Animal Biologist

Job Family:

Scientist (Digital)

Travel Required:

None

Clearance Required:

Ability to Obtain Public Trust

What You Will Do:
We are currently searching for an Animal Biologist to provide services and deliverables through the Transgenic Core supporting the overall operational objectives of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). This is a full-time, on-site opportunity in Bethesda, MD.

• Conduct behavioral testing and perform surgery on small animal models.

• Coordinate husbandry, animal care and enrichment activities to maintain a clean, safe and regulatory compliant animal research program.

• Conduct research and perform experiments on the selection and breeding of animals.

• Work with staff to maintain, breed, genotype and phenotype transgenic animal colony; maintain records of animal colony.

• Independently perform genotyping of animals.

• Maintain animal lines in transgenic facilities.

• Maintain animal colonies; handle animals for hormone injection, mating, timed mating, and other experimental procedures; handle, dissect and euthanize animals.

• Work with staff on maintaining mouse colonies which may include setting up mating pairs and checking plugs, genotyping mice by tail biopsy, injecting mice with hormones or other compounds, injecting cells into immuno-compromised mice and monitoring and analyzing tumor growth.

• Generate transgenic and knockout cell lines using microinjection method.

• Perform simple surgeries on animals and skilled routine surgical procedures in support of on-going animal studies.

• Handle experimental animals including tail vein injections, administration of anesthesia and monitoring of animal viral signs.

• Prepare and analyze animal tissues; perform a variety of specialized tissue fixation, embedding, sectioning and staining techniques; perform experiments with primary tissues and cells in culture, utilizing sterile techniques.

• Harvest and collect animal embryos, tissues, and organs.

• Carry out molecular biological experiments, including extracting genomic DNA, performing PCR and gel electrophoresis, cloning DNA fragments and preparing plasmid DNA, generating high quality RNA using in-vitro transcription.

• Perform tissue culture and related techniques including primary cells, such as human fibroblasts; maintain IPSC lines.

• Perform standard molecular biology techniques, including, but not limited to, cloning, in situ hybridization and qPCR.

• Maintain cell lines and perform basic cell culture assays, including, but not limited to, transfection and immunocytochemistry.

• Perform immunohistochemistry on animal tissues; carry out molecular biological experiments, including extracting genomic DNA, performing PCR and gel electrophoresis, cloning DNA fragments and preparing plasmid DNA, generating high quality RNA using in vitro transcription.

• Culture mammalian cells, including murine embryonic stem (ES) cells; transfect cells with electroporation/ nucleofection and lipid-mediated transfection; pick and maintain stably transfected ES clones; stain cells or slides with antibodies.

• Collect early mouse embryos (zygotes and blastocysts) and inject them with DNA or cells using micro-injection techniques; implant injected embryos into pseudo-pregnant foster mothers using embryo transfer techniques (oviduct transfer and uterus transfer).

• Retrieve gene structure and sequence information from genome browsers; analyze DNA sequence for searching restriction sites and the most suitable region for conducting genome engineering experiments; submit PCR fragments or plasmids for DNA sequencing; analyze the sequence data to identify mutations.

• Maintain inventory of laboratory supplies; maintain laboratory equipment.

• Analyze experimental data; Update and maintain laboratory notebooks and databases; collect, analyze and interpret data; collect, organize and record experimental data for publication and future reference by others; Perform computer analysis and use computer software to prepare images

• Edit and write research papers and protocols; participate and collaborate in the preparation of scientific publications for peer reviewed journals based on the results.

• Document information on procedures, modifications and methods for input into final publication and presentations of findings at meetings.

• Work with staff on the preparation of data and images for use in research presentations and publications.

What You Will Need:

• Bachelor’s Degree

• At least SIX (6) years of experience with conducting molecular biological experiments and/ or culturing and transfecting mammalian cells.

• Experience in handling, injecting, and genotyping mice

• Must be able to OBTAIN and MAINTAIN a Federal or DoD "PUBLIC TRUST"; candidates must obtain approved adjudication of their PUBLIC TRUST prior to onboarding with Guidehouse. Candidates with an ACTIVE PUBLIC TRUST or SUITABILITY are preferred.

What Would Be Nice To Have:

• Experience in collecting and microinjecting early mouse embryos is highly desirable

• Experience with MS Office

The annual salary range for this position is $98,000.00-$163,000.00. Compensation decisions depend on a wide range of factors, including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, security clearances, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs.

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

• 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