Job Title: Multiplex & IF Staining Nuerology Scientist
Location: Gaithersburg, MD
Pay rate: $60-70 an hour
Duration: 3-4 Month Contract (opportunity to extend)
Key Responsibilities
Multiplex Immunofluorescence & High‑Plex Imaging (Core Focus)
- Perform multiplex IF staining on FFPE tissue sections, including complex, high‑parameter antibody panels specific to neurological targets and pathways.
- Operate Cell DIVE™ or comparable high‑plex imaging platforms, including image acquisition, optimization, and troubleshooting.
- Execute image pre‑processing, segmentation, quality control, and multiplex imaging analysis workflows.
- Evaluate staining quality, signal specificity, background, and reproducibility across neuro tissue samples.
- Perform routine maintenance, calibration, and performance checks on imaging instrumentation.
Neurology‑Focused Histology & Tissue Processing
- Prepare and process FFPE neural tissue samples, including embedding, sectioning, and slide preparation.
- Conduct automated and manual IHC staining (Ventana, Leica, Dako, etc.), with a focus on neuroscience biomarkers.
- Optimize staining protocols for difficult neural tissues and complex multiplex panels.
- Ensure accurate documentation, sample tracking, and traceability throughout lab workflows.
Multiplex Image Analysis & Data Interpretation
- Perform quantitative multiplex imaging analysis for spatial biology datasets derived from neurological tissues.
- Review and QC imaging outputs to ensure scientific rigor and reproducibility.
- Support interpretation of spatial patterns, co‑localization, and biomarker expression relevant to neuro biology.
- Facilitate structured data handoff to pathology, translational science, and bioinformatics teams.
Scientific Collaboration & Engagement
- Participate in cross‑functional meetings with translational, pathology, biomarker, and neuroscience stakeholders.
- Contribute scientific input to study design, assay optimization, and troubleshooting activities.
- Balance hands‑on wet‑lab work with scientific discussions and planning meetings, ensuring alignment with program objectives.
- Maintain high‑quality documentation in accordance with AstraZeneca lab standards and regulatory expectations.
Required Qualifications
Scientist (BS / MS Level)
- BS or MS in Biology, Neuroscience, Molecular Biology, Pathology, Biomedical Sciences, or related field.
- Hands‑on experience with IHC and multiplex IF staining, preferably using automated platforms.
- Demonstrated experience handling FFPE tissues, ideally neural or CNS‑derived samples.
- Familiarity with microscopy, image acquisition, and basic image analysis principles.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to execute standardized laboratory workflows.
Senior Scientist (PhD Level)
- PhD in Neuroscience, Immunology, Pathology, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Engineering, or related discipline.
- Extensive experience with multiplex IF staining, high‑plex panel development, and optimization.
- Proven expertise with high‑plex imaging technologies (Cell DIVE™, PhenoCycler, MIBI, CosMx, etc.).
- Strong background in multiplex imaging analysis and spatial biology, preferably applied to neurology programs.
Preferred Skills
- Experience with multiplex image analysis software (HALO, QuPath, CellProfiler, or similar).
- Familiarity with neurological disease biology, CNS biomarkers, or translational neuroscience research.
- Ability to troubleshoot staining challenges, imaging artifacts, or analytical inconsistencies in neural tissues.
- Experience working in GLP‑like or highly structured laboratory environments.
Soft Skills & Attributes
- Strong communication skills with the ability to engage in both technical lab work and scientific discussions.
- Comfortable managing time between wet‑lab execution and collaborative meetings.
- Self‑directed, organized, and able to prioritize deliverables in a fast‑paced research setting.
- High scientific rigor with excellent documentation practices.
