Associate Research Scientist; PREP

PREP Research Associate

Location: NIST Gaithersburg Campus, Gaithersburg, Maryland (near Washington DC)

This position is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Professional Research Experience (PREP) program. The PREP program enables NIST research staff to collaborate with academic researchers on projects of mutual interest. Employees in this role perform technical work that underpins the scientific research of the collaboration.

• Perform biological assays (cell viability, antibody staining, flow cytometry, microscopy, fluorescence, absorbance) in a laboratory.
• Design assay plates for automation systems.
• Adapt assay protocols to automation system control software (e.g., programming with Hamilton Venus).
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of researchers on design‑of‑experiment approaches for instrument performance analysis.
• Evaluate replicate performance datasets in collaboration with NIST statisticians.
• Publish research findings in peer‑reviewed journals and present at conferences and workshops.

• Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in physics, engineering, biomedical engineering, biology or minimum five years of experience in biotechnology-related industry.
• Experience with programming and using automation systems in a laboratory environment.
• Demonstrated ability to use advanced instrumentation and associated software for data analysis and system performance analysis.
• Experience performing common biological assays.
• Strong capability to write technical protocols, present results, and generate data for reports.
• Critical thinking, innovation, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and with a multi‑disciplinary research team.
• Proficiency with spreadsheets and statistical software packages for data analysis.

• CV/Resume (maximum 3 pages, must include a valid email address; other contact information such as phone number, home address, citizenship status, and gender should be omitted).
• Self portraits are not required.

The Johns Hopkins University is committed to equal opportunity for its faculty, staff, and students. To that end, the university does not discriminate on the basis of sex, gender, marital status, pregnancy, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status or other legally protected characteristic.