Associate Scientist OR Lead Researcher- Flow Cytometry and Cell Sorting Shared Resource
About The Position
The Flow Cytometry and Cell Sorting Shared Resource (FCCSSR) at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is seeking a motivated, personable, and service-oriented Associate Scientist or Lead Researcher to provide cell sorting services and technical support to researchers across the institution. The resource operates 25 advanced instruments and is expanding its equipment portfolio. The position focuses heavily on cell sorting while also supporting flow cytometry experiments, high-parameter panel design, and technical troubleshooting. It is a collaborative, customer-facing role requiring scientific problem-solving, attention to detail, professionalism, accountability, and a strong commitment to customer service. Specialized training will be provided to develop expertise in advanced cytometry. The successful candidate will work with researchers on experimental objectives and planning, help with sample preparation, fluorophore selection, panel design and controls, and support data analysis and interpretation. They will also take responsibility for assigned instruments or operational activities, collaborate with facility staff to coordinate service delivery, and contribute to workflows, procedures, training materials, and the researcher experience. For the Lead Researcher level, a bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific area is required. Research experience requirements vary by education: 5+ years with a bachelor's degree, 3+ years with a master's degree, or no prior experience required with a Ph.D. Strong knowledge and experience applying relevant technical principles are required; R&D methods and processes, research project execution, and proven performance in a comparable role are preferred. For the Associate Scientist level, a bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific area is required. Research experience requirements vary by education: 7+ years with a bachelor's degree, 5+ years with a master's degree, or 2+ years with a Ph.D. Experience leading and supporting research experiments, coordinating laboratory and scientific projects and research support activities, training laboratory personnel, and proven performance in a comparable role are listed as preferred qualifications. Professional development includes specialized training across multiple instrument platforms and opportunities to develop expertise in complex cell sorting applications, high-parameter panel design, spectral flow cytometry, and data analysis. The role also offers opportunities to contribute to operational improvements, develop educational resources, participate in specialized training courses and scientific conferences, and help shape the shared resource.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific area.
- For Lead Researcher: 5+ years of research experience with a bachelor's degree, 3+ years with a master's degree, or no prior experience required with a Ph.D.
- For Associate Scientist: 7+ years of research experience with a bachelor's degree, 5+ years with a master's degree, or 2+ years with a Ph.D.
- Experience in flow cytometry, cell sorting, or high-parameter fluorescence panel design.
- Strong knowledge and experience understanding and applying principles related to techniques being performed.
- Understanding of fluorescence, compensation or spectral unmixing, experimental controls, and flow cytometry data interpretation.
- Strong customer service orientation and ability to communicate professionally, build positive relationships, and support researchers with varying levels of technical expertise.
- Ability to troubleshoot complex scientific problems, work independently, and take ownership of responsibilities through resolution.
- Exceptional interpersonal skills, professionalism, accountability, attention to detail, and commitment to helping others succeed.
Nice To Haves
- Previous experience operating a cell sorter.
- Experience with spectral flow cytometry, high-dimensional data analysis, or multiparameter experimental design.
- Experience training, mentoring, or providing technical guidance to researchers or colleagues.
- For Lead Researcher: experience with R&D methods and processes in a laboratory setting and execution of laboratory research projects.
- For Associate Scientist: experience leading and supporting research experiments.
- For Associate Scientist: experience leading laboratory and scientific project coordination, maintenance, and other research support activities.
- For Associate Scientist: experience guiding and training other laboratory personnel.
- Proven performance in an earlier or comparable role.
Responsibilities
- Perform routine and complex cell sorting services, including instrument setup, sample preparation, experimental optimization, troubleshooting, and post-sort quality assessment.
- Provide professional, patient, empathetic customer service to researchers.
- Work with researchers to understand experimental objectives, assist with experimental planning, and advise on sample preparation, fluorophore selection, high-parameter panel design, and appropriate controls.
- Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot advanced flow cytometry instruments, including cell sorters and analyzers, with increasing independence as training is completed.
- Assist researchers with flow cytometry data analysis, compensation, spectral unmixing, and interpretation of experimental results.
- Take ownership of assigned instruments or operational responsibilities, including quality control, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, documentation, and communication of instrument-related issues.
- Provide technical guidance and hands-on training to researchers and less-experienced team members as expertise develops.
- Coordinate cell sorting reservations with facility staff, manage competing priorities, and support reliable and timely service delivery.
- Contribute to improvements in facility workflows, standard operating procedures, training materials, and the researcher experience.
Benefits
- Specialized training on multiple instrument platforms.
- Opportunities to develop expertise in complex cell sorting applications, high-parameter panel design, spectral flow cytometry, and data analysis.
- Opportunities to contribute to operational improvements, develop educational resources, and participate in specialized training courses and scientific conferences.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
