Spatial Transcriptomics Scientist

(ID: 2025-0408)

Axle is a bioscience and information technology company that offers advancements in translational research, biomedical informatics, and data science applications to research centers and healthcare organizations nationally and abroad. With experts in biomedical science, software engineering, and program management, we focus on developing and applying research tools and techniques to empower decision-making and accelerate research discoveries. We work with some of the top research organizations and facilities in the country including multiple institutes at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Axle is seeking a Spatial Transcriptomics Scientist to join our vibrant team at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) supporting the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) located in Bethesda, MD.

Benefits We Offer:

• 100% Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage for Employees
• Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
• 401K match up to 5%
• Educational Benefits for Career Growth
• Employee Referral Bonus
• Flexible Spending Accounts:
  • Healthcare (FSA)
  • Parking Reimbursement Account (PRK)
  • Dependent Care Assistant Program (DCAP)
  • Transportation Reimbursement Account (TRN)

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled Genomics Technician with a Master's degree to join our Genomics Technology Section (GTS) team within the Research Technologies Branch (RTB) at NIAID. This position will play a critical role in developing spatial transcriptomics capabilities within RTB on the main campus, which is something desperately needed to facilitate spatial analysis of fresh samples. In addition, secondary responsibilities will include advancing novel and cutting-edge single-cell technologies, leading automation initiatives to increase throughput and efficiency, and supporting the expanding genomics research needs of NIAID investigators and additional Institutes and Centers (ICs).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Laboratory Operations & Technical Leadership

• Primary focus of this position is developing Visium HD and Xenium spatial transcriptomic capabilities on the NIH main campus to enable spatial analysis of fresh samples as well as expanding capabilities to provide spatial support for sensitive clinical samples

• Identify new spatial technologies (e.g., Curio, CosMX, etc.) and platforms relevant to NIAID investigators and their projects, and develop these platforms for production

• Lead experimental design for spatial transcriptomic studies

• Lead development of high-throughput automation and streamlining of single-cell and spatial transcriptomics operations to scale services in response to increased demand from NIAID investigators and additional ICs

• Serve as a key member of the laboratory prep operation on the Bethesda GTU team

• Lead technical development efforts to expand available single-cell platforms offered

Technology Development & Implementation

• Establish Xenium and Visium HD services on the NIH main campus to address current institutional needs

• Establish best practices workflows for spatial sample prep and data generation for fresh/frozen and clinical samples

• Identify and develop novel spatial techniques and platforms

• Lead establishment of new methods for single-cell sample preparation and sequencing, including:

  • Fixed-cell methods

  • Multi-omic methods (expression, VDJ, ATAC, and CITE-seq) development

  • Multi-modal-omic data characterization from individual cells

• Identify and execute strategies for increased throughput, automation, and overall GTS efficiency improvement

Laboratory Procedures & Sample Processing

• Lead experimental design for spatial transcriptomics projects on the main campus

• Develop best practices for spatial sample prep and data generation for Visium HD and Xenium, as well as additional platforms as they become available

• Prepare spatial-omics libraries for Illumina and 10x Genomics platforms

• Perform quality control on all spatial efforts

• Work with newly developed technologies including Curio, ScaleBio, PIP-seq, and emerging platforms

• Process cell suspensions for single-cell analysis using 10x Genomics instruments

• Perform gene expression, CITE-Seq, ATAC-Seq, and other immune profiling single-cell assays

Documentation & Quality Management

• Develop and document spatial technology’s best practices. This should include upstream sample preservation and fixation, sectioning, transfer and handling of sections, and spatial-omic data generation

• Maintain detailed records of experimental procedures

• Identify opportunities for improved documentation and record-keeping practices within GTU, especially incorporating novel spatial data types, such as images

• Serve as subject-matter expert on optimal spatial assays for specific study aims and sample types

• Stay current with developing spatial and other sequencing-based technologies and methodologies

Instrumentation & Maintenance

• Perform routine maintenance, operation, and troubleshooting of:

  • 10X Visium HD Cytassist

  • 10X Xenium

  • 10x Genomics instrumentation

  • Illumina sequencing platforms

  • High-throughput robotic automation equipment

Required Qualifications

Education

• Master's degree required in a relevant field (e.g., Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Genetics, or related discipline)

Experience

• Minimum of eight (8) years of experience in a related field

• At least four (4) years of experience specifically in biological sciences

• Demonstrated experience working in a laboratory setting

• Proven experience with advanced molecular technologies

Technical Skills

• Experience with Illumina and 10x Genomics platforms preferred

• Knowledge of molecular biology techniques and laboratory automation

• Familiarity with multi-omic approaches and data generation

• Proficiency with single-cell genomics technologies and workflows

Disclaimer: The above description is meant to illustrate the general nature of work and level of effort being performed by individuals assigned to this position or job description. This is not restricted as a complete list of all skills, responsibilities, duties, and/or assignments required. Individuals may be required to perform duties outside of their position, job description or responsibilities as needed.

The diversity of Axle’s employees is a tremendous asset. We are firmly committed to providing equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and will not tolerate any illegal discrimination or harassment based on age, race, gender, religion, national origin, disability, marital status, covered veteran status, sexual orientation, status with respect to public assistance, and other characteristics protected under state, federal, or local law and to deter those who aid, abet, or induce discrimination or coerce others to discriminate.

Accessibility: If you need an accommodation as part of the employment process please contact: [email protected]

This role has a market-competitive salary with an anticipated base compensation range listed below. Actual salaries will vary depending on a candidate’s experience, qualifications, skills, and location.

#INDPSD