Sr Lab Ops Specialist

Gilead Sciences • Foster City, CA

11d

About The Position

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Senior Lab Ops Specialist, Flow Cytometry to join the Flow Cytometry Core team within the Gilead Sciences Research Department. The successful candidate will support the daily operations of the flow cytometry core laboratories, ensuring a high-functioning environment that meets the needs of Gilead’s Oncology, Inflammation, and Virology therapeutic areas. Key responsibilities include maintaining and troubleshooting instrumentation, performing startup, shutdown, daily cleaning, and QC procedures. The role also involves training and advising users on conventional, spectral, and imaging cytometry platforms, as well as performing cell sorting. The candidate will troubleshoot flow-based assays to deepen our understanding of disease pathobiology and assist with lab inventory and automation. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to and support research across Gilead’s departments. As a high-visibility, collaborative position, it allows you to impact cutting-edge scientific research while working in a dynamic, cross-functional environment.

Requirements

• Master’s and 3+ years of relevant experience OR Bachelor’s and 5+ years of relevant experience

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrate solid knowledge of conventional and spectral flow cytometry; experience with imaging cytometry is a plus (proficiency with BD, Beckman Coulter, ThermoFisher, and Sony instruments is highly desired)
• Extensive experience with cell sorting
• Strong background in cell biology and immunology, with technical expertise in cell-based assays
• Familiarity with BSL2 and aseptic techniques
• Prior experience in industry and/or a flow cytometry core facility
• Strong troubleshooting skills and ability to apply critical thinking to resolve assay and instrumentation issues
• Excellent verbal, technical, and interpersonal communication skills
• Highly collaborative, quick learner, resourceful problem solver, and adaptable in a fast-paced environment
• Proficient in Windows-based systems and able to quickly learn new software and hardware

Responsibilities

• Perform instrument calibration, maintenance, and cleaning to ensure optimal performance
• Troubleshoot and diagnose complex instrumentation issues; perform repairs or coordinate with field engineers
• Conduct multiparameter cell sorting, including setup and operation of sorters; optimize sorting conditions for specific assays (BSL2+ sorting experience is a plus)
• Share best practices and provide expert guidance on panel design, sample preparation, and assay optimization
• Execute experiments to validate and refine standard operating procedures (SOPs) for flow cytometry assays
• Assist and train core users in flow technologies, experimental design, and data analysis
• Communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, in a highly collaborative environment

Benefits

• This position may also be eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, discretionary stock-based long-term incentives (eligibility may vary based on role), paid time off, and a benefits package.
• Benefits include company-sponsored medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans.
• For additional benefits information, visit: https://www.gilead.com/careers/compensation-benefits-and-wellbeing
• Eligible employees may participate in benefit plans, subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees