Job Description

The Instrument Readiness Senior Specialist in Flow Core will serve as a key point of contact for laboratory scientists, ensuring smooth operational workflows and high-quality research support. This role involves managing consumable orders, maintaining and servicing flow core instruments, supporting mammalian cell culture activities, and identifying opportunities for process improvement. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively in a dynamic laboratory environment

Job Responsibilities:

• Perform imaging flow cytometry experiments and analysis: Operate the Amnis/Cytek ImageStream platform to execute imaging flow cytometry assays in support of research programs. Analyze and interpret imaging flow cytometry data using IDEAS software, ensuring high-quality data generation, accurate image-based cell characterization, and adherence to established SOPs.
• Conduct high-parameter spectral flow cytometry and data analysis: Operate the Cytek Aurora platform to perform high-parameter spectral flow cytometry experiments. Analyze complex datasets using OMIQ (preferred) to apply advanced gating strategies, perform dimensionality reduction and population analysis, and generate reliable, biologically meaningful results that support research objectives.
• Support experimental assays as per established protocols: Execute flow cytometry-based experiments to support research programs, including but not limited to: sample preparation for instrument optimization, making detailed experimental observations, reviewing and analyzing data, and interpreting experimental results. Contribute to the development of new technological platforms such as imaging flow cytometry. Follow flow CoE SOPs to ensure data consistency and reliability.
• Execute daily instrument operations: Manage daily startup and shutdown procedures to maintain instrument calibration and readiness.
• Conduct routine instrument maintenance: Perform regular maintenance on flow cytometers to ensure optimal performance and instrument uptime. Coordinate with instrument vendors to schedule preventative maintenance with minimal disruption to scientist runs.
• Maintain detailed records: Document instrument utilization, downtime, and results meticulously in lab notebooks or electronic systems. Facilitate IT tasks to ensure instrument data is accurately transferred and managed. Maintain stocks of required instrument reagents and consumables, including tracking reagent lots.
• Troubleshoot instrument issues: Identify and resolve routine operational problems with flow equipment to minimize downtime and maintain workflow continuity. Proactively perform troubleshooting and know when to seek guidance with instrument care from core staff or manufacturer support.
• Apply cell sorting principles: Operate Sony MA900 sorter and provide assisted sorting of basic experiments with minimal support from core staff. As needed collaborate with scientists and flow team on complex experiments.
• Support robotics implementation: Support flow-cytometry focused robotics systems (Thermo Fisher Spinnaker, Biosero Robotics) to increase sample throughput and reduce instrument idle time. Train scientists on robotics operations. Collaborate with internal and external teams on troubleshooting and building more complex robotics systems.
• Apply basic conventional and spectral flow cytometry principles: Assist with analyzer operation under supervision to support various project needs.
• Conduct supervised gating and data analysis: Support data interpretation by applying appropriate gating strategies under the guidance of senior team members.
• Contribute to training initiatives: Support training activities for new staff or junior scientists on basic flow cytometry operations and safety protocols.

Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities of this job at any time.

Critical Skills:

• Comprehensive understanding of how flow cytometers work.
• Attention to detail and understanding of the basic laboratory environment.
• Excellent organizational skills; ability to troubleshoot and solve problems independently, including identifying a problem and taking appropriate actions and knowing when to seek guidance.
• Experience independently operating Sony MA900 sorter and Thermo Fisher Spinnaker robotic arm.
• Great teamwork and communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Demonstrates appropriate use of relevant equipment after training.
• Ability to work independently and lead a team.
• Strong multi-tasking, time management and organizational skills.
• Able to work a flexible schedule to meet our scientists’ needs.

Basic Qualifications:

• BA/BS degree in physical or biological science or a related science with 6+ or more years of relevant experience, with at least 2 of which directly related work experience in flow cytometry, OR
• Master's degree in physical or biological science or a related science with 3+ or more years of relevant experience, with at least 2 of which directly related work experience in flow cytometry,
• Experience operating the Amnis/Cytek ImageStream imaging flow cytometry platform, with demonstrated proficiency in imaging flow cytometry data analysis using IDEAS software.
• Experience operating the Cytek Aurora spectral flow cytometry platform, with proficiency in high-parameter flow cytometry data analysis using OMIQ (preferred) or equivalent advanced flow cytometry analysis software.
• Basic experience with MS Office: Teams, Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• A highly qualified candidate will have 3 or more years of experience with one or more of the following systems: Sony MA900, BD FACSAria, BD FACSymphony A5 SE, Cytek Aurora, Thermo Fisher Attune.
• Familiarity with immunology techniques such as cell culture, blood cell processing and cell counting.
• Experience in working with and/or designing larger spectral flow cytometry panels (>10 colors) is desirable.
• Experience with flow cytometry data analysis software such as FlowJo and FCS Express is highly desirable.

Working Environment:

• Must be able to work in a laboratory, controlled environments requiring personal protective equipment (e.g., lab coat, safety glasses, etc.) in laboratory.
• Job pace may be fast and job completion demands may be high.
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position more than 25% of the time
• The person needs to occasionally move between labs, corridors, adjoining rooms, and buildings onsite Frequently operate on instruments, objects, tools or controls, which will require regularly bending, squatting, stretching and reaching in order to perform in a service function.
• Occasionally move or lift up to 25 pounds (potential for occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds).
• Specific vision abilities required by this position include without limitation, the ability to observe details at close range distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus in order to perform the essential service functions of this position.
• Occasionally operates a computer and other office machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer.
• Employee may be required to handle hazardous waste according to local, state, and federal regulations. Duties may include identifying, handling, generating, accumulating, storing and labeling hazardous waste.
• Potential risk to lab-based hazards including but not limited to extreme temperature, biological materials, and hazardous chemicals.
• May be required to complete Medical Clearance, Respiratory Protection Training, and Fit Testing to wear a respirator as protection against hazards present in the laboratory environment.

The annual compensation range for this full-time position is $105,000 to $125,000. The final base pay offered to the successful candidate will be determined by factors including internal equity, work location, as well as individual qualifications, such as job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.