Job Department: Professional Services

Position Information:

Provide support services to satisfy the overall operational objectives of the National Institute on Aging. The primary objective is to provide research services and deliverables through performance of support services for the Confocal Imaging Facility core of the NIA IRP.

Additional Qualifications:

Certifications & Licenses

• Master’s degree in Biology or a related discipline.

Field of Study

• Biology

Software

• MS office suite

• FIJI-Image J

• Zeiss Zen

Skills

• Strong communications skills, both oral and written.

• Proficiency in Confocal Light Microscopy

• Must have 4 years demonstrated experience in a biological research setting with routine classic embedding and sample preparation techniques including ultramicrotomy for electron microscopy methods.

• Experience with cryo-fixation preparation techniques for cryo-electron microscopy is a plus.

• Demonstrated 2-5 years of experience using Scanning Electron Microscopes (SEMs) or Transmission Electron microscopes (TEMs).

• Experience with Focused Ion Beam – Scanning Electron Microscopy or other volumetric electron microscopy techniques is a plus.

• Familiarity with automated imaging systems with either light or electron microscopes in a biological research laboratory.

• Experience with digital imaging of biological systems using light microscopy.

• Familiarity with workflow using 3D reconstruction software.

Deliverables:

• Work products and documents related to conducting wet-lab works including harvesting and collecting mouse embryos, tissues and organs; perform histological techniques; conduct various molecular biological analyses. – Monthly

• Work products and documents related to maintaining the laboratory’s supplies, equipment and experimental records. – Ad-Hoc

• Clean Equipment – Weekly

• Run Validation – Ad-Hoc

• Inspect Equipment – Weekly

• Meet with lab members to present updates – Ad-Hoc

• Work products and documents related to training and supervising researchers in confocal microscopy – Bi-Weekly

Statement of Work Details:

• Proficiency in Confocal Microscopy image acquisition and analysis – 1
• Sample preparation for transmission electron microscopy (TEM); fixation, resin embedding, ultrathin sectioning, post staining, immunogold labeling and negative staining. – 2
• Preparation of solutions and chemicals – 3
• Proficiency in Immunohistochemistry IHC and ICC and immunofluorescence IF techniques – 4
• Functional knowledge of super-resolution microscopy techniques – 5

• Provides technical experience needed to assist in studying the basic principles of plant and animal life

• Study basic principles of plant and animal life, such as origin, relationship, development, anatomy, and function

• Identify, classify, and study structure, behavior, ecology, physiology, nutrition, culture, and distribution of plant and animal species

• Assists with performing basic laboratory experiments and procedures

• Troubleshooting and optimizing laboratory protocols and instrumentation.

• User training and support. Prepares, organizes and maintains various lab samples, supplies, and equipment

• Operate laboratory equipment to analyze samples

• Analyze laboratory findings

• Operation of the TEM and support equipment

• Responsible for a clean and organized laboratory.

• User training and support.

• Learns new laboratory techniques and procedures

• Program and use computers to store, process, and analyze data

• Interpret research or operational data

• Record research or operational data

• Pursue the research goals of the laboratory by conducting wet-lab works

• Work with staff on performing various experiments and procedures

• Harvest and collect mouse embryos, tissues and organs

• Perform histological techniques, including tissue and/or whole-mount in situhybridization and immunohistochemistry

• Prepare and organize various lab samples

• Conduct molecular biological analyses

• Provide a broad range of technical assistance to laboratory members

• Maintain laboratory supplies, equipment and experimental records

• Provide support for ordering reagents and equipment required for the laboratory

Position Information:

The contractor will independently provide support services to satisfy the operational objectives of the Brain Health Equity (BHE) Unit within the Health Disparities Research Section (HDRS) at the National Institute on Aging (NIA). The primary objective is to provide services and deliverables by performing day-to-day management of a developing community-based cohort study under the direction of Dr. Indira Turney, the Principal Investigator.

