Biologist (Cell Line Development)

Position Objective: Provide services as a Biologist (Cell Line Development) in support of the overall functions of the Vaccine Research Center (VRC), Vaccine Production Program (VPP) within the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Contribute to the generation of stable cell lines for vaccine and therapeutic protein candidates including monoclonal antibodies, recombinant proteins, and virus-like particles.
• Prepare plasmid DNA using standard molecular cloning techniques including PCR, restriction digest, and bacterial culture.
• 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
  • Clone stability studies
• Use automated platforms for clone selection and screening.
• Participate in cell line development platform design, optimization, and cycle-time reduction studies including methods for clone selection, expansion, ranking, and characterization.
• Perform small-scale process development studies using various culture vessels including tissue culture plates, shake flasks, and small-scale bioreactors.
• Generate stable pools and perform transient protein production for supply of reagent-grade material.
• Independently complete experiments and analyze data.
• Provide laboratory support for medium preparation and ordering of supplies.
• Write and review technical reports documenting process development studies and stable cell line generation work.
• Work with other team members to generate experimental plans for process development studies.
• Write and review standard operating procedures for cell line development processes and instrumentation.
• Maintain complete documentation records, including a detailed and up-to-date laboratory notebook, to support regulatory filings.
• Coordinate cell line development projects in collaboration with the project lead and Federal Task Leader.
  • Plan experiments to fit within required timelines
  • Communicate any issues or delays promptly and help to identify solutions
  • Maintain cell line development master sheet file with all critical information and data
• Regularly communicate progress to project lead and present work to cell line development team.
• Participate in project meetings.
• Contribute results and studies for publication in peer-reviewed journals.

Basic Qualifications:

• B.S. in Biological Sciences and a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience or M.S. in Biological Sciences with independent research experience in an academic or industrial setting.
• Hands-on experience with aseptic technique and mammalian cell culture along with supporting technologies for cell line engineering including cell counting, high-throughput transfection, single-cell cloning, and flow cytometry.
• Experience in preparing technical reports, standard operating procedures, and data presentations.
• Familiarity with computer software for word processing and data analysis (Microsoft Excel, Word, and Powerpoint, Prism, FlowJo).
• Experience in monoclonal antibody and/or vaccine production.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Maintain broad knowledge of state-of-the-art principles and theory.
• Ability to work independently to execute defined experiments and troubleshoot issues as needed to meet project timelines.
• Ability to effectively communicate plans, results, challenges, and ideas to other team members in oral and written forms.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with non-technical and technical staff.
• Detail-oriented and possess strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks and projects

*This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required by this position.  

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

GAP Solutions provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need an accommodation to apply for a job, email us at recruiting@gapsi.com. You will need to reference the requisition number of the position in which you are interested. Your message will be routed to the appropriate recruiter who will assist you. Please note, this email address is only to be used for those individuals who need an accommodation to apply for a job. Emails for any other reason or those that do not include a requisition number will not be returned.

GAP Solutions is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, ethnicity, ancestry, color, sex, religion, creed, age, national origin, citizenship status, disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation or perceived sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, and gender expression, familial status, political affiliation, genetic information, or any other legally protected status or characteristics.

This position is contingent upon contract award.