Flow Cytometry Assistant

at  MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology

To provide a sorting service to LMB scientists who use the Flow Cytometry facility at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB). You will join an established team of expert flow cytometrists with particular strengths in cell biology. You will contribute to all aspects of facility operation and development. This will include scheduling, instrument maintenance, quality control, data acquisition and analysis. You will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of one or more Flow Cytometers.
The Flow Cytometry Facility at the LMB is a well-equipped and busy core service. The equipment currently includes four cell sorters (one BD FACSAria Fusion, one Sony Synergy system and two ThermoFisher spectral Bigfoot) and five analysers (one Beckman Coulter CytoFLEX LX, two BD LSR Fortessa, and two Sony Spectral ID7000 analysers).
Your goal is to ensure that the equipment and techniques provide a high-quality Flow Cytometry service for the users of the facility.

EDUCATION / QUALIFICATIONS / TRAINING REQUIRED:

Essential: Degree or equivalent in a biological, engineering or instrumentation subject.
Desirable: Technical knowledge and experience in a relevant scientific or technical specialism

PREVIOUS WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

Desirable: Experience of working in a laboratory environment.

TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE

Essential:

• Proven ability to absorb technical information, with the ability to react to technical queries
• Ability to learn quickly and on the job with the flexibility to learn and work on multiple types of instruments and software; willingness to keep up-to-date with emerging technologies

Desirable:

• Theoretical and practical background in Flow Cytometry, including running and analysing samples on a sorter and analyser.
• Experience of understanding and interpreting the technical requirements of users.
• Experience with instrumentation computer software.

INDEPENDENT WORKING

Essential:

• Proven ability to plan and prioritise work with the ability to accommodate tight/short notice schedules.
• Ability to troubleshoot instrument problems and be proactive in seeking a solution.
• Ability to work effectively when supporting several users or tasks simultaneously

Desirable:

• Experience of working with little supervision.
• Good judgement in assessing when to seek support.
• Experience dealing with technical service users.

VERBAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Essential: Excellent communication skills, verbal and written, with the ability to convey complex technical issues in an accessible way.
Desirable: Experience of giving presentations or teaching/demonstrating technical subjects.

PERSONAL SKILLS / BEHAVIOURS / QUALITIES:

Essential:

• Ability to work as part of a team and to coach a diverse group of people with patience and good humour.
• Methodical and thorough, well organised and diligent.
• Ability to remain professional under conflicting demands.

Desirable: Long-term interest in instrumentation and biological sciences.

MAIN DUTIES

1. To provide a Flow Cytometry sorting service for scientists at the LMB. This includes the operation and maintenance of all sorters in the facility.
2. To maintain the Flow Cytometry equipment, diagnose faults, and troubleshoot problems relating to instruments, techniques, procedures and protocols.
3. Plan and organize the day-to-day work to ensure that the experimental goals are delivered with previously agreed timescales.
4. Provide technical support to the users of the facility in the use of software or hardware.
5. Contribute to the well-organized functioning of the laboratory and assist in maintaining the stock levels by purchasing consumables and supplies in consultation with other members of the facility.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• You will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Flow Cytometers in the facility within the goals and directions set up by the Flow Cytometry Facility Manager.
• Full training will be provided however, you will be expected to identify and respond to potential problems and engage with instrument servicing/engineers when required.
• You will assist the facility users with cell sorting and analysis of samples in line with professional standards.
• You will be expected to provide flexible continuity of service during the annual leave of the Facility staff members (after training and competence have been established).
• You will carry out maintenance and regular cleaning of equipment and basic troubleshooting of instrument problems as well as excellent record keeping.
• You will be responsible for your short-term work, and should also help with general lab maintenance (e.g. ordering of chemicals, supplies, maintenance of equipment, etc.).
• You will be expected to become competent in flow cytometry data analysis software and the use of computers.
• You will be expected to pass on knowledge to others in the lab, and to help train new users, as appropriate.
• In liaison with the Flow Cytometry Facility Manager you will be expected to monitor technical standards, and advise, implement and evaluate improvements to existing protocols as required.
• You will observe the policy and procedures on Occupational Health and Safety in the performance of the responsibilities of the position.

CORPORATE/LOCAL RESPONSIBILITIES & REQUIREMENTS

You must at all times carry out your responsibilities with due regard to the UKRI:

• Code of Conduct
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy
• Health and Safety policy
• Data Protection policy

Job descriptions should be reviewed on a regular basis and at the annual appraisal. Any changes should be made and agreed between you and your manager.
The above lists are not exhaustive and you are required to undertake such duties as may reasonably be requested within the scope of the post. All employees are required to act professionally, co-operatively and flexibly in line with the requirements of the post, the MRC and UKRI.
The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.
The MRC is a unique working environment where scientific researchers and professional support staff can actively partake in world class innovation and collaboration opportunities and their skills and knowledge through accessing a wide catalogue of training & development, including professional registration with the Science Council.
In addition, MRC (part of UKRI) provides its community of employees access to a whole host of useful benefits, including a defined benefit pension scheme and excellent holiday entitlement (30 days plus 2.5 privilege days & 8 bank holidays), family friendly policies (6 months full pay maternity & adoption leave), a range of shopping/travel discounts, access to our Employee Assistant Programme Scheme, Health and Wellbeing Support and a salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. Please follow this link to find out more - Benefits