Automation Cell Culture Biologist

Job Family:

Scientist

Travel Required:

None

Clearance Required:

Ability to Obtain Public Trust

What You Will Do:

We are looking for an Automation Cell Culture Biologist to support research at the National Institute on Aging (NIA), Center for Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias (CARD). This position supports efforts to characterize genetic pathways associated with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) through large-scale automated cell culture experiments using induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) models and advanced liquid handling robotics. This is a full-time position located in Bethesda, MD.

• Characterize ADRD genetic pathways using human cell-based models and assess mutation effects on molecular readouts in cell culture systems.
• Perform large-scale iPSC cell culture experiments on automated liquid handling platforms and high-throughput robotic systems.
• Program, operate, calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot automated platforms, including Hamilton and Tecan systems, and laboratory instruments.
• Differentiate, phenotype, and evaluate the stability of engineered and non-engineered iPSC and iPSC-derived cell lines.
• Design, develop, and perform laboratory methods, procedures, automated differentiation protocols, and disease-relevant cell type generation for neurons, astrocytes, and microglia.
• Develop image analysis routines and apply published protocols for cell differentiation, microscopy, molecular analyses, and phenotypic evaluation.
• Plan, administer, and support biological research activities, additional research projects, and laboratory initiatives for ADRD programs.
• Collect, analyze, interpret, organize, and present scientific data, findings, recommendations, and research updates to team members and stakeholders.
• Maintain accurate digital and physical experimental records, laboratory notebooks, databases, research documentation, reagents, frozen cell stocks, biological samples, and storage systems.
• Perform standard immunological techniques, including western blotting and immunostaining.
• Train laboratory staff on scientific instrumentation, equipment, software, and proper use of automated systems.
• Support experimental design, data acquisition, data analysis, figure preparation, manuscript preparation, scientific reports, presentations, and other research deliverables.

What You Will Need:

• Master’s degree in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Neuroscience, or a closely related scientific discipline.
• Minimum of TWO (2) years of related experience in a laboratory or research environment.
• GLP experience and hands-on cell culture experience, including induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) culture.
• Proficiency operating and programming automated liquid handling platforms and robotics, preferably Hamilton, Tecan, Beckman, or Agilent systems, with experience in experimental planning, optimization, and quality control testing.
• Skilled in analyzing and interpreting biological or scientific data and maintaining laboratory records, notebooks, and databases.
• Strong knowledge of laboratory procedures, equipment maintenance, and proper laboratory disposal methods.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Familiarity with R, Seurat, Google Drive, or similar research software platforms; and programming or coding knowledge using VENUS, Visual Basic, C++, MATLAB, Python, or related languages.
• 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:

• Background supporting Alzheimer’s disease or neurodegenerative disease research programs.
• Hands-on work with human stem cell-based disease models.
• Demonstrated ability to develop automated laboratory workflows and assay development methods.
• Strong written, verbal, analytical, organizational, and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and effectively within multidisciplinary research teams.
• Knowledge of microscopy, phenotypic screening, and image analysis tools.
• Ability to train laboratory staff on scientific instrumentation and automated equipment.
• Contributions to scientific manuscripts, publications, or related research deliverables.
• Familiarity with NIH, federal, academic, or translational research environments.

The annual salary range for this position is $74,000.00-$124,000.00. 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.