# Scientist

**Company:** [Axle](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/axle)
**Location:** Gaithersburg, MD
**Role:** Other
**Salary:** $120k – $127k/yr
**Experience:** 2+ years
**Skills:** mammalian cell culture, stable cell line development, cho cell lines, hek293 cell lines, molecular cloning, plasmid construction, flow cytometry, rt-pcr, ngs, high-throughput transfection, single-cell cloning, automated liquid handling, bioreactor systems, sop development
**Posted:** 2026-07-20

> Scientist responsible for planning and executing stable cell line development for vaccine and biotherapeutic candidates (mAbs, recombinant proteins, VLPs) at NIAID. Requires advanced degree plus 2+ years industrial experience in mammalian cell culture, molecular biology, and genetic characterization techniques.

## Job Description

## Certifications & Licenses
Master's or Ph.D. in Biological Sciences or a related field with a minimum of 2 years of experience in an industrial setting focused on the development of stable cell lines for vaccine and biotherapeutic candidates.

## Skills
- Extensive hands-on experience with aseptic technique and mammalian cell culture for generating clonally derived cell lines to produce monoclonal antibodies or vaccine candidates.
- Demonstrated ability to produce and screen hundreds of clonally derived CHO or 293 cell lines for top performers.
- Expertise in designing and constructing plasmids for gene expression using molecular cloning methods.
- Hands-on experience with multiple supporting technologies for cell line engineering, including cell counting, high-throughput transfection, single-cell cloning/deposition, flow cytometry, automated liquid handling systems, and automated small-scale bioreactor systems.
- Ability to independently design experiments and work plans and manage project timelines for multiple complex projects simultaneously.
- Experience preparing technical reports, SOPs, data presentations, and documents needed for technology transfer and regulatory filing.
- Expertise in molecular biology techniques for genetic characterization of cell lines, including RT-PCR and NGS.

## Responsibilities
- Plan and execute the generation of stable cell lines for preclinical and clinical material production to advance candidates including monoclonal antibodies, recombinant proteins, and virus like particles.
- Use molecular biology techniques, including RT-PCR and NGS, for genetic characterization of cell lines.
- Perform gene synthesis including oligo synthesis, plasmid design, and construction.
- Independently execute all steps of the process including plasmid construction, stable pool generation, single cell cloning, and top clone selection.
- Support the planning and execution of research experiments in the context of the laboratory's overall research program.
- Draft and verify data for CMC sections of pre-IND and IND documents to ensure successful registration of candidates.
- Design, perform, and troubleshoot experiments and analyze data for both development and deliverable projects.
- Support laboratory staff on research projects and techniques.
- Maintain and support one or more pieces of laboratory instrumentation.
- Maintains laboratory equipment and the training of others in their use.
- Assist in maintaining adequate space and facilities for ongoing and projected research studies.
- Identify, propose, and execute process and procedural changes to improve performance, robustness, productivity, and efficiency by reviewing recent literature and new technologies.
- Evaluate, analyze and interpret research data, communicate results and methods in reports, presentations, and manuscripts.
- Develop and track timelines and experimental plans for multiple projects simultaneously and regularly review records of tasks performed by other team members.
- Coordinate with junior staff to modify research protocols.
- Prepare oral presentations and posters for internal and external groups/conferences.
- Present results of clinical and experimental research at recognized scientific meetings by lectures and exhibits (poster sessions).
- Present research at national scientific meetings and symposia.
- Generate, maintain, and review accurate daily records of experiments and results in a laboratory notebook.
- Prepare and review experimental plans, proposals, reports, SOPs, and production records.
- Provide interpretation of results, guidance, and scientific support to the management team.
- Train staff on the proper usage of equipment.
- Mentor junior level scientists.

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