Axle · 17 hours ago
Senior Scientist - High Content Screening
Rockville, MD
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$145K/yr - $200K/yr
8+ years expAxle is a bioscience and information technology company that offers advancements in translational research, biomedical informatics, and data science applications. The Senior Scientist will provide advanced expertise in high content screening technologies and data analysis to support research programs at the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS).
BiotechnologyHealth CareInformation TechnologySoftware
Responsibilities
Design, optimize, and execute quantitative cell-based and image-based assays for high-content screening applications, specifically with small molecules or siRNAs
Support assays using a range of biological model systems, including 2D cultures, 3D spheroids, and organoid models, with demonstrated experience supporting stem cell-derived and disease-relevant models
Select and configure appropriate automated microscopy systems, plate readers, and acquisition parameters to ensure optimal data quality, specifically Revvity Opera Phenix, Molecular Devices ImageXpress, and additional imaging systems in use at NCATS, including non-HCS microscopy platforms that support complementary assay development and translational research
Provide scientific and technical guidance on assay design, feasibility, and interpretation of screening results
Support primary, secondary, and mechanistic follow-up screens, including dose–response studies
Develop, implement, and maintain image analysis workflows using both commercial HCS platforms, such as Revvity Signals Image Artist and Revvity Columbus and open-source software
Create custom analytical solutions when commercial tools are insufficient, including:
Classical image processing and statistical methods
Machine learning-based approaches for segmentation, feature extraction, and phenotypic classification
Analyze large, high-dimensional datasets and present results to NCATS investigators and project teams
Apply supervised and unsupervised learning methods to support mechanism-of-action studies and phenotypic profiling
Support and help maintain state-of-the-art HCS infrastructure, including automated microscopes, robotic liquid handling systems, and associated software
Collaborate with NCATS IT and informatics teams to ensure appropriate data storage, networking, security, and high-performance computing solutions for large image datasets
Assist with evaluation, integration, and validation of new instrumentation, software, and analytical platforms
Work closely with NCATS biologists, project leads, and technical staff to understand scientific goals and technical requirements
Train and mentor NCATS researchers in the effective use of HCS instrumentation, software tools, and analytical methods
Organize and spearhead imaging workshops and technical training sessions in collaboration with commercial imaging and analysis vendors and internal stakeholders to introduce, evaluate, and disseminate advanced microscopy and high-content screening methodologies to NCATS researchers
Provide day-to-day technical support as well as sustained scientific collaboration on long-term projects
Contribute intellectual input to experimental design, analysis strategies, and interpretation of complex datasets
Support collaborative research efforts that lead to peer-reviewed publications, reports, and internal deliverables
Assist in the dissemination and adoption of advanced HCS methodologies across NCATS research teams
Promote best practices in quantitative imaging, data quality, and reproducibility
Qualification
Required
PhD in cell biology, biomedical engineering, bioengineering, computational biology, biophysics, or a related scientific discipline
8+ years of post-PhD research or professional experience in high-content screening or quantitative image-based assays
Extensive hands-on experience designing and executing cell-based, image-driven screening assays
Demonstrated expertise with automated microscopy and HCS platforms from Revvity/Perkin Elmer and Molecular Devices
Strong background in image analysis and data analytics, using commercial and/or open-source tools
Working proficiency in scientific programming or analytical environments supporting quantitative imaging (e.g., Python, MATLAB, or equivalent)
Proven ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary research teams
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Preferred
Experience supporting or managing HCS instrumentation and automation infrastructure
Demonstrated application of machine learning and/or deep learning techniques to biological image analysis
Experience working with large-scale image datasets and high-performance or cloud-based computing environments
Prior experience training or mentoring scientists and technical staff
Track record of contributing to collaborative, peer-reviewed publications
Experience working in a government laboratory or large collaborative research environment
Benefits
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)
Flexible Spending Accounts: Parking Reimbursement Account (PRK)
Flexible Spending Accounts: Dependent Care Assistant Program (DCAP)
Flexible Spending Accounts: Transportation Reimbursement Account (TRN)
Company
Axle
At Axle, we are driven by the mission to accelerate discovery and enhance organizational outcomes by revolutionizing operations with our innovative solutions.
501-1000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Axle has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (37)
2024 (40)
2023 (61)
2022 (30)
2021 (19)
2020 (38)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Gary Mays
Chief Operating Officer
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