Flow Cytometry Technician

When joining PerkinElmer, you select an experienced and trusted leader in scientific solutions, with the support of a global service network and distribution centers, providing the right solution, at the right time, to meet critical customer needs.  With over an 80+ year legacy of advancing science and a mission of innovating for a healthier world, our dedicated team collaborates closely with commercial, government, academic and healthcare customers to deliver our broad portfolio of analytical solutions, and OneSource services.

Job Title

Flow Cytometry Technician

Location(s)

GSK Stevenage (UK) – Customer Site

Job Summary
We are looking for highly motivated candidate for the role of Flow Cytometry Technician to build their career and support the PerkinElmer OneSource Scientific Services at one of our customer sites in Stevenage.
The successful candidate will be working within the PerkinElmer Extracellular Targeted Cancer Therapies team, who will be responsible for supplying routine flow cytometry maintenance, assays and basic cell culture support. The customer department is in the Oncology sector of R&D which is at the forefront of developing innovative and life-changing medicines for cancer patients.
The role will provide opportunity to develop skills associated with flow cytometry support and cell culture as well as the opportunity to collaborate with numerous biological groups across the site and service lines to improve the TLS Analytical Section operations.
The candidate will work within a collaborative team environment across diverse biotherapeutic portfolio within the company and have the opportunity to develop in PerkinElmer’s scientific arena.

Job Responsibilities:

• To perform routine calibration/basic maintenance of flow cytometry equipment

• Perform sample preparation, staining, data acquisition, and analysis using flow cytometry

• Design flow cytometry assay panels and protocols

• Analysis of data using corporate tools; application of QC rules to show acceptability

• Maintain cell cultures and perform cell culture duties as directed.

• Learn and perform a range of microtiter plate-based cellular functional assays such as proliferation or cytotoxicity

• Publish and report experimental data in electronic notebooks

• Be an active member of the scientific teams – contribute at team meetings by presenting data and looking for opportunities for innovation.

• Suggest improvements of current assay platforms

• Track assay performance metrics & communicate issues

• Comply with Health and Safety procedures for own well-being and quality of product.

• Actively seek opportunities to develop the service by discussion with customer or by the sharing of best practice with other groups.

• Assist with the preparation of SOPs, Risk Assessments and best practice guides.

• Operate to approved quality standards.

• Work independently and flexibly depending on team priorities and set realistic work schedules to support requirements.

Qualifications/Personal Qualities:

• BSc or equivalent in relevant scientific subject (e.g. biology, biotechnology or Biomedical Sciences), with relevant laboratory experience.

• 1 year of demonstrated technical expertise/or equivalent in cell culture, general lab instrumentation, basic Flow Cytometry, including analysis of data using standard analysis packages such as FlowJo

• Demonstrable knowledge of cell culture, cell lines and aseptic technique.

• Understanding of standard software packages (i.e.: Microsoft Office)

• Highly motivated and independent, yet able to work well in a group setting.

• Ability to work independently and deliver high-quality, consistent results in a timely fashion.

• Ability to meet timelines successfully with the utmost attention to detail while setting high performance standards.

• Ability to understand, interpret, and communicate complex scientific data.

• Ability to execute new and established methods and protocols.

• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills

Physical Demands: 

The overall physical exertion of this position requires:

• Sit or stand 4-5 hours in laboratory areas.

• Work around moving laboratory equipment and machinery.

• Work with biohazards such as blood borne pathogens.

• Hepatitis B vaccination will be required, Vaccination programe in place for successful candidates who are not already vaccinated or require updated boosters.

• All work is carried out in a containment level 2 environment.

• Appropriate PPE must always be worn (Lab coat, gloves, eye protection).

• Reach above/below the shoulder, bend at the knees and waist.

• Office work activities, including keyboard, up to 2-3 hours.

Working Environment

• Must be able to work in a laboratory, controlled environments requiring personal protective equipment.

• Job pace may be fast and job completion demands may be high.

• Employee maybe required to manage hazardous wastes in compliance with company procedures & State/Federal/Local hazardous waste regulations. Duties may include: Identifying, handling, generating, accumulating, storing, labelling.

• Ensure safety, security, and the environment in all aspect of the daily activities, and any potential safety hazards are addressed and corrected immediately.

• Understand ergonomic relationship between people, equipment and working environment.