Flow Cytometry Core Director - Office of Research Innovation and Economic Development - UTK

University of Tennessee • Knoxville, TN

3d • $85,000 - $88,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Flow Cytometry Core Director manages the Flow Cytometry Core facility as a multi-user instrumentation center, providing expert advice, technical leadership, research services, and hands-on training to facility users. The role requires independent judgment to plan, design, and conduct experiments; collect, analyze, and interpret research data; identify concerns; and resolve problems using expertise in flow cytometry and cell sorting.

The director manages the operation, maintenance, and repair of facility instruments, along with supplies, user scheduling, billing, budgeting, rates, safety protocols, and operational reporting. In coordination with the Core Facilities Program business manager, the director processes quotes and orders, manages bookings, and supports accurate user billing. The position also contributes to long-range and strategic facility planning, grant materials, research project development, publications, and data generation and interpretation.

The director supports researchers by developing project plans, recommending and implementing specialized techniques, training and certifying users, supervising instrument use, troubleshooting protocols, and interpreting data. The role also keeps current with flow cytometry technologies, recommends equipment upgrades, promotes facility capabilities, provides tours, and requests website updates. The position is based in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in science or engineering.
• Two years of experience in flow cytometry.
• Knowledge of instrument maintenance and operation, supply ordering, accurate record keeping, and monthly invoicing.
• Oral and written communication skills.
• Electronics and basic mechanics knowledge needed for instrument maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Knowledge of operating a laboratory with flow cytometry instruments.
• Ability to develop, implement, and follow standard operating protocols (SOPs).
• Knowledge of laboratory safety procedures and best practices.
• Knowledge and skills to manage a budget and multi-user facility.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States full time without requiring current or future sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

Nice To Haves

• Doctoral degree with experience in flow cytometry.
• Detailed knowledge of flow cytometry instruments, such as flow sorters and flow analyzers.
• Experience designing flow cytometry experiments.
• Experience analyzing or publishing flow cytometry data.
• Experience working with or teaching graduate and undergraduate students.

Responsibilities

• Operate Flow Cytometry Core instrumentation.
• Oversee routine instrument maintenance and diagnostics; perform or schedule repairs and notify users of planned or emergency equipment outages.
• Manage laboratory supplies inventory and ordering, providing scientific justifications for NCJs and contracts as needed.
• Process quotes and orders, manage bookings, and ensure accurate user billing through the Stratocore billing site.
• Create and monitor the facility’s annual budget and prepare budget requests in the event of a shortfall.
• Develop user rates in coordination with the Core Facilities Program business manager and as required by the Office of Budget & Finance.
• Participate in long-term and strategic planning for facility growth and sustainability.
• Prepare materials for internal and external grant submissions, independently or in collaboration with others.
• Research protocols to maintain current techniques efficiently.
• Prepare the annual operational performance report for the UT Core Facilities Program at the end of each fiscal year.
• Develop and implement facility safety protocols.
• Collaborate with researchers on project plans and provide recommendations and contributions within the flow cytometry area of expertise.
• Plan, develop, and implement specialized techniques and analytical procedures using independent judgment.
• Instruct and train users on instrument capabilities and techniques, and certify users who successfully complete instrument-specific training.
• Supervise users’ operation of facility instrumentation.
• Analyze and interpret data, identify concerns, and resolve problems to improve user project results.
• Modify protocols and troubleshoot to meet users’ specific needs.
• Maintain current knowledge of flow cytometry techniques and technologies and recommend appropriate instrumentation upgrades.
• Promote facility capabilities to potential users through conferences, meetings, and presentations at UT and other educational institutions.
• Provide facility tours to university and community groups, including prospective students, faculty candidates, trustees, alumni, classes, and local high school science classes.
• Initiate requests for Flow Cytometry Core website updates and provide content to communications staff.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Benefits

• Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and development and training opportunities.
• The university describes its employee values as focusing on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager