Lab Technician

Axle is seeking a Lab Technician to join our vibrant team at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) supporting the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) located in Bethesda, MD.

Qualificiations:

• Doctor of Philosophy degree (PhD) in Biology, Molecular and Cell Biology, Immunology, Biochemistry or a related field


• At least three (3) years of related experience in the field(s) of molecular biology, cell biology, vascular biology, immunology or a related field


• Able to independently and proficiently perform cell culture of human cell lines and/or primary human cells is required. Prior experience culturing endothelial cells is preferred


• Ability to independently perform RNA isolation and purification, quantitative RT-PCR, protein isolation (whole cell as well as nuclear and cytoplasmic fractionation), ELISA based assays, Western blotting and light microscopy is required


• Proficiency with flow cytometry and/or confocal microscopy is preferred


• Knowledge of proper laboratory disposal methods and safety procedures


• Experience with Microsoft 365 required. Experience with graphing software (e.g., GraphPad) preferred


• Must be organized, with a strong ability to multi-task, prioritize, and attentive to detail


• Must possess a high level of independent judgment and accuracy


• Ability to make recommendations to effectively resolve issues by using judgment that is consistent with standards, practices, policies, procedures, and regulations or law


• Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues and collaborators


• Ability to work both independently and in a team-oriented environment


• Excellent oral and written communications skills including the ability to analyze scientific data and present to groups for peer review

Requirements:

• Independently maintain human cells in culture as well as perform and assist with various experiments and molecular biology techniques and procedures


• Perform RNA and protein isolation from cell lysates


• Perform quantitative RT-PCR and Western blotting


• Perform serum, plasma and PBMC preparation from whole blood for cryopreservation


• Use database for clinical sample tracking


• Maintain electronic laboratory notebook with detailed accounts of reagents and procedures used in experimental work


• In cases of new experimental designs, locate the appropriate references, and then set up, apply, and evaluate the procedure in question


• Collect, organize, analyze, and interpret data. Prepare technical reports, summaries, protocols, standard operating procedures, and inventory updates


• Present data to principal investigator, supervisors, lab members, and collaborators


• Maintain laboratory supply inventories including procurement of laboratory supplies, reagents and equipment


• Oversee general lab maintenance and organization including equipment maintenance


• Troubleshoot problems with equipment or experimental techniques and develop methods to resolve these difficulties under the direction of the task leader


• Maintain laboratory safety and update records of safety trainings


• Operate and communicate effectively in a group, team-oriented working environment


• Comply with institution’s rules and regulations, such as laboratory safety and waste disposal methods, institutional review board protocols, environmental health and safety