Associate Scientist OR Lead Researcher- Flow Cytometry and Cell Sorting Shared Resource

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital•Memphis, TN

13h

About The Position

The Flow Cytometry and Cell Sorting Shared Resource (FCCSSR) at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is hiring an Associate Scientist or Lead Researcher to provide cell sorting services and technical support to researchers across the institution. The role is highly collaborative and customer-facing, with a focus on cell sorting and support for flow cytometry experiments, high-parameter panel design, and technical troubleshooting. The facility operates 25 advanced instruments and is expanding its capabilities with new BD FACSDiscover S8 and A8 instruments and a second Thermo Fisher Bigfoot cell sorter. The successful candidate will work with researchers to understand experimental objectives, plan experiments, and advise on sample preparation, fluorophore selection, panel design, controls, data analysis, and interpretation. Cell sorter operating experience is strongly preferred but not required; specialized training will be provided. The role also offers opportunities to build expertise in advanced cell sorting, spectral flow cytometry, high-parameter panel design, and data analysis while contributing to a collaborative, service-oriented team. The position may be filled at either level. For Lead Researcher, a relevant bachelor's degree is required, along with research experience requirements that vary by degree: 5+ years with a bachelor's degree, 3+ years with a master's degree, or no prior experience with a PhD. For Associate Scientist, a relevant bachelor's degree is required; the stated research experience requirements are 7+ years with a bachelor's degree, 5+ years with a master's degree, or 2+ years with a PhD. The posting gives a compensation range of $60,320–$105,040 per year for Lead Researcher and $65,520–$114,400 per year for Associate Scientist.

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 PhD.
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 PhD.
Strong knowledge and experience in understanding and applying the underlying principles of the techniques being performed.
Experience in at least one of flow cytometry, cell sorting, or high-parameter fluorescence panel design.
Understanding of fluorescence, compensation or spectral unmixing, experimental controls, and flow cytometry data interpretation.
Strong customer-service orientation and the 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.

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 in R&D methods and processes in a laboratory setting and executing research projects for the laboratory.
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, empathetic, and responsive 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 specialized 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.
Contribute to operational improvements, educational resources, specialized training courses, and scientific conferences.