Additional Qualifications:

Certifications & Licenses

• Master’s degree in public health, epidemiology, clinical research, or a related field, or equivalent specialized experience

• Certification as a Clinical Research Coordinator (CCRC) or an equivalent qualification

• Basic Life Support Certification

Field of Study

• Community and Public Health

• Cognitive Science and Biopsychology

• Neuroscience

Software

• RedCap

• Electronic Medical Records System

• Electronic Data Capture System

Skills

• Extensive experience managing community-based epidemiological studies, particularly within historically marginalized communities

• Indepth knowledge of Institutional Review Board (IRB) regulations and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines

• Expertise in designing, implementing, and conducting community-based longitudinal epidemiologic studies, demonstrated by CCRC certification or equivalent training

• The ability to work independently, make informed decisions, and manage complex research operations

• Strong communication, project management, and leadership skills

• Mastery of the theory and methods involved in planning, designing, implementing, operating, analyzing, and assessing cross-sectional, longitudinal, and epidemiological studies, particularly in biomedical and behavioral research

• Proficiency in writing study protocols and research-related documents, with expert knowledge of clinical trial practices and regulations

• Ability to summarize and present scientific research, including statistical analyses, both verbally and in writing

• Expertise in selecting and applying techniques for recruiting and retaining difficult-to-sample and vulnerable populations

• A valid Maryland driver’s license with a good driving record

• The ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds

• Extensive experience in conducting community outreach and managing community relationships, especially in historically marginalized communities, such as Black communities in urban settings

• Strong passion for and commitment to health equity research, demonstrated by previous experience working with underserved populations

• Preference for candidates who have shown a history of long-term engagement (3+ years) in previous roles, particularly in community-based research settings or relevant transferrable fields

Deliverables:

• Protocol Documentation: Work products related to the development and enforcement of study protocols. – Ad-Hoc

• Compliance Reports: Documentation related to IRB compliance, including adverse event reporting and consent document updates. – Ad-Hoc

• Operations Manual: A complete and up-to-date operations manual, along with records of updates and revisions. – Ad-Hoc

• Community and Collaborator Engagement: Organize and develop partnerships with stakeholders across various sectors and different members of the community, including participants. – Weekly

Statement of Work Details:

• This includes attending community meetings and events to promote the study and encourage enrollment. – 1
• Establish long-term partnerships with local organizations and institutions to ensure sustained community support and participant retention throughout the study. – 2
• Assist staff on all facets of clinical studies including subject enrollment, scheduling outpatient appointments and inpatient admissions, travel arrangements, investigation consent, subject longitudinal monitoring, study data, sample collection and data entry. – 3
• Participate in coordination and management of most daily activities of the study and ensure that study activities follow established protocol, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), and utilizes approved forms, templates and practices. – 4
• Assist researchers with the collection and analysis of research data and samples. – 5

• Supports clinical staff develop, implement and maintain clinical research data files and materials.

• Assist preparing and submitting for review accurate source documents related to all research procedures.

• Maintain and update files of all applicable regulatory documentation for Institutional Review Board (IRB).

• Participate in developing and maintaining research protocol documentation and operations.

• Assist researchers with study testing, observations data entry and other duties associated with study sessions.

• Collects research data and prepares information for inputs and analysis.

• Verify study participant information and collect data and results of testing.

• Assist staff develop, assemble related documentation and maintain regulatory binders for all protocols.

• Perform accurate and timely data analysis, report results and findings and respond to sponsor queries.

• Set up, format and enter data into spreadsheets to analyze information and create reports.

• Enter data into research databases, systems and applications for ongoing studies.

• Supports the development of forms and questionnaires.

• Assist researchers develop, maintain and complete study data collection forms and source documents.

• Supports the collection of data from patient charts, medical records, interviews, questionnaires, and diagnostic tests.

• Retrieve research related information from medical records, hospital information system and laboratory information system and create spreadsheets and other reports for use in study analysis.

• Prepare patient charts for clinic days and provide initial or follow-up assessment forms, patient labels, most recent medication lists and lab and procedure printouts.

• Assist staff screen prospective study subjects and participate in scheduling participants for research visits and procedures.

• Monitors subject’s progress and reports adverse events.

• Liaison between the study subjects and the investigators concerning any problems or adverse events including out of range vitals, etc.

• Observe data collection and monitoring of withdrawals and assist reporting deviations and adverse events.

• Update and maintain logs and records of patient and family contacts.

• Exhibit creativity in drafting newsletter, coordinating newsletter printing and distribution, and organize care package assembly.

