Biologist

Nextonic Solutions is seeking a Biologist to join our vibrant team at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) supporting the National Institute on Aging (NIA) located in Baltimore, MD.

The National Institutes of Health requires contractor support for laboratory and computational analysis of genomic and epigenomic data. The work supports ongoing research involving genotyping, long-range sequencing, and DNA methylation profiling.

Deliverables:

• Sample Processing Logs - DNA extraction records and yields
• Genotyping/Sequencing Outputs - Raw and processed data files
• QC Reports - Standardized quality metrics and summaries
• Analysis Outputs - Variant and methylation results, visualizations
• Scripts and Code - Documented R/Python/Bash scripts
• Monthly Summary - Summary of work performed and findings
• Presentation Materials - Slides or briefings for NIH staff

Statement of Work Details:

• Perform DNA extraction from blood, tissue, or cultured cells using established protocols.
• Conduct genotyping assays (e.g., SNP arrays, PCR-based methods).
• Support long-range sequencing workflows (e.g., library prep and sequencing using long-read platforms such as PacBio or Oxford Nanopore).
• Provides technical experience needed to assist in studying the basic principles of plant and animal life.
• Evaluate: Read quality, coverage, and depth and Sample integrity and contamination.
• Flag anomalies and provide preliminary interpretation.
• Assists with performing basic laboratory experiments and procedures.
• Perform DNA methylation assays (e.g., bisulfite conversion, array-based or sequencing-based methods).
• Execute established QC pipelines for sequencing and genotyping data.
• Compile and document QC metrics in standardized formats.
• Modify existing scripts and pipelines to support project needs.
• Perform data analysis using: R (statistical analysis and visualization) and Scripting (Python, Bash, or equivalent).
• Conduct: Variant calling and basic annotation and DNA methylation data processing and analysis and Data integration across datasets when directed Prepares, organizes and maintains various lab samples, supplies, and equipment.
• Maintain accurate laboratory notebooks and electronic records.
• Learns new laboratory techniques and procedures.
• Identify routine technical issues and implement standard troubleshooting steps.
• Prepare: Summary tables and figures and Written summaries of methods and results.
• Present findings in internal meetings to NIH staff- Contribute to draft reports, manuscripts, or project updates.

Requirements

• Master's Degree

• Biology

• Proficiency in R and at least one scripting language

• Experience with QC and data visualization
• Familiarity with genomic data formats (FASTQ, BAM, VCF)