Biologist NGS Sequencing Full Time

Role Title: Biologist NGS Sequencing

Contact and submit your resume to: info@cystinebioscience.com

Location: Gaithersburg/Bethesda, Maryland.

401K, medical, dental, vision and other benefits along with PTO.

Salary Range : $80K – $90K

Position Overview:

Biologist will provide comprehensive scientific and operational support to Vaccine Research Center (VRC), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH). This role is a premier opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge vaccine development and viral immunology research. The successful candidate will drive high-throughput single-cell and next-generation sequencing (NGS) experiments, collaborate with multidisciplinary scientific teams, and manage key programmatic workflows. Qualified candidates are invited to submit their professional resumes and cover letters directly to info@cystinebioscience.com

Key Responsibilities:

·     Perform a wide range of complex scientific procedures and techniques, including mammalian cell culture, molecular biology assays, gene cloning, and rigorous DNA/RNA analysis, isolation, and purification.

·     Generate high-quality scientific data consistently using advanced methods, integrating single-cell next-generation sequencing instruments (including NextSeq, MiSeq, and 10x Chromium).

·     Maintain, operate, and optimize laboratory robotics to increase library preparation throughput and sample clean-up efficiency.

·     Manage the operational project pipeline for the Vaccine Immunology Program, ensuring all milestones are hit efficiently under tight time constraints.

·     Maintain accurate, compliant daily records of experiments, properly organizing and archiving research data, while writing and revising Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) within VIP’s electronic database.

·     Calibrate, operate, and perform basic equipment maintenance on a variety of laboratory instruments, including Biological Safety Cabinets (BSC), centrifuges, pipettes, and liquid nitrogen tanks.

·     Help train post-baccalaureate IRTAs (Intramural Research Training Awardees) in molecular biology assays within the core, and train external collaborators on specialized methodologies performed by the laboratory.

·     Collaborate actively with students, post-doctoral fellows, and non-doctoral research technicians on experimental design, while interfacing with scientists from external organizations involved in related research projects.

·     Work collaboratively with team members to complete all daily laboratory objectives while remaining individually accountable for personal tasks, strictly adhering to institutional safety protocols and wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in a BSL-2 laboratory.

Required Qualifications:

·     A Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Biology or a related scientific discipline, with a minimum of 2+ years of hands-on experience in a laboratory setting.

·     Direct experience in flow cytometry, next-generation sequencing, data analysis, and a background in vaccine and viral immunology are highly preferred.

·     Strong IT skills, including the ability to utilize or quickly learn specialized laboratory platforms such as Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), Corporate Quality Management Systems (CQMS), and standard productivity software like Microsoft Office.

·     Exceptional organization, time management, and multitasking skills, with a proven ability to perform accurately under time constraints and meet strict deadlines in a high-volume, fast-paced work environment.

·     Highly detail-oriented with a proven ability to follow complex directions and scientific protocols without deviation.

·     Demonstrated critical thinking skills to optimize laboratory workflows, alongside a proactive approach to problem-solving that anticipates potential issues and innovates to resolve them.

·     Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to work seamlessly both independently and as part of a highly collaborative, cross-functional team.

·     A solid understanding of the laws, regulations, policies, guidelines, and ethics that govern biomedical and clinical research.

Comprehensive Benefits Package

Health Coverage:

• Choice of 3 Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) health insurance medical plans
• Guardian Dental Coverage
• Guardian Vision Coverage

Paid Time Off:

• Generous paid time off program, including federal holidays

Financial Security:

• 401(k) retirement plan managed by The Standard
• Safe Harbor employer contribution matching
• Option for Roth 401(k) contributions
• Automatic enrollment for eligible employees (with opt-out option)
• Ability to roll over retirement accounts from previous employers
• Guardian Basic Life and AD&D (Accidental Death and Dismemberment) Insurance
• Short Term Disability and Long-Term Disability Benefits
• Health Savings Account(HSA) & Flexible Spending Account (FSA) with employer match

Additional Perks:

• Biweekly paycheck
• User-friendly Gusto platform for managing employee information, payroll, and benefits
• Online access to 401(k) plan management through The Standard’s Personal Savings Center
• Employee assistance with retirement planning and investment decisions
• Secure online platforms for managing benefits and retirement accounts