Senior Research Support Specialist

Senior Research Support Specialist

Flow Cytometry Resource Center, Rockefeller University, New York, USA

Department Description

The Flow Cytometry Resource Center (FCRC) offers a wide variety of multi-laser/multi-color flow cytometry sorters and analyzers, including spectral and imaging flow cytometers. The FCRC staff provide assistance with experimental design, advice on sample preparation, instrument operation training, troubleshooting, and data analysis consultation as well as ongoing instrument maintenance. High-speed cell sorting is performed by FCRC staff. However, after completing appropriate training, researchers can independently operate benchtop analyzers. The FCRC has three BD FACSArias, an ImageStream-X, a Cytek Aurora, a BD LSR-Fortessa and two BD LSRIIs, a ThermoFisher Attune NxT, and a BD Accuri C6.

Detailed Description

The Senior Research Support Specialist will work in direct support of and collaboration with the Flow Cytometry Resource Center (FCRC) Director on technical and scientific tasks and initiatives, including but not limited to commissioning of new instrumentation; development, testing and implementation of new methods and protocols for quality control, tracking and standardization of the instruments; consultation, development and troubleshooting on multicolor panel and experimental design; and implementation of educational programs and development of new training materials.

The Senior Research Support Specialist will guide FCRC users through projects to ensure they are conducted in line with experimental plans, assisting with data verification, progress review, and data analysis. Will serve as the lead for developing and ensuring high standards for comprehensive flow cytometry data analysis for FCRC users, develop and implement FCRC training program for comprehensive data analysis, identify and establish relationships with relevant software vendors, provide technical and scientific support for flow cytometry software and collaborate with the Rockefeller University Bioinformatics Resource Center. The Senior Research Support Specialist will participate in daily FCRC operations, including performing advanced equipment troubleshooting, providing technical support in instrument set-up and operation, running routine cell-sorting experiments, and performing maintenance of the Center's scientific equipment. Will provide backup for the FCRC Operations Manager and/or Director as needed by managing booking confirmations and cancellations for cell sorting via the FCRC-PPMS system, learning in-depth capabilities of the FCRC-DB (database), processing invoices, and tracking equipment/supply ordering. The Senior Research Support Specialist will undertake professional development by attending and participating in training courses, webinars, seminars, funding opportunities, meetings, and conferences.

Job Requirements

• Master's degree in biology or related field required
• Ph.D. strongly preferred
• Educational background and experience in immunology are preferred.
• Must have a minimum of 3 years of experience in basic research-oriented flow cytometry, and a minimum of five concurrent or additional years of laboratory experience working with cell cultures and cells ex vivo.
• Competency with cell sorting is highly desirable.
• Must be able to work independently and meet responsibilities with very limited to no supervision.
• Multi-tasking is an essential skill.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to interact successfully with a broad range of individuals within and outside of the University required.
• Computer competency in both PC and MAC systems, as well as competency in relevant software programs required.