Small Animal Biologist

We are currently searching for an Animal Biologist Small Animal to support the lab's mission critical needs including those of an animal biologist and technician.  This opportunity is full-time, and it is on site in Bethesda, MD.  

• Manage oversight and progress of critical results in animal-based experiments including evaluating goal-specific phenotypes of animals; collaborate with Primary investigators and other experimental team members to determine, evaluate and discuss the progress of projects
• Work with staff on the modification of laboratory protocols and experiments based on literature findings
• Prepare reports and manuscripts based on experimental results
• Edit and write research papers and protocols
• Maintain and culture human and mouse cancer cell lines for in vitro experiments as well as prepare mouse and human tumor cells for in vivo tumor implantations
• Perform work on human specimens in support of ongoing clinical trials, including PBMC isolation, single cell disassociation of tumor tissue, rtPCR, PCR, western blots, immunohistochemistry, immune fluorescence, RNA-in situ hybridization, and others
• Maintain records of all experiments in laboratory notebook; maintain stocks of available cancer cell lines in liquid nitrogen and update inventory; as well as maintain and catalog recombinant DNA stocks, plasmids and vectors, flow cytometry antibody stocks and tissue bio-specimens
• Collaborate with staff to perform histology and histological labeling techniques including immunostaining and any other duties related to carrying out duties such or assisting with ordering
• Develop and maintain a spreadsheet of animal breeding records; record lineage, genotype, birth, death and experimental use of each animal
• Independently perform genotyping of animals
• Anticipate animal needs for lab research and colony maintenance; adjust the number of breeding pairs accordingly
• Perform animal work, including monitoring and treatment of tumor-bearing mice, handling mice for injection of tumor cells and drug treatments, intraperitoneal drug injections and oral gavage, tail vein injections, subcutaneous saline injections, measurement of tumors, weight checks, tumor harvest and assessment of health status
• Communicate and collaborate with investigators regarding colony and support duties
• Work with staff to maintain, breed, genotype and phenotype transgenic animal colony; maintain records of animal colony
• Perform complex surgical techniques, necropsies, blood and tissue sample collection
• Prepare animals for surgery and ensure proper disposal of animal carcasses
• Perform experiments with primary tissues and cells in culture, utilizing sterile techniques
• Maintain and culture human and animal cancer cell lines for experiments
• Perform cell membrane experiments on the cell culture systems
• 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 apoptosis assays, qtr-PCR, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry and molecular cloning techniques
• Perform molecular biology and cloning techniques, tissue histochemistry and immunohistochemistry
• Collect, review, research, and analyze large datasets; perform experiments, utilizing various statistical applications and methods; and interpret data, assemble data into figures, and enter data into a database
• Maintain records of experimental results; work with staff to analyze and interpret data; prepare summaries of laboratory findings
• Document information on procedures, modifications and methods for input into final publication and presentations of findings at meetings
• Document all laboratory procedures, experiments and results; maintain and update laboratory notebooks and databases

# SOAR

#LI-JR1

• Background in molecular techniques, demonstrate ability to perform experiments independently and with minimal supervision.
• Ability to evaluate own results and those of others, including those in published literature.
• Proficiency in the operation of computer and general data acquisition programs.
• Ability to rapidly acquire knowledge in new fields and to understand and, if necessary, adapt published procedures to own needs.
• Excellent time management skills required.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.

• Master’s degree in Zoology, Biology, or related field
• Bachelor’s degree plus 3 years of specialized experience can substitute for Master’s degree
• At least 8 years of experience in Molecular Biology or a related field

Due to our contractual requirements, to be eligible for this role, you must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at time of hire.  

We are a trusted government partner that blends deep domain expertise with advanced technologies to help our customers solve complex problems that improve, protect, and save lives. As a rapidly growing company, we combine entrepreneurial spirit, customer focus, and an outcomes-based approach to support agency missions in health IT, life sciences, public safety, and grants management.

The Dovel Family of Companies offers employees an opportunity to advance beyond a specific role or contract, we offer a path to develop an enriching career. We believe in empowering a culture of innovation, customer success, and employee growth. 

What you’ll get…

• Time Off! Flexible schedules and company paid holidays allow you to take the time you need.
• Investment in YOU! 401(K) company contributions are yours to keep with no waiting period.
• Choices! Unique healthcare plans to choose from with options like fertility and orthodontia benefits.
• Discovery! With our tuition assistance and training programs, we support your career advancement.
• Tax Savings! Enroll in pre-tax Health or Dependent Care Flexible Spending, HSA with company contributions, parking, and/or transit commuter benefits.
• Support! Working parents and busy professionals – we’ve got you covered with a supportive culture, confidential Employee Assistance Program and a membership to Care.com.
• Perks! Employee discounts, peer recognition programs, company-wide wellness challenges, and fun community events.
• A Voice! A unique culture where you can influence decisions and have your voice heard.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer with a commitment to diversity. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or veteran status.