Biobank Assay Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

(ID: 2026-2594)

Axle is a bioscience and information technology company that offers advancements in translational research, biomedical informatics, and data science applications to research centers and healthcare organizations nationally and abroad. With experts in biomedical science, software engineering, and program management, we focus on developing and applying research tools and techniques to empower decision-making and accelerate research discoveries. We work with some of the top research organizations and facilities in the country including multiple institutes at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Axle is seeking a Biobank Assay Specialist to join our vibrant team at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) supporting the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) located in Bethesda, MD.

Benefits We Offer:

• 100% Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage for Employees
• Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
• 401K match up to 5%
• Educational Benefits for Career Growth
• Employee Referral Bonus
• Flexible Spending Accounts:
  • Healthcare (FSA)
  • Parking Reimbursement Account (PRK)
  • Dependent Care Assistant Program (DCAP)
  • Transportation Reimbursement Account (TRN)

Position Information:

Assay Specialist, NINDS Biospecimen Core Repository: Oversee operation of the roboticized PhIP-Seq platform (60% effort); provide biobank backup support for biospecimen processing/aliquoting (20%); and learn to support flow cytometry, ELISA, and Quanterix Simoa assays (20%). Work on site in a BSL-2 lab with human biofluids and tissues. Duties include sample labeling, logging, auditing, processing, running assays, and data delivery. Requires MLS/ Medical Technology degree or master's degree or equivalent. Experience with vacutainers, PCR, NGS library prep and working in CAP- or CLIA-certified labs strongly preferred.

Additional Qualifications:

Certifications & Licenses

• Experience with vacutainers, PCR, NGS library prep and working in CAP- or CLIA-certified labs strongly preferred

• Requires MLS/ Medical Technology degree or master's degree or equivalent

Field of Study

• Medical Technologies Technicians

Software

• Excel

Skills

• Pipetting

• At least 2-4 years of hands-on laboratory experience in biomedical, clinical, or translational research settings

• Demonstrated experience working in a BSL-2 laboratory and handling human biofluids and/or tissues.

• Ability to maintain accurate sample records, logs, audit trails, and QC documentation.

• PCR

Deliverables:

• Undergo Tecan 780 Fluent training - Ad-Hoc

• Communicate assay progress to assay users - Bi-Weekly

• Schedule maintenance for equipment - Yearly

• Prepare annual PhIP-Seq usage and expenditure report - Bi-Annually

• Notify PIs of assay completion - Ad-Hoc

• Deliver processed data to assays users PIs - Ad-Hoc

• Review PhIP-Seq queue - Daily

• Biospecimen Logging - Weekly

Statement of Work Details:

• Perform routine analysis and tests on specimens in the laboratory. - 1

• Process and organize multiple samples simultaneously. - 2

• Ensure that all specimens and equipment necessary for experiments are available and in good order. - 3

• Store new samples, update database, retrieve samples with proper authorization. - 4

• Provide experimental progress updates on procedures performed in the laboratory. - 5

• Plans, executes, and arranges laboratory experiments, new techniques and procedures; and performs laboratory techniques relating to scientific research.

• Perform fundamental procedures required for research projects.

• Follow established procedures and protocols; utilize aseptic technique to perform experiments.

• Perform a variety of laboratory techniques and procedures.

• Perform flow cytometry-based experiments, including cell preparation, cell sorting and molecular analysis of sorted subsets.

• Perform routine analysis and tests on specimens in the laboratory.

• Operates laboratory machines and instruments; and prepares specimens and equipment for use.

• Prepare materials and equipment for experiments.

• Maintain stocked supplies and records of working reagents, including fixatives, buffers, solvents and staining.

• Work with a variety of routine and specialized laboratory instruments and equipment in the laboratory.

• Prepare specimens and equipment for use in the laboratory.

• Perform processing, description and analysis of specimens.

• Performs sample management and storage.

• Upkeep sample and database inventory; monitor overall sample inventory.

• Retrieve, catalog and process samples including but not limited to blood and tumor tissue.

• Maintain inventory system and sample storage according to outlined guidelines.

