# Biologist

**Company:** [Axle](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/axle)
**Location:** Rockville, MD
**Role:** Other
**Salary:** $90k – $100k/yr
**Experience:** 5+ years
**Skills:** bsl-2, SOPs, mosquito rearing, mosquito genetics, molecular biology, taxonomic identification, biosafety, malaria parasites, laboratory records, Data Analysis
**Posted:** 2026-07-30

> Biologist responsible for biosafety, containment, rearing, and genetic manipulation of Anopheline mosquitoes infected with malaria parasites in a BSL-2 insectary facility. Requires 5+ years experience, BSL-2 lab background, and SOP development for secure mosquito production and taxonomic identification.

## Job Description

## Responsibilities
- Responsible for biosafety measures at the Twinbrook 3 Insectary Facility (TW3-IF) to protect researchers and staff from exposure to insect bites and vector-borne infectious agents.
- Implement protocols and physical barriers to ensure the containment of mosquitoes at TW3-IF.
- Oversee researchers conducting experiments with infectious agents and maintain containment of mosquitoes harboring human pathogens (viruses and parasites) in the high-security area of TW3-IF.
- Maintain and manipulate mosquitoes infected with human pathogens in the biosafety section of the insectary.
- Develop and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the maintenance and manipulation of genetically modified mosquitoes.
- Develop SOPs for the morphological and molecular taxonomic identification of the various mosquito species reared in the insectary.
- Conduct regular taxonomic identification of mosquitoes to prevent cross-contamination between different species reared at TW3-IF.
- Assist with the experimental infection of mosquitoes with murine malaria parasites.
- Oversee the biosafety component of mosquito colony maintenance.
- Develop and implement SOPs for the production of various species and strains of Anopheline mosquitoes in a secure insectary.
- Perform laboratory quality control, including upkeep and routine maintenance of equipment.
- Handle biological materials, infectious agents, biological waste and other tasks as required.
- Write reports detailing findings, methods, and procedures—including any modifications employed—specimens and materials involved, and experimental results. Interpret, evaluate, and discuss results with the project officer.
- Prepare various media, stock supplies, and other reagents for laboratory use.
- Ensure sufficient quantities of selected species and strains of Anopheles mosquitoes are available each week for experimental purposes.
- Perform a variety of complex procedures involving molecular biology techniques related to malaria parasites and the mosquitoes that transmit them (some in BSL-2 environment).
- Assist in preparing manuscripts for publication and perform literature searches for laboratory methodologies.
- Maintain accurate daily records of experiments and results in bound laboratory notebooks and electronic databases.
- Make minor modifications or adaptations to established methods, procedures, and techniques to solve workplace problems.
- Assist post-baccalaureate students, postdoctoral fellows, and scientific visitors in the use of sophisticated laboratory equipment and specialized procedures and techniques.
- Collaborate with investigators on experiments to develop genetically modified lines of Anopheline mosquitoes.
- Develop and implement record-keeping systems to document the production of various mosquito lots.
- Discuss data and consult with external investigators as requested.
- Perform computer data analysis and use specialized software programs to prepare data for publication.
- Calibrate and operate various laboratory instruments.

## Requirements
- B.A. or B.S. degree in Biology, Life Sciences or a related discipline.
- Minimum of five (5) years of experience in biology or a related field.
- Two (2) years of specialized experience plus a BA/BS degree is equivalent to a Master’s degree.
- Knowledge of maintaining accurate and detailed records.
- Knowledge of proper laboratory disposal methods and safety procedures.
- Experience working in a laboratory environment at a BSL-2 level.
- Experience in the rearing and maintenance of colonies of genetically modified Anopheline mosquitoes.
- Technical experience in experiments designed to manipulate mosquito genetics.
- Experience in implementing standard operating procedures for biosafety and containment of an insectary facility.

## Nice-to-Haves
- Experience assisting in preparing manuscripts for publication.
- Experience with literature searches for laboratory methodologies.
- Experience collaborating with investigators on genetically modified mosquito lines.
- Proficiency in computer data analysis and specialized software programs.

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