Cell Line Development Scientist

(ID: 2026-3798)

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 Cell Line Development Scientist to join our vibrant team at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) supporting the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) located in Gaithersburg, 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)

Position Overview

The Cell Line Development Scientist will support the planning and execution of research experiments within the laboratory’s overall research program. The role focuses on developing stable cell lines for vaccine and therapeutic protein candidates, including monoclonal antibodies, recombinant proteins, and virus-like particles. It covers the full cell line development process, from plasmid preparation and transfection through clone selection, fed-batch analysis, and stability studies. The role also includes small-scale process development, laboratory equipment support, documentation, and project coordination with project leads. A Master’s degree is required.

Certifications & Licenses

• Master of Science (M.S.) in Biological Science

• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Biological Sciences

Field of Study

• Biochemical Sciences

Software

• Prism, FlowJo, Word, PowerPoint, Excel

Skills

• Monoclonal antibody and/or vaccine production

• Technical reports, standard operating procedures, and data presentations

• Cell line engineering technologies, including cell counting, high-throughput transfection, single-cell cloning, and flow cytometry

• Aseptic technique and mammalian cell culture

• Broad knowledge of state-of-the-art principles and theory

Deliverables

• Provide reports (Ad-Hoc)

Statement of Work Details

• Contribute to the development of stable cell lines for vaccine and therapeutic protein candidates, including monoclonal antibodies, recombinant proteins, and virus-like particles.

• Independently execute each step of the cell line development process: transfection, pool generation, single-cell cloning, clone expansion in static culture plates and shake flasks, fed-batch analysis, and clone stability studies.

• Participate in cell line development platform design, optimization, and cycle-time reduction studies, including methods for clone selection, expansion, ranking, and characterization.

• Generate stable pools and perform transient protein production to supply reagent-grade material.

• Maintain, support, and track maintenance for core laboratory equipment, including the ViCell BLU cell counters used on all cell line development projects to count cells during passaging and fed-batch production.

• Support the planning and execution of research experiments within the laboratory’s overall research program.

• Prepare plasmid DNA using standard molecular cloning techniques, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR), restriction digest, and bacterial culture.

• Use automated platforms for clone selection and screening.

• Support laboratory staff on research projects and techniques.

• Perform small-scale process development studies using various culture vessels, including tissue culture plates, shake flasks, and small-scale bioreactors.

• Maintain inventory of all supplies for the cell counters and request supplies as needed.

• Train team members on proper cell counter usage, reagent pack replacement and disposal, and data retrieval.

• Respond the same day to team member requests for troubleshooting support.

• Perform monthly quality control (QC) and weekly maintenance on the cell counters.

• Arrange service visits as needed and work with the vendor to ensure consistent performance of the instruments (currently five in the labs).

• Maintain a system of routine data backup.

• Assist in maintaining adequate space and facilities for ongoing and projected research studies.

• Write and review standard operating procedures (SOPs) for cell line development processes and instrumentation.

• Evaluate, analyze, and interpret research data, and communicate results and methods in reports, presentations, and manuscripts.

• Independently complete experiments and analyze data.

• Write and review technical reports documenting process development studies and stable cell line generation work.

• Maintain complete documentation records, including a detailed and up-to-date laboratory notebook, to support regulatory filings.

• Contribute results and studies for publication in peer-reviewed journals.

• Coordinate with junior staff to modify research protocols.

• Work with team members to generate experimental plans for process development studies.

• Present research at local and/or national scientific meetings and symposia, including in poster form.

• Provide interpretation of results, guidance, and scientific support to the management team.

• Coordinate cell line development projects with the project lead and Federal Task Leader.

• Plan experiments to fit within required timelines.

• Communicate any issues or delays promptly and help identify solutions.

• Maintain the cell line development master sheet with all critical information and data.

• Regularly communicate progress to the project lead and present work to the cell line development team.

• Participate in project meetings.

• Mentor junior-level scientists.

• Train staff on proper equipment use and a wide variety of laboratory techniques.

• Provide technical experience to assist in studying the basic principles of plant and animal life.

• Assist with performing basic laboratory experiments and procedures.

• Prepare, organize, and maintain laboratory samples, supplies, and equipment.

• Learn new laboratory techniques and procedures.

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: [email protected]

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.

Salary Range

$100,000—$110,000 USD