Guidehouse·Bethesda, Maryland
The Biologist will support the NIH Clinical Center by performing immunogenetic testing, including DNA extraction and molecular HLA typing. They will also manage laboratory documentation, troubleshoot equipment, and participate in quality assurance and accreditation activities.
Travel Required: Up to 10%
We are looking for a Biologist to support the NIH Clinical Center, Department of Transfusion Medicine, Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) Laboratory by contributing to immunogenetic testing and operations. This position is a full-time role located in Bethesda, MD.
Perform specimen processing, DNA extraction and quantitation, and molecular HLA typing using PCR, SSP, SSO, SBT, and NGS methods.
Analyze sequencing data, conduct gel electrophoresis, and interpret HLA typing and antibody screening results.
Maintain accurate documentation, support communication with transplant teams, and validate specimens in laboratory systems.
Troubleshoot laboratory equipment, software, and assays; support assay development, validation, and implementation of new technologies.
Participate in quality assurance activities, including review of SOPs, audits, and accreditation documentation.
Identify complex or unusual HLA patterns, perform final result reviews, and resolve discrepancies.
Provide guidance, training, and mentorship to laboratory staff and support ongoing research initiatives.
Master’s degree
A minimum of TWO (2) years of experience working in genetics, microbiology, or related biology field.
Must be American Board of Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (ABHI) certification eligible.
Experience working in laboratory settings performing molecular and immunogenetic testing.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Excellent analytical, organizational, and time management skills.
Ability to work collaboratively and provide technical guidance within a laboratory team environment.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Federal or DoD “public trust”; candidates must receive approved adjudication prior to onboarding with Guidehouse. Candidates with an active public trust or suitability are preferred.
Experience with next generation sequencing (NGS) platforms and analysis tools.
Familiarity with HLA laboratory procedures and transplant immunology.
Experience supporting quality assurance programs and laboratory accreditation processes.
Prior experience training or mentoring laboratory personnel.
Exposure to assay development, validation, and implementation of laboratory technologies.
The annual salary range for this position is $74,000.00-$124,000.00. Compensation decisions depend on a wide range of factors, including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, security clearances, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs.
Guidehouse offers a comprehensive, total rewards package that includes competitive compensation and a flexible benefits package that reflects our commitment to creating a diverse and supportive workplace.
Guidehouse is an Equal Opportunity Employer–Protected Veterans, Individuals with Disabilities or any other basis protected by law, ordinance, or regulation.
Guidehouse will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law or ordinance including the Fair Chance Ordinance of Los Angeles and San Francisco.
If you have visited our website for information about employment opportunities, or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation, please contact Guidehouse Recruiting at 1-571-633-1711 or via email at RecruitingAccommodation@guidehouse.com [RecruitingAccommodation@guidehouse.com]. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodation.
All communication regarding recruitment for a Guidehouse position will be sent from Guidehouse email domains including @guidehouse.com or guidehouse@myworkday.com [guidehouse@myworkday.com]. Correspondence received by an applicant from any other domain should be considered unauthorized and will not be honored by Guidehouse. Note that Guidehouse will never charge a fee or require a money transfer at any stage of the recruitment process and does not collect fees from educational institutions for participation in a recruitment event. Never provide your banking information to a third party purporting to need that information to proceed in the hiring process.
If any person or organization demands money related to a job opportunity with Guidehouse, please report the matter to Guidehouse’s Ethics Hotline. If you want to check the validity of correspondence you have received, please contact recruiting@guidehouse.com [recruiting@guidehouse.com]. Guidehouse is not responsible for losses incurred (monetary or otherwise) from an applicant’s dealings with unauthorized third parties.
Guidehouse does not accept unsolicited resumes through or from search firms or staffing agencies. All unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of Guidehouse and Guidehouse will not be obligated to pay a placement fee.
Candidates must have a Master's degree and at least two years of experience in genetics, microbiology, or a related biology field. Eligibility for ABHI certification and the ability to obtain a Federal Public Trust clearance are required.
Market context
Biologist roles in Maryland are often tied to research, laboratory, and imaging work, with demand strongest for candidates who can support sample preparation and advanced microscopy. This position is competitive because it asks for a master’s degree, several years of biological research experience, and proficiency with Confocal, SEM, and TEM microscopy. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save research time, then tailor your application to highlight microscopy methods, sample prep, and research outcomes.