Laboratory Technician

Axle is seeking a Laboratory 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. The purpose of this contract is to perform laboratory procedures (human sample handling and processing, extraction and quantitation of nucleic acids and proteins) and assays (molecular biology assays such as gel electrophoresis, enzymatic assays, PCR, etc.), under the direction of the principal investigator and senior scientists, which are core experimental research activities.

Responsibilities

Perform laboratory procedures (human sample handling and processing, extraction and quantitation of nucleic acids and proteins) and assays (molecular biology assays such as gel electrophoresis, enzymatic assays, PCR, etc.), under the direction of the principal investigator and senior scientists; Maintain and complete laboratory logs; manage inventory and procure laboratory supplies, reagents and equipment; Assess and utilize methods and/or procedures for use in laboratory experiments; make modifications and improvements in laboratory methods/procedures to meet specific needs or experimental situations; Maintain patient sample inventory and database; extract and quantitate nucleic acids and proteins from patient samples; procure and maintain inventory of laboratory supplies, including required documentation; Ensure laboratory safety compliance with institution’s rules and regulations, such as institutional review board protocols, environmental health and safety, and waste management; Perform sample shipping, receiving, storage, and inventory; aid in monitoring and updating the NIH Sickle Cell Branch inventory repository; Maintain log of laboratory safety compliance; ensure regulations are being followed; Assist 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; Assist in developing novel assays and methodologies as needed for planned fundamental and translational research; Prepare, organize and maintain various lab samples, supplies, and equipment; Maintain laboratory equipment; Analyze laboratory findings; Prepare reports and present data to supervisors, lab members, and collaborators; Generate protocols and updates; Maintain and accurately complete laboratory logs (patient samples - whole blood, plasma, DNA, RNA, Protein); Learn 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; Record research or operational data; Make modifications and improvements in laboratory methods/procedures, in collaboration with lab personnel, to meet specific needs or experimental situations; Comply with institution’s rules and regulations, such as institutional review board protocols, environmental health and safety, and waste management

Requirements

Associates degree with at least four (4) years of experience or Bachelor’s with at least two (2) years of experience in molecular biology or a related field is required; Experience with MS Word, Excel, Access, and GraphPad Prism; Knowledge of proper laboratory disposal methods and safety procedures; Must be organized with a strong ability to multi-task, prioritize, and be attentive to detail; Must possess a high level of independent judgment and accuracy; Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues; Excellent oral and written communication skills; Ability to work independently and reliably; Experience with molecular biological techniques, including, but not limited to pipetting, centrifugation, buffer preparation, DNA/RNA isolation and quantification, primer/probe design, PCR, RT-PCR, qPCR and gel electrophoresis, imaging and purification

Benefits

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)