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Specialist (Flow Cytometry Core Facility)

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Position description

A Flow Cytometry Technologist position is available at the University of California, San Francisco in our newly formed Single Cell Analysis Center. If interested, please follow this link and apply here: https://aprecruit.ucsf.edu/apply/JPF02265.

Specialist (Flow Cytometry Core Facility)
Location: 513 Parnassus Ave

Department: Research Resource Program

The Flow Cytometry Core Facility offers state of the art instrumentation in the area of flow cytometry to the entire UCSF research community, affiliated hospitals, research foundations, and local biotechnology companies. The Flow Core provides flow and mass cytometers, self-use Genomics instrumentation and the technical support needed to make use of these platforms through: delivering exceptional customer service, educating and providing expert advice to UCSF students, staff, and faculty in cytometry technology and applications; developing new cytometric methods and applications; managing all operational aspects of the facility. All of these platforms are complex pieces of equipment requiring educational training and experience.

The Flow Cytometrist will provide this service through excellent customer service as well as advice and education to users. They will perform general maintenance, QC/QA following documented SOPs, generate new SOPs and protocols if needed, insure on time setup, and inform users of instrument scheduling issues. Attendance at work is of the utmost importance and is directly related to job performance as the broad base of users and team members rely and depend on their timely, predictable, and scheduled support. For researchers who would prefer to have a flow cytometrist sort for them, the Core provides a key service known as Operator Assisted Cell Sorting. They will also participate in research, development, and testing of new instruments, reagents, and techniques, as well as provide assistance and training to other research projects as needed.

Key Responsibilities
Scientific tasks: Provide consultation to users on the appropriate instruments, tools, and preparation techniques to use as well as in the experimental design. Oversee and assist in the execution of flow and mass cytometry, and genomics experiments. Work closely with researchers to devise and implement highly complex experiments on the instruments that are beyond basic operation.

Training responsibilities: Train researchers in the proper and safe use of the instruments in the Facility. For the Facility, this includes training on flow and mass cytometry analysis and flow sorting, as well as sample preparation techniques and data analysis. Assist users with data analysis and presentation of results, and ensure users understand the concepts behind the instrumentation they are using.

Oversight of instrumentation: Setup and Operation of FACSAria, LSRII/Fortessa’s, Cell sorting on the MoFlo or Influx platforms. Setup and operation of CyTOF2 – Helios platform. Provide excellent customer service. Showing up to work, and being able to keep appointments scheduled with clients as well as perform required daily tasks on the schedule to insure instrumentation is working properly for the users. Cater to the customer’s needs as well as going above and beyond to help. Apply in depth scientific and engineering concepts in overseeing QC/QA for all instruments, cleaning and alignment, regular diagnostics and calibration of complex scientific instrumentation. Use professional concepts and technical knowledge to provide resolutions to complex problems. Act as a contact with the vendors providing preventative maintenance and repairs. Be available on-call to help users with problems on instrumentation.

Logistics: Operational logistics of the facilities ensuring the appropriate supplies are available and overseeing scheduling the instruments. Maintain accurate records of the work performed.

Research and Development: Provide support on various collaborative projects assigned by the Associated Director to help make the Core run more efficiently with the goal to provide benefits to all users.

Requirements: Specialists appointed at the junior rank must possess a baccalaureate degree (or equivalent
degree) or at least four years of experience in a laboratory environment. Specialists appointed at the Assistant or Associate rank must possess at minimum a master’s degree (or equivalent degree) or at least five years in a laboratory environment. Specialists appointed at the full rank must possess a terminal degree (or equivalent degree) or at least ten years in a laboratory environment. Demonstrated ability to operate various flow and mass cytometers such as Beckman Coulter MoFlo or BD Influx, BD FACSCalibur, FACSArias1-3, FACSAria Fusion, SH800, BD LSRII/Fortessa/X20, Accuri C6 or CytoFlex, FACSymphony, CyTOF2 / Helios, and Luminex. Demonstrated knowledge of analysis software systems such as Summit, Kaluza, CellQuest, FACSDiVA, CyTOF, Cytobank, and FlowJo flow cytometry software. Experience developing formal education training program and SOPs.

Preferred Qualifications: Advanced degree in biology, biophysics, bioengineering, or related field. Experience with and a mindset for teaching and supporting researchers with microscopy and flow cytometry. Prior experience in training others. Balance budget and be able to pull up and generate reports on usage. Experience with hiring, evaluating skill sets. Experience with marketing, communication, and website development. Experience with grant writing. Knowledge of safety procedures in a laboratory environment. Ability to perform calculations and statistics, understanding complex laboratory protocols, methods and interpreting results. Excellent logistical, organizational, record keeping and time management skills. Must be flexible and able to prioritize tasks. Careful attention to details. Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills. Ability to work with a diverse group of people and interact with all levels; work independently and within a team environment. Proficiency with MS operations, including advanced skills in Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, along with Google drive apps. Demonstrated ability to work independently to a high standard of accuracy and ability to follow and operate in compliance with standard operating procedures. Previous IT/system administrator experience with various operating systems, network management, web design, programming. SCYM(ASCP)CM certification would be preferred.

Salary and rank will be commensurate with the applicants experience and training.

UC San Francisco seeks candidates whose experience, teaching, research, or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to diversity and excellence. The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

Please contact Claudia Bispo (Claudia.Bispo@ucsf.edu) if you have any questions.

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

  • Cover Letter (Optional)

  • Statement of Research (Optional)

  • Statement of Teaching (Optional)

  • Statement of Contributions to Diversity (Optional)

  • Misc / Additional (Optional)