NIH: Clinical Center - Small Animal Biologist

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 Animal BiologistSmall Animal to join our vibrant team at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) supporting the Clinical Center (CC) 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)

Overall Position Summary and Objectives

​The purpose of this position is to perform and train veterinary procedures to laboratory and research scientists and fellows and assist in therapeutic ultrasound procedures in experimental animals including mice, and rats; operating computer and laboratory equipment; aid in the development of Animal Care and Use Committee (ACUC) protocols; participate in the planning of and performs research studies; ordering and maintaining the necessary supplies for laboratory imaging use; demonstrate the proper use and methods associated with MRI scanners and associated software and develop new methods and procedures or substantially modify existing guideline to resolve technical problems.

Deliverables:

• ​Clean Equipment - Daily
• Meet with lab members to present updates - Weekly
• Attend lab meetings - Weekly
• Maintain files on studies being performed in the lab - Bi-Weekly
• Prepare data and images for use in research presentations and publications - Bi-Weekly

Work Details:

• Study the principles of living systems, with particular focus on the effects on animal biology, veterinary medicine, imaging techniques and ancillary laboratory equipment and up to date with the current Animal Care and Use Committee (ACUC) for appropriate care of animals. Maintain and update animal protocols for new and existing techniques. 1
• Prepares animals for experimental imaging and therapeutic studies including anesthesia, shave, Nair, injection catheters, physiological monitoring, retro-orbital infusion, intraarterial infusion, intracardiac injection, subcutaneous tumor implantation, intraperitoneal injection, surgical techniques, necropsies, blood and tissue sample collection, and proper disposal of animal carcasses. 2
• Carry out molecular biological experiments, including cell culture, tissue homogenization, protein and RNA extraction techniques, multiplex enzyme-linker immunosorbent assay, Western blotting, RT-PCR, tissue handling and flow cytometry. 3
• Perform a variety of specialized tissue fixation, embedding, sectioning, staining and immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence techniques and perform analysis of animal tissues; prepare frozen slices and paraffin section, appropriately stained to demonstrate normal and abnormal structures and performs light and confocal microscopy. 4
• Update and maintain laboratory notebooks and databases; collect, quantitative analysis; data analysis, figure preparation, and image acquisition; maintain complete and detailed records of all experiments and interpret data. 5
• Studies the basic principles of animal life and the effects of varying environmental factors.
• Conducts research and performs experiments on the selection and breeding of animals.
• Maintain spreadsheet of experiment animal records and clinical care/observations.
• Maintains animal colonies.
• Handle, dissect and euthanize animals.
• Performs simple surgeries on animals.
• Handle experimental animals including tail vein injections, administration of anesthesia and monitoring of animal viral signs.
• Prepares and analyzes animal tissues.
• Perform experiments and maintain primary tissues and cells in culture, utilizing sterile techniques.
• Performs molecular biology techniques.
• Performs immunohistochemistry on animal tissues.
• Work with staff to process tissue for immunohistochemistry.
• Analyzes experimental data.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5represents priority rankings, where 1 is highest priority and 5 is lowest priority of those ranked

Minimum Education

Bachelor

Additional Qualifications:

Field of Study

• Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Physiology
• Pharmacology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Nuclear, Industrial Radiology, and Biological Technologies

Software

• Knowledge of computers including an understanding of computer hardware, knowledge of a variety of operating systems.

Skills

• Knowledge of magnetic resonance imagine (MRI) safety standards, Therapeutic Ultrasound, imaging physics, devices, and techniques that effect imaging technique

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $65,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to Relocate:

• Bethesda, MD 20892: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person