Biological Scientist

Job Family:

Travel Required:

Clearance Required:

We are looking for a Biological Scientist to support advanced molecular, cellular, genomic, and translational research programs for NIH. This position is responsible for designing, executing, and optimizing laboratory studies utilizing genome engineering, stem cell biology, high-throughput screening, sequencing, imaging, and functional genomics technologies. This position is a full-time position located in Rockville, MD.

What You Will Do:

This position is responsible for designing, executing, and optimizing laboratory studies utilizing genome engineering, stem cell biology, high-throughput screening, sequencing, imaging, and functional genomics technologies.

• Design, execute, and optimize molecular biology experiments using gene expression analysis and functional genomics; design and generate genetic constructs through molecular cloning, plasmid engineering, CRISPR/Cas genome editing, and viral vector preparation.

• Isolate, quantify, and assess DNA, RNA, and proteins using manual and automated workflows; prepare and process samples, including library preparation and quality control, for PCR, qPCR, NGS, transcriptomics, and single-cell sequencing to generate genomic and transcriptomic data. Coordinate downstream analyses with bioinformatics teams.

• Coordinate cell line quality control, including mycoplasma testing, karyotyping, STR/DNA fingerprinting, contamination monitoring, and genetically modified cell line validation; manage cell banking activities, including cryopreservation, recovery, authentication, distribution, shipment, receipt, and documentation.

• Perform and optimize mammalian cell culture experiments with primary cells, stem cells, immortalized cell lines, and differentiated populations; differentiate stem cells into specialized cell types using established and novel protocols, automated culture systems, and high-throughput platforms.

• Perform protein characterization and cellular analyses using Western blotting, immunocytochemistry, and immunofluorescence staining; prepare and analyze tissue specimens using cryostat sectioning, microscopy, and histological techniques. Perform fluorescence and confocal imaging and quantitative image analysis.

• Develop, validate, and implement fluorescence-, bioluminescence-, and reporter-based high-throughput screening assays; perform cellular functional assays using flow cytometers, Seahorse metabolic flux analyzers, and multi-electrode arrays.

• Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data; prepare technical reports, manuscripts, scientific publications, and presentations, and support grant applications. Participate in weekly laboratory meetings to present project updates, findings, and research progress.

• Maintain inventories of reagents, antibodies, plasmids, cell lines, consumables, and experimental resources; operate, calibrate, troubleshoot, and maintain laboratory instrumentation and analytical equipment, including fluorescence and confocal imaging systems. Monitor laboratory operations and infrastructure and coordinate maintenance and instrument services.

• Prepare and maintain protocols, SOPs, electronic laboratory notebooks, regulatory and technical documentation, and quality records to ensure compliance and reproducibility; train laboratory personnel on equipment operation, laboratory procedures, and best practices.
• Provide multidisciplinary teams with expertise in molecular biology, genome engineering, stem cell biology, assay development, and translational research to advance program objectives and collaborative research initiatives.

What You Will Need:

• Master's degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, or a related life sciences field.

• Minimum of ONE (1) year of experience performing molecular biology techniques, including cloning, gene expression analysis, and genome engineering.

• Background supporting cell culture, stem cell biology, and cellular assay development activities.

• Practical experience with genomic technologies, including PCR, qPCR, NGS, transcriptomics, and sequencing workflows.

• Prior work analyzing experimental data and preparing technical reports and scientific documentation.

• Hands-on experience operating laboratory instrumentation and maintaining laboratory quality standards.

• Knowledge of laboratory safety procedures, quality control practices, and research documentation requirements.
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary research environment.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Federal or DoD “public trust”; candidates must receive approved adjudication prior to onboarding with Guidehouse. Candidates with an active public trust or suitability are preferred.

What Would Be Nice To Have:

• Prior work in a federal research environment.
• Strong scientific communication, organization, and collaboration skills.

What We Offer:

Guidehouse offers a comprehensive, total rewards package that includes competitive compensation and a flexible benefits package that reflects our commitment to creating a diverse and supportive workplace.

Benefits include:

• Medical, Rx, Dental & Vision Insurance

• Personal and Family Sick Time & Company Paid Holidays

• Parental Leave

• 401(k) Retirement Plan

• Group Term Life and Travel Assistance

• Voluntary Life and AD&D Insurance

• Health Savings Account, Health Care & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts

• Transit and Parking Commuter Benefits

• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability

• Tuition Reimbursement, Personal Development, Certifications & Learning Opportunities

• Employee Referral Program

• Corporate Sponsored Events & Community Outreach

• Care.com annual membership

• Employee Assistance Program

• Supplemental Benefits via Corestream (Critical Care, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, Legal Assistance and ID theft protection, etc.)

• Position may be eligible for a discretionary variable incentive bonus

About Guidehouse

Guidehouse is an Equal Opportunity Employer-Protected Veterans, Individuals with Disabilities or any other basis protected by law, ordinance, or regulation.

Guidehouse will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law or ordinance including the Fair Chance Ordinance of Los Angeles and San Francisco.

If you have visited our website for information about employment opportunities, or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation, please contact Guidehouse Recruiting at 1-571-633-1711 or via email at [email protected]. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodation.

All communication regarding recruitment for a Guidehouse position will be sent from Guidehouse email domains including @guidehouse.com or [email protected]. Correspondence received by an applicant from any other domain should be considered unauthorized and will not be honored by Guidehouse. Note that Guidehouse will never charge a fee or require a money transfer at any stage of the recruitment process and does not collect fees from educational institutions for participation in a recruitment event. Never provide your banking information to a third party purporting to need that information to proceed in the hiring process.

If any person or organization demands money related to a job opportunity with Guidehouse, please report the matter to Guidehouse’s Ethics Hotline. If you want to check the validity of correspondence you have received, please contact [email protected]. Guidehouse is not responsible for losses incurred (monetary or otherwise) from an applicant’s dealings with unauthorized third parties.

Guidehouse does not accept unsolicited resumes through or from search firms or staffing agencies. All unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of Guidehouse and Guidehouse will not be obligated to pay a placement fee.