• Supports assembly, development and review of new research projects.

• Assist key research personnel ensure that clinical research activities are performed in accordance with federal, state and institutional regulations, policies and procedures.

• Assist researchers plan and coordinate the initiation of research study protocol and the implementation of operating policies and procedures.

• Assist researchers develop and maintain current and new research protocols.

• Develop and nurture relationships with community stakeholders, such as religious leaders, community organizers, and local advocates, to build trust and engagement within the study’s target population.

• Supports the creation and management of clinical websites and web-based tools.

• Work with investigators to Assist researchers submit protocol packages, actions and applications to IRB using the designated protocol tracking and management databases system.

• Organizes and performs clinical research, utilizing internet and other available clinical resources.

• Monitor electronic medical record system to ensure necessary components are present and complete such as data collection forms, progress notes, participant information forms and diagnostic test completion forms.

• Work with investigators to maintain Protocol Applications within the protocol management database system.

• Coordinate with relevant parties regarding data sharing plan review and tracking of data submission per approved plans.

• Maintain and organize an online resource of documentation regarding clinical trials, including Standard Operating Procedure documents for all tasks related to the handling of clinical trials.

• Provides assistance to staff in the collection, development and quality control of essential clinical research efforts.

• Assess protocols and studies for regulatory compliance, adherence to IRB approvals and Federal standards, such as HIPAA, human subject ethics, privacy, etc. and generate quality assurance reports.

• Supports clinical staff develop, implement and maintain clinical research data files and materials.

• Prepare and submit for review accurate source documents related to all research procedures.

• Maintain and update files of all applicable regulatory documentation for Institutional Review Board (IRB).

• Develop and maintain research protocol documentation and operations.

• Assist researchers with study testing, observations data entry and other duties associated with study sessions.

• Develops and facilitates training to new research coordinators and mentors researchers in Good Clinical Practices.

• Instruct data entry and clinical staff in procedures relative to data management, protocol instructions, Standard Operating Procedures and regulatory processes and considerations.

• Organize, prepare and distribute informational materials and provide support to the educational mission of the study.

• Researches changes and updates to Good Clinical Practices (GCP) and prepares summaries, job aids and training materials for research staff and new clinical research coordinators.

• Mentor new clinical research coordinators on all aspects of research support.

Position Information:

Provide support services to satisfy the overall operational objectives of the National Institute on Aging. The primary objective is to provide services and deliverables through performance of support services.

Additional Qualifications:

Certifications & Licenses

• Master’s degree in science related field

Field of Study

• Biology

Software

• MS office suite

Skills

• Strong communications skills, both oral and written

Deliverables:

• Clean Equipment – Ad-Hoc

• Run Validation – Ad-Hoc

• Inspect Equipment – Ad-Hoc

• Meet with lab members to present updates – Ad-Hoc

Statement of Work Details:

• Provide programming, data processing, and troubleshooting support for human population-based studies involving omics, clinical, phenotype, and wearable/sensor data. – 1
• Perform computational analyses using established bioinformatics and statistical methods for multi-omics and wearable datasets and integrate them into epidemiologic research. – 2
• Process raw data, including quality control, alignment, quantification, normalization, and generation of analysis-ready datasets. – 3
• Provide large-scale genome-wide DNA and protein sequence analysis. – 4
• Assist with development and maintenance of Oracle database for genomics and proteomics projects in the Translational Gerontology Branch TGB. – 5
• Provides programming and troubleshooting support to the Federal Government in the dissemination of research data.

• Assist with integration of laboratory-generated data with public and controlled-access datasets for downstream analysis and interpretation.

• Performs computations on research data analysis.

• Support development, execution, testing, and documentation of reproducible analysis pipelines and workflows.

• Works with staff on scientific programming and experimental design.

• Collaborate with laboratory staff and trainees on study planning, data analysis, result interpretation, and troubleshooting for internal and collaborative projects.

• Records observations and report results at weekly laboratory meetings.

• Prepare reports, tables, figures, slides, and written summaries of analytical results for laboratory meetings, progress reports, and scientific presentations.

• Maintain clear documentation of methods, analyses, and results in laboratory records and shared project resources.

• Contribute computational support to manuscripts, presentations, and other scientific products.

