparing or supporting laboratory animal study protocols.
• Experience developing scientific manuscripts, technical reports, abstracts, and research presentations.
• Experience training laboratory personnel in research techniques, instrumentation, and animal care procedures preferred.

Skills

• Strong knowledge of bone biology, cell biology, molecular biology, and physiology.
• Proficiency with mouse handling, tissue dissection, tissue sectioning, animal imaging, and genotyping.
• Proficiency with PCR, qPCR, RT-PCR, RT-qPCR, molecular cloning, and gel electrophoresis.
• Experience with nucleic acid extraction, DNA and RNA purification, and nucleic acid quantification.
• Experience with cell culture, primary cell culture, bacterial culture, and transfection techniques.
• Experience with SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, Southern blotting, ELISA, and microarray techniques.
• Strong quantitative, statistical, bioinformatics, and scientific data-analysis skills.
• Ability to independently design experiments, troubleshoot assays, and recommend alternative research approaches.
• Strong scientific writing, manuscript preparation, and data-presentation skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with investigators, scientists, junior research staff, and laboratory personnel.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain complete and accurate electronic laboratory records.
• Proficiency with Microsoft PowerPoint, Outlook, and NIH systems such as POTS.