At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Flow Cytometry Facility and drive innovation in drug discovery.
- Company: Join a global, science-led organisation focused on cutting-edge research.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and collaboration with top scientists.
- Why this job: Shape scientific direction and mentor teams while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: MSc in a relevant field and extensive flow cytometry experience required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
We are seeking an experienced Flow Cytometry Leader to head the Flow Cytometry Facility, providing high-quality, high-throughput cytometry support across Discovery and Biotherapeutics programmes. This is a senior scientific role combining hands-on technical expertise, facility leadership, and strategic capability development in a drug discovery environment. This is an excellent opportunity for a highly skilled cytometrist to shape scientific direction, mentor teams, and drive innovation within a global, science-led organization.
Key Responsibilities
- Scientific & Technical Leadership
- Lead the operation, development, and strategic growth of the Flow Cytometry Facility
- Design, optimise, and validate complex multi-parameter flow cytometry panels (analysis and sorting)
- Develop novel assay formats to meet emerging discovery and biotherapeutics needs
- Provide expert guidance on experimental design, marker selection, gating strategies, and data interpretation
- Act as technical lead for flow cytometry in internal, external, and vendor collaborations
- Support discovery drug pipeline programmes, including immunology and preclinical assay development
- Instrumentation & Technology
- Oversee performance of all flow cytometers and cell sorters, including daily QC, calibration, troubleshooting, and maintenance
- Coordinate service support and manage instrument uptime and reliability
- Evaluate, implement, and integrate new cytometry technologies (e.g. spectral, high-parameter, imaging flow cytometry)
- Lead procurement of new instrumentation and software, including CAPEX justification and budget planning
- Facility Management & People Leadership
- Develop and deliver training programmes for users at all experience levels
- Mentor and coach scientific staff and junior cytometry specialists
- Supervise facility staff and coordinate team workflows where applicable
- Establish and maintain SOPs, documentation standards, and quality records
- Drive continuous improvement, automation, and workflow optimisation
- Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and biosafety requirements
- Data, Software & Digital Systems
- Act as an expert user of FlowJo and advanced analysis tools
- Oversee secure data management, traceability, and retrieval of cytometry datasets
- Identify and implement software or platform upgrades to improve insight and efficiency
- Collaboration & Communication
- Clearly communicate scientific data, strategy, and facility updates to stakeholders
- Represent flow cytometry at internal leadership forums and cross-site technical groups
- Provide technical input to business development, proposals, client discussions, and scientific scoping
Qualifications & Experience
- Essential MSc in a relevant scientific discipline (or equivalent experience)
- Extensive hands-on flow cytometry experience in research or drug discovery
- Proven expertise in multi-colour panel design, optimisation, analysis, and cell sorting
- Strong background in QC, troubleshooting, and instrument management
- Experience leading, mentoring, and training scientific teams
- Excellent communication and influencing skills
- Ability to work on site in Portishead, with flexibility for external engagement as needed
Flow Cytometry Tech Lead in Portishead employer: Charles River Laboratories
Join a globally recognised, science-led organisation that prioritises innovation and employee development. As a Flow Cytometry Tech Lead in Portishead, you will benefit from a collaborative work culture that encourages mentorship and continuous improvement, while also having access to cutting-edge technologies and resources. This role not only offers the chance to shape scientific direction but also provides ample opportunities for professional growth within a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Flow Cytometry Tech Lead in Portishead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We can’t stress enough how personal connections can open doors that applications alone can’t.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and showcasing your hands-on experience with flow cytometry. We recommend using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your achievements effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for innovation in flow cytometry during discussions. We love candidates who can share insights on emerging technologies and how they can be applied in drug discovery. This will set you apart as a forward-thinking leader!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email reiterating your interest in the role and mentioning something specific from the conversation can leave a lasting impression. We believe this shows your enthusiasm and professionalism.
We think you need these skills to ace Flow Cytometry Tech Lead in Portishead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your flow cytometry expertise and any leadership roles you've had, as we want to see how you can contribute to our team.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about flow cytometry and how your background aligns with our goals at StudySmarter. Be sure to mention any innovative projects you've led or contributed to.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In your application, don't shy away from detailing your hands-on experience with flow cytometry technologies. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their technical prowess and problem-solving abilities, so be specific about your achievements.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. This way, we can easily track your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Charles River Laboratories
✨Know Your Flow Cytometry Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your flow cytometry knowledge, especially around multi-parameter panel design and optimisation. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience and any novel assay formats you've developed.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams or mentored junior staff in previous roles. Highlight your ability to communicate complex scientific data clearly and how you've driven innovation in past projects.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Facility's Needs
Research the specific requirements of the Flow Cytometry Facility you're applying to. Understand their current technologies and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their strategic growth and operational excellence.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to answer technical questions related to instrument management, troubleshooting, and data analysis tools like FlowJo. Brush up on your QC processes and be ready to share how you've ensured compliance with health and safety standards.