• Perform processing, description and analysis of samples.

• Analyzes, documents and reports on all procedures performed.

• Update and maintain written laboratory record of the work.

• Collect and enter research data into laboratory notebooks and databases.

• Collect data and prepare for analysis and interpretation.

• Maintains inventory of laboratory supplies.

• Ensure that supplies and consumables are ready and on hand as necessary for maximum efficiency in the laboratory.

• Cleans and sterilizes instruments, glassware and equipment.

• Plan execute and arrange laboratory experiments, new techniques and procedures; and performs laboratory techniques relating to scientific research.

• Perform fundamental procedures required for research projects.

• Perform a variety of laboratory techniques and procedures.

• Perform flow cytometry-based experiments, including cell preparation, cell sorting and molecular analysis of sorted subsets.

• Perform experiments on samples according to protocols.

• Perform routine experiments and tests; follow established procedures and protocols.

• Maintains inventory of laboratory supplies and initiates purchase orders.

• Monitor and inventory routine laboratory supplies; ensure that supplies are stocked and organized.

• Manage the laboratory logistics and supply flow by tracking the consumption of laboratory materials.

• Plan and organize requests for basic and extraordinary laboratory needs for supplies and consumables.

• Ensure that supplies and consumables are ready and on hand as necessary for maximum efficiency in the laboratory.

• Monitor inventory levels and proper storage of materials and supplies in accordance with established policies and procedures.

• Establish and maintain a record of laboratory supply usage.

• Inventory laboratory supplies and equipment, make recommendations and prepare purchase requests.

• Order and maintain laboratory supplies, reagents and equipment.

• Performs routine equipment maintenance.

• Monitor equipment performance and maintenance schedules.

• Assist in troubleshooting and calibrating various laboratory equipment and instruments.

• Coordinate general laboratory maintenance, including equipment upkeep and calibration.

• Perform calibration, run controls and enter results for various equipment.

• Monitor and maintain contracts for laboratory equipment and monitor equipment performance and maintenance schedule.

• Plan execute and arrange laboratory experiments, new techniques and procedures; and performs laboratory techniques relating to scientific research.

• Perform fundamental procedures required for research projects.

• Perform a variety of laboratory techniques and procedures.

• Perform flow cytometry-based experiments, including cell preparation, cell sorting and molecular analysis of sorted subsets.

• Perform routine analysis and tests on specimens in the laboratory.

• Analyzes, documents and reports on all procedures performed and produces detailed reports for use by senior staff.

• Prepare reports and summaries based on results and findings.

• Record details of experimental procedures, results and protocols.

• Performs advanced equipment maintenance.

• Coordinate general laboratory maintenance, including equipment upkeep and calibration.

• Perform preventive maintenance on laboratory equipment.

• Monitor and maintain contracts for laboratory equipment and monitor equipment performance and maintenance schedule.

• Trains staff in performing routine laboratory tests and procedures.

• Provide technical help and expertise to lab members.

• Provides insights and expertise and recommends new strategies and approaches.

• Recognize and initiate the investigation into problems with clinical laboratory procedures and equipment.

Disclaimer: The above description is meant to illustrate the general nature of work and level of effort being performed by individuals assigned to this position or job description. This is not restricted as a complete list of all skills, responsibilities, duties, and/or assignments required. Individuals may be required to perform duties outside of their position, job description or responsibilities as needed.

The diversity of Axle's employees is a tremendous asset. We are firmly committed to providing equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and will not tolerate any illegal discrimination or harassment based on age, race, gender, religion, national origin, disability, marital status, covered veteran status, sexual orientation, status with respect to public assistance, and other characteristics protected under state, federal, or local law and to deter those who aid, abet, or induce discrimination or coerce others to discriminate.

Accessibility: If you need an accommodation as part of the employment process please contact: View email address on ziprecruiter.com

This role has a market-competitive salary with an anticipated base compensation range listed below. Actual salaries will vary depending on a candidate's experience, qualifications, skills, and location.

Salary Range

$70,000—$80,000 USD