Research Leader - Flow Cytometry

Are you ready to build and lead a cutting‑edge spectral flow cytometry platform that shapes the future of immunology-driven drug discovery? We are excited to offer a new opportunity in Flow Cytometry at our Portishead site.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the site Flow Cytometry capability, acting as the scientific and operational owner of the flow cytometry facility.
• Drive the implementation, optimisation, and adoption of the new spectral cytometer, including orientation, validation, and establishment of best practices.
• Ensure full platform utilisation and return on investment through proactive internal marketing, enabling new assay development and expanding client‑facing flow cytometry offerings.
• Act as a cross‑divisional Subject Matter Expert in flow cytometry, supporting programs across Discovery and other Business Units.
• Develop and implement advanced flow cytometry assays, particularly in immunology‑focused areas such as immuno‑oncology, autoimmune disease, inflammation, infection, and microbiome.
• Define and deliver training programs for all flow users, ensuring competency in conventional and spectral cytometry principles, instrument operation, troubleshooting, advanced data analysis, and interpretation.
• Drive innovation in cytometry technologies, including multiplexing, high‑dimensional analysis, and integration with other platforms (omics, imaging, etc.).
• Partner with BD, Client Services, and wider Discovery teams to introduce new flow‑based capabilities into client programs and position the site as a leader in cytometry.
• Demonstrate strong business awareness, shaping site and cross‑Discovery strategy and developing new assays, models, and platform‑based offerings.
• Lead development of complex in‑vitro cell biology capabilities, guiding immunology disease models with a focus on flow‑based and ex vivo endpoint analysis.
• Support and integrate molecular biology and genetic manipulation approaches with flow cytometry readouts.
• Broaden capability beyond flow where relevant while maintaining flow cytometry as the primary technical anchor.
• Identify, evaluate, and introduce novel cytometry technologies and workflows to enhance site and cross‑site capabilities.
• Drive innovation‑led growth by aligning cytometry capabilities with client needs and emerging scientific trends.

Qualifications

• PhD or MSc within a relevant scientific discipline with significant time in industry.
• Extensive publications list.
• Significant lab‑based experience within the drug discovery sector.
• Proven project leadership skills, including managing multidisciplinary teams, finances, and creation of project plans with a track record of achieving scientific milestones consistently.
• Strong influencing and people skills, able to foster a positive working environment that drives scientific innovation and aligns to the overall Discovery strategy.
• Passionate about working within the drug discovery sector, with a strong understanding of the industry.
• Proven ability to develop and train junior team members and work with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to concisely and accurately present own results and those of others via slide decks, teleconference, videoconference, written report or face‑to‑face as appropriate.
• Expertise across immuno‑oncology, autoimmune disease, inflammation (including neuroinflammation), infection or microbiome programs.
• Techniques may include flow cytometry, Incucyte, ELISpot, Luminex, high content imaging, complex primary cell culture, molecular biology, omics, and standard biochemical techniques.
• Experience in aspects of immune‑related assays supporting immuno‑oncology, autoimmune disease, inflammation (including neuroinflammation), infection or microbiome programs.
• Ability to identify ways to increase throughput or expand assay/model portfolio.

Advantageous, but not essential

• Experience with spectral cytometry.
• Previous experience from another CRO or biotech.
• Significant scientific leadership experience, managing multiple integrated projects or programmes across different sites and divisions.
• Ability to manage and resolve more complex technical and personnel issues, liaising with other managers and peers in implementing solutions.
• Demonstrates high‑quality decision making that impacts project deliverables positively.
• Maintains a strong awareness of the relevant scientific literature and contemporary laboratory practices, sharing knowledge widely.
• Helps define strategy and leads new assay/model/platform development at the site and across Discovery.
• Experience in autoimmunity, inflammation and infection or neuroinflammation, with ex vivo endpoint analysis.
• Supports design of complex programs of work that meet client needs and work with operational teams to ensure successful delivery.

Benefits

At Charles River Discovery UK, we offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees’ health, wellbeing, and professional growth. A generous bonus and non‑contributory pension, health, dental and more.