Biological Scientist (Stem Cell Biology/Genome Engineering)

Nextonic Solutions is seeking a Biological Scientist to join our vibrant team at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) supporting the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) located in Rockville, MD. Position Information: This position designs, executes, and optimizes advanced molecular, cellular, genomic, and functional studies using genome engineering, stem cell biology, high-throughput screening, imaging, sequencing, and specialized analytical platforms to support mechanistic and translational research. The role also provides scientific and technical leadership in laboratory operations, quality control, instrumentation, data analysis, documentation, and multidisciplinary collaboration, contributing to research programs, publications, presentations, and grant-related activities Qualifications: Cell culture Molecular biology Molecular Biology Genome Engineering Cell Stem Cell Biology Genomics Sequencing Protein Cellular Assays High-Throughput Screening Advanced Instrumentation Microscopy Cell Banking Quality Control Laboratory Operations Scientific Analysis Communication Deliverables: Molecular biology, genome engineering, and functional genomics work products related to experimental reports, protocols, construct maps, plasmid inventories, and technical documentation related to the design, execution, and optimization of molecular biology and cell-based experiments, including CRISPR genome editing, cloning, construct design, gene expression analysis, and functional genomics studies Mammalian cell culture work products, laboratory reports, and technical documentation related to the maintenance, expansion, characterization, and experimental use of stem cell lines, and differentiated cell populations Stem cell differentiation work products, protocols, differentiation records, assay results, and technical reports related to stem cell differentiation, optimization of culture conditions, and implementation of automated and high-throughput cell culture platforms Genetic construct design and generation work products, construct designs, plasmid maps, cloning records, genome-editing validation reports, and associated documentation related to molecular cloning, plasmid engineering, CRISPR/Cas-mediated genome editing, and viral vector development DNA, RNA, and protein isolation work products, laboratory reports, quality control documentation, and technical records related to the isolation, quantification, characterization, and storage of DNA, RNA, and protein samples from cellular and tissue specimens - Ad-Hoc Genomic sample preparation and sequencing support work products, sequencing preparation records, library preparation documentation, quality control reports, and technical documentation related to PCR, qPCR, next-generation sequencing (NGS), transcriptomics, and single-cell sequencing workflows multi-omics work products, sequencing reports, sample tracking records, analytical summaries, and technical documentation related to transcriptomic and genomic data generation workflows and coordination of downstream bioinformatics analyses Cell characterization and functional analysis work products, assay reports, experimental data, and technical documentation related to Western blotting, immunocytochemistry, immunofluorescence staining, and related protein and cellular characterization studies Tissue processing and histological analysis work products, microscopy datasets, tissue preparation records, cryostat sectioning documentation, image analysis reports, and technical documentation supporting cellular and molecular characterization studies High-throughput assay development work products, assay development plans, validation reports, screening datasets, and technical documentation related to the development, optimization, validation, and implementation of high-throughput screening platforms, including bioluminescence-, fluorescence-, and reporter-based assays Laboratory inventory management work products, inventory databases, reagent tracking systems, laboratory resource catalogs, and documentation related to establishing, maintaining, and updating inventories of reagents, antibodies, plasmids, cell lines, small molecules, consumables, and experimental protocols Statement of Work Details: Design, execute, and optimize molecular biology and cell-based experiments utilizing advanced techniques including CRISPR genome editing, cloning, construct design, gene expression analysis, and functional genomics approaches. Prepare and process samples for next-generation sequencing (NGS), transcriptomic analyses, single-cell sequencing, PCR, qPCR, and other genomic applications, including library preparation and QC Conduct transcriptomic and genomic data generation workflows, including sample preparation, sequencing support, and coordination with bioinformatics teams for downstream analyses Coordinate all aspects of cell banking and cell line stewardship, including cryopreservation, recovery, authentication, distribution, shipment and receipt of cell lines, and maintenance of associated records Collaborate with multidisciplinary research teams, contributing scientific expertise in molecular biology, genome engineering, stem cell biology, assay development, and translational research to support program objectives and publications Provides technical experience needed to assist in studying the basic principles of plant and animal life Assists with performing basic laboratory experiments and procedures Collect and analyze biological data about relationships among and between organisms and their environment Monitor and observe experiments, recording production and test data for evaluation by research personnel Analyze experimental data and interpret results to write reports and summaries of findings Coordinate the work of biological technicians and technologists and other scientists Perform and optimize mammalian cell culture experiments, including maintenance of primary cells, stem cells, immortalized cell lines, and differentiated cell populations under sterile conditions Differentiate stem cells into specialized cell types using established and novel protocols, automated culture systems, and high throughput platforms to support translational and mechanistic studies Design and generate genetic constructs through molecular cloning, plasmid engineering, CRISPR/Cas-based genome editing, and viral vector preparation to support functional studies Isolate, quantify, and assess quality of DNA, RNA, and protein samples from cultured cells and tissue specimens using manual and automated workflows Perform protein characterization assays, including Western blotting, immunocytochemistry, immunofluorescence staining, and related molecular and cellular analyses Prepare and analyze tissue specimens using cryostat sectioning, microscopy, and histological techniques, supporting cellular and molecular characterization studies Develop, validate, and implement high-throughput screening assays, including bioluminescence-, fluorescence-, and reporter-based assays for drug discovery and functional genomics applications Perform cellular functional assays using instrumentation such as Seahorse metabolic flux analyzers, multi-electrode arrays, flow cytometers, and other specialized research platforms Coordinate cell line QC programs, including mycoplasma testing, karyotyping, STR/DNA fingerprinting, contamination monitoring, and validation of genetically modified cell lines Collaborate with multidisciplinary research teams, contributing scientific expertise in molecular biology, genome engineering, stem cell biology, assay development, and translational research to support program objectives and publications Prepares, organizes and maintains various lab samples, supplies, and equipment Operate, calibrate, or maintain equipment used in quantitative or qualitative analysis, such as spectrophotometers, calorimeters, flame photometers, or computer-controlled analyzers Maintain laboratory equipment- Operate laboratory equipment to analyze samples Analyze laboratory findings Establish, maintain, and update laboratory inventories for reagents, antibodies, plasmids, cell lines, small molecules, consumables, and experimental protocols, ensuring accurate documentation and compliance with laboratory quality standards Operate and maintain advanced imaging systems, including fluorescence and confocal microscopy platforms, and perform quantitative image analysis to assess cellular phenotypes and molecular markers Maintain comprehensive laboratory records, including electronic laboratory notebooks, experimental protocols, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and regulatory documentation to ensure reproducibility and compliance Monitor laboratory instrumentation and infrastructure, including troubleshooting equipment, coordinating maintenance and service contracts, validating instrument performance, and training laboratory personnel on proper operation Analyze, interpret, and present experimental data, prepare technical reports, manuscripts, protocols, and presentations, and contribute to grant applications, scientific publications, and collaborative research initiatives Learns new laboratory techniques and procedures Program and use computers to store, process, and analyze data Monitor operational procedures in technical environments to ensure conformance to standards Interpret research or operational data Record research or operational data