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 scientific support and customer service to researchers across the institution. The facility operates 25 advanced instruments and is expanding its capabilities. The role focuses heavily on cell sorting services while also supporting flow cytometry experiments, high-parameter panel design, and technical troubleshooting. This is a collaborative, customer-facing position requiring scientific problem-solving, attention to detail, professionalism, accountability, and a commitment to helping researchers succeed. Candidates with experience in flow cytometry, cell sorting, or high-parameter panel design are sought. Prior cell sorter operation is strongly preferred but not required; specialized training will be provided. The role offers opportunities to develop expertise across advanced cell sorters and analyzers, complex sorting applications, high-parameter panel design, spectral flow cytometry, and data analysis. It also provides opportunities to contribute to operational improvements, educational resources, training courses, scientific conferences, and the future development of the shared resource.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific area.
- Demonstrated experience in at least one of the following areas: flow cytometry, cell sorting, or high-parameter fluorescence panel design.
- For the Lead Researcher role: 5 or more years of research experience; 3 or more years with a Master’s degree; or no prior experience required with a Ph.D.
- For the Associate Scientist role: 7 or more years of research experience; 5 or more years with a Master’s degree; or 2 or more years with a Ph.D.
- Strong knowledge and experience understanding and applying principles related to the techniques being performed (Lead Researcher qualification).
- Strong customer service orientation and ability to communicate professionally, build positive relationships, and support researchers with varying levels of technical expertise.
- Ability to troubleshoot scientific problems, work independently, and take ownership of responsibilities through resolution.
Nice To Haves
- Previous experience operating a cell sorter.
- Understanding of fluorescence, compensation or spectral unmixing, experimental controls, and flow cytometry data interpretation.
- 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 the Lead Researcher role: experience with R&D methods and processes in a laboratory setting and execution of laboratory research projects.
- For the Associate Scientist role: experience leading and supporting research experiments; leading laboratory and scientific project coordination, maintenance, and other research support activities; and guiding and training 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 exceptional customer service to researchers, demonstrating patience, professionalism, empathy, and a commitment to helping others succeed.
- 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.
- Collaborate with facility staff to coordinate cell sorting reservations, manage competing priorities, and ensure reliable and timely service delivery.
- Contribute to improvements in facility workflows, standard operating procedures, training materials, and the researcher experience.
- Contribute to operational improvements and develop educational resources.
Benefits
- Specialized training on multiple instrument platforms.
- Opportunities to participate in specialized training courses and scientific conferences.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