• Provides statistical support / analysis on research data.

• Analyze multi-omics, wearable and other longitudinal signal/-omics data using standard computational and statistical approaches.

• Maintain and organize omics data, metadata, analysis files, and related records for different projects, including data tracking, harmonization, documentation, backup, and controlled sharing.

• Help maintain laboratory databases, software tools, and computing resources used for bioinformatics analyses.

• Assist with development and maintenance of web tolls and web sites.

• Set up and maintain computer resources and networks of the Laboratory.

• Provide customer service by responding to questions about the LG web resources fromresearchers inside and outside the LG.

• Contribute to the publication of scientific reports.

• Provide computational support for members of the Laboratory.

• Maintain the computer and network system of the Laboratory.

Position Information:

Provide support services to satisfy the overall operational objectives of the National Institute on Aging. The primary objective is to provide services and deliverables through performance of support services.

Additional Qualifications:

Certifications & Licenses

• Master’s degree in Biology or a related discipline.

Field of Study

• Biology

Software

• MS office suite

• PowerPoint

• NIH POTS

• Outlook

Skills

• Strong communications skills, both oral and written.

Deliverables:

• Work products and documents related to implement and performing studies that are aimed at detecting age-associated changes in Protein Quality Control; perform longitudinal and cross-sectional design experiments. – Ad-Hoc

• Work products and documents related to protein chemistry, assessment of protein posttranslational modifications, protein-ligand binding, protein-protein interactions, protein extraction/quantitation from cell and tissue lysates, with a strong technical background in immunolabeling. – Ad-Hoc

• Work products and documents related to implementing protein assays and immunolabeling assays; conduct specific, technical enzymatic and protein analyses, and data reduction; perform and analyzed implemented assays. – Ad-Hoc

• Work products and documents related to collecting, analyzing and interpreting data; update and maintain laboratory notebooks and databases; prepare summaries and reports based on results and findings. – Ad-Hoc

• Work products and documents related to writing scientific manuscripts; submit drafts for editing and approval; develop and deliver presentations; attend laboratory meetings; present results and findings for staff discussion. – Ad-Hoc

• Clean Equipment – Ad-Hoc

• Meet with lab members to present updates – Weekly

Statement of Work Details:

• Implement and perform studies that are aimed at detecting age-associated changes in Protein Quality. – 1
• Perform longitudinal and cross-sectional design experiments that span an estimated four-year period involving aging mice, via a multiomics approach as determined by the laboratory. – 2
• Participate in the writing of scientific manuscripts generated using data collected from the studies and analyzes conducted; submit drafts for editing and approval. – 3
• Implement and perform studies that are aimed at detecting age-associated changes in Protein Quality. – 4
• Perform longitudinal and cross-sectional design experiments that span an estimated four-year period involving aging mice, via a multi-omics approach as determined by the laboratory. – 5

• Supports the planning and execution of research experiments in the context of the laboratory’s overall research program.

• Evaluate new techniques, instruments, and software for potential incorporation into current SOP.

• Advance the science in the laboratory through new procedures and discoveries.

• Advance the science through proposing and investigating new target projects for initiation based on novelty and relevance to human health.

• Supports laboratory staff on research projects and techniques.

• Work with staff on the interpretation of experiments performed by research scientists.

• Independently direct and conduct special research projects that have a high priority for the laboratory with special emphasis in the development of novel research treatments.

• Work with postdoc/biological scientists to perform statistical analysis for research projects.

• Work with staff on assay design and method development using an array or experimentation.

• Review scientific data to determine if a research program can be developed around an idea or data package.

• Work with staff on protein chemistry, assessment of protein post-translational modifications, protein-ligand binding, protein-protein interactions.

• Collaborate with staff on protein extraction/quantitation from cell and tissue lysates, with a strong technical background in immunolabeling (western blotting, immunofluorescence/immunohistochemistry, and immunoprecipitation).

• Implementing protein assays and immunolabeling assays.

• Maintains laboratory equipment and the training of others in their use.

• Calibrate, maintain and troubleshoot instruments and equipment in the laboratory.

• Maintain and perform staff training on scientific instrumentation, including HPLCs, microanalytical balances, centrifuges, spectrophotometers, vacuum apparatus and analytical equipment.

