Biologist

(ID: 2026-2563)

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).

Position Information:

Under this task order, the contractor will independently provide support services to satisfy the overall operational objectives of the NIH Clinical Center, Department of Transfusion Medicine, Human Leukocyte Antigen Laboratory. The primary objective is to provide services and deliverables through performance of support services.

Certifications & Licenses

• American Board of Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics certification eligible.

Field of Study

• Genetics
• Microbiology
• Miscellaneous Biology

Software

• MS Office Suite

Skills

• Strong communications skills, both oral and written.
• Excellent analytical, organizational and time management skills.

Deliverables:

• Work products and documents related to performing work in the DTM HLA Laboratory, including specimen processing, DNA extraction and quantitation, molecular HLA typing utilizing polymerase chain reaction (PCR), SSP, SSO, SBT, NGS, agarose preparation and gel electrophoresis, interpretation of all HLA typing results and various HLA antibody screening methods and interpretation. - Ad-Hoc
• Work products and documents related to the identification of unusual HLA antibody and typing patterns; maintain leadership and support role to staff; perform final review analysis process and determine any discrepancies which need resolution; participate in the review and audit of laboratory records and SOPs. - Ad-Hoc
• Work products and documents related to maintaining documents related to the verification and recoding of specimens; maintain documents related to quality assurance practices; provide a leadership role in taking the initiative to implement changes upon request. - Ad-Hoc
• Work products and documents related to test/assay development, validation and implementation of new equipment and reagents; perform validation and recording of specimens in all appropriate software-based applications. - Ad-Hoc
• Work products and documents related to troubleshooting in the areas of the laboratory software applications and instrumentation; monitor the quality assurance practices in all aspects of laboratory work; coordinate the teaching process of laboratory staff regarding new procedures and techniques. - Ad-Hoc

Statement of Work Details:

• Perform work in the DTM HLA Laboratory, including the following major laboratory procedures: - 1
• Perform specimen processing - 2
• DNA extraction and quantitation utilizing various manual and automated methods - 3
• Molecular HLA typing utilizing polymerase chain reaction PCR, sequence specific primer SSP, sequence specific oligonucleotide SSO technology, and sequenced based typing SBT
• Molecular HLA typing utilizing next generation sequencing
• Next generation sequencing data analysis
• Agarose preparation and gel electrophoresis; photo-documentation of results
• Interpretation of all HLA typing results
• Support the general HLA staff in communication with transplant groups and appropriate documentation
• Perform troubleshooting on current HLA analysis software and database management systems and all facets of laboratory
• Various HLA antibody screening and identification methods and interpretation
• Work with staff on the identification of unusual HLA antibody and typing patterns; maintain leadership and support role to encourage staff members to understand the complexities of antibody identification and the other work they perform
• Perform final review analysis process and determine any discrepancies which need resolution
• Participate in the review and audit of laboratory records and standard operating procedures SOPs in order to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the laboratory; maintain related documents
• Participate in the review of QC and quality assurance records to assure that the laboratory is maintaining necessary levels of accreditation
• Maintain documents related to keeping maintenance documentation and monitoring of quality assurance practices
• Provide a leadership role in taking the initiative to implement changes upon request
• Work with staff on test assay development, validation and implementation of new equipment and reagents in the sequencing area in order to provide a more efficient high-throughput test; maintain related documents
• Collaborate with staff on the evaluation of any new reagents assays for antibody detection that may benefit the laboratory
• Perform validation and recording of specimens in all appropriate software-based applications
• Apply troubleshooting skills in the areas of the laboratory software applications and instrumentation
• Monitor the quality assurance practices in all aspects of laboratory work
• Coordinate the teaching process of fellows, students, and other laboratory staff regarding new procedures and techniques
• Work on various research projects through the laboratory in order to document potential clinical application in the laboratory

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 click.appcast.io

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.