Overview

Axle is looking to add a driven, flexible, organized, and meticulous Biologist to our dynamic team. The Contractor(s) shall provide services in support of the overall functions of the Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research (LMVR), Division of Intramural Research (DIR). 

Technical Requirements:

• Responsible for biosafety measures at the Twinbrook 3 Insectary Facility (TW3-IF) to protect researchers and staff from exposure to insect bites and vector-borne infectious agents.

• Responsible for the implementation of protocols and physical barriers to ensure the containment of mosquitoes at TW3-IF.

• Oversee researchers conducting experiments with infectious agents and maintain containment of mosquitoes harboring human pathogens (viruses and parasites) in the high-security area of TW3IF.

• Maintain and manipulate mosquitoes infected with human pathogens in the biosafety section of the insectary.

• Develop and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the maintenance and manipulation of genetically modified mosquitoes.

• Develop SOPs for the morphological and molecular taxonomic identification of the various mosquito species reared in the insectary.

• Conduct regular taxonomic identification of mosquitoes to prevent cross-contamination between different species reared at TW3-IF.

• Assist with the experimental infection of mosquitoes with murine malaria parasites.

• Oversee the biosafety component of mosquito colony maintenance.

• Develop and implement SOPs for the production of various species and strains of Anopheline mosquitoes in a secure insectary.

• Perform laboratory quality control, including upkeep and routine maintenance of equipment upon government approval. Handle biological materials, infectious agents, biological waste and other tasks as required.

• Write reports detailing findings, methods, and procedures—including any modifications employed—specimens and materials involved, and experimental results. Interpret, evaluate, and discuss results with the project officer as appropriate for subsequent studies.

• Prepare various media, stock supplies, and other reagents for laboratory use.

• Ensure sufficient quantities of selected species and strains of Anopheles mosquitoes are available each week for experimental purposes. 

• Perform a variety of complex procedures involving molecular biology techniques related to malaria parasites and the mosquitoes that transmit them. As these parasites are human pathogens, some procedures will require work in a BSL-2 environment.

• Assist in preparing manuscripts for publication and perform literature searches for laboratory methodologies as needed.

• Maintain accurate daily records of experiments and results in bound laboratory notebooks and electronic databases. Make minor modifications or adaptations to established methods, procedures, and techniques to solve workplace problems.

• Assist post-baccalaureate students, postdoctoral fellows, and scientific visitors in the use of sophisticated laboratory equipment and specialized procedures and techniques.

• Collaborate with investigators on experiments to develop genetically modified lines of Anopheline mosquitoes.

• Develop and implement record-keeping systems to document the production of various mosquito lots.

• Discuss data and consult with external investigators as requested by the Federal Task Leader.

• Perform computer data analysis and use specialized software programs to prepare data for publication.

• Calibrate and operate various laboratory instruments. 

Specific Qualifications:

• B.A. or B.S. degree in Biology, Life Sciences or a related discipline. 

  Two (2) years of specialized experience plus a BA/BS degree is equivalent to a Master’s degree.

• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in biology or a related field.

• Demonstrates knowledge of maintaining accurate and detailed records.

• Demonstrates knowledge of proper laboratory disposal methods and safety procedures.

• Demonstrates experience working in a laboratory environment at a BSL2 level.

• Demonstrates experience in the rearing and maintenance of colonies of genetically modified Anopheline mosquitoes.

• Demonstrates technical experience in experiments designed to manipulate mosquito genetics. 

• Demonstrates experience in implementing standard operating procedures for biosafety and containment of an insectary facility.