• Operate, troubleshoot and train others to use laboratory equipment and software.

• Provide advice and assistance to users in designing experiments, using instrumentation, data acquisition and analysis, and preparing figures for publication.

• Assists in maintaining adequate space and facilities for ongoing and projected research studies.

• Manage scientific equipment and resources (e.g. reagents, stocks of frozen sells, animal samples) including acquisition, documentation and storage.

• Participate in the laboratory’s review of future proposals for resource allocations. Evaluates, analyzes and interprets research data, communicates results and methods in reports, presentations, and manuscripts.

• Write technical reports and prepare manuscripts.

• Oversee project data quality; analyze and interpret project data.

• Conduct bioinformatics data analyses and statistical analyses; prepare data for abstracts and manuscripts.

• Maintain a detailed and up-to-date electronic laboratory notebook detailing all experiments.

• Conduct specific, technical enzymatic and protein analyses, and data reduction.

• Perform and analyzed implemented assays.

• Collect, analyze and interpret data; update and maintain laboratory notebooks and databases.

• Coordinates with junior staff to modify research protocols.

• Work with staff to confirm assay results and evaluate new techniques and instruments; search literature; propose, design and test alternative assays for difficult screening targets; confirm assay results; develop secondary assays.

• Work with Principal Investigators in scheduling and prioritizing instrument usage.

• Coordinate projects being developed in the laboratory, proposing SAR strategies and monitoring their progress.

• Coordinate with IT staff on all software issues specific to the chemistry group and on all computer problems.

• Identify and advise IC leadership on opportunities and program areas, research gaps and relevant program needs; make recommendations for consideration.

• Participate in establishing criteria and standards for others to follow in the planning, review and evaluation of bioinformatics research projects.

• Suggest alternative or complementary approaches to experiments.

• Presents research at national scientific meetings and symposia.

• Prepare oral presentations and posters for internal and external groups/conferences.

• Co-author manuscripts on research projects; publish in peer-reviewed journals.

• Write papers and abstracts detailing research efforts and results for publication in peer-reviewed journals; prepare PowerPoint presentations as appropriate.

• Give posters and presentations detailing work at regional and national scientific meetings.

• Review, edit, and, as needed, write first drafts of papers, posters and manuscripts.

• Give posters and presentations detailing work at regional and national scientific meetings.

• Present results of clinical and experimental research at recognized scientific meetings by lectures and exhibits (poster sessions).

• Develop and deliver presentations using data collected from the studies and analyses conducted.

• Attend laboratory meetings; present results and findings for staff discussion.

• Provides interpretation of results, guidance, and scientific support to the management team.

• Search existing literature for new and/or relevant techniques.

• Assist the lab staff in the creation and preparation of a variety of documents required by the lab’s scientific activities.

• Produce research reports and regularly communicate results to staff and collaborators.

• Prepare information for and attend advisory, review committee and panel meetings; respond to issues and concerns about specific applications/proposal pertaining to assigned program area.

• Prepare summaries and reports based on results and findings.

• Mentors junior level scientists.

• Train staff on the proper usage of equipment.

• Train staff in a wide variety of techniques used in the laboratory.

• Train staff in the proper breeding/genotyping techniques used to maintain various knock out, knock in, and transgenic lines used by the laboratory members.

• Provide scientific and technical expertise to all visiting fellows, post-docs, and technicians.

• Work with staff on protein chemistry, assessment of protein post-translational modifications, protein-ligand binding, protein-protein interactions.

• Collaborate with staff on protein extraction/quantitation from cell and tissue lysates, with a strong technical background in immunolabeling (western blotting, immunofluorescence/immunohistochemistry, and immunoprecipitation).

• Implementing protein assays and immunolabeling assays.

• Conduct specific, technical enzymatic and protein analyses, and data reduction.

• Perform and analyzed implemented assays.

• Collect, analyze and interpret data; update and maintain laboratory notebooks and databases.

• Prepare summaries and reports based on results and findings.

• Participate in the writing of scientific manuscripts generated using data collected from the studies and analyzes conducted; submit drafts for editing and approval.

• Develop and deliver presentations using data collected from the studies and analyses conducted.

• Attend laboratory meetings; present results and findings for staff discussion.