Associate Scientist OR Lead Researcher - Flow Cytometry and Cell Sorting Shared Resource

The Flow Cytometry and Cell Sorting Shared Resource (FCCSSR) at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is seeking a motivated, personable, and service-oriented Associate Scientist OR Lead Researcher to join our team. Under the leadership of Dr. Daniel Vocelle, Director of the FCCSSR, our team is rebuilding and strengthening a comprehensive shared resource dedicated to providing exceptional scientific support and customer service to researchers across the institution.

Our facility operates 25 advanced instruments and is expanding with the addition of a BD FACSDiscover S8, BD FACSDiscover A8, and a second Thermo Fisher Bigfoot cell sorter. This position will focus heavily on providing cell sorting services while supporting researchers with flow cytometry experiments, high-parameter panel design, and technical troubleshooting.

We are seeking candidates with experience in flow cytometry, cell sorting, or high-parameter panel design who are interested in expanding their technical expertise. Previous experience operating a cell sorter is strongly preferred but not required, as specialized training will be provided. Above all, we value exceptional interpersonal skills, professionalism, accountability, and a genuine commitment to helping others succeed. This is an opportunity to develop advanced cytometry expertise while helping shape a collaborative, supportive, and service-oriented team that contributes to the life-saving research conducted at St. Jude. As a Associate Scientist in the FCCSSR, you will play a central role in providing cell sorting services and technical support to researchers across the institution. This is a highly collaborative, customer-facing position that requires strong scientific problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to exceptional customer service.

Our facility operates 25 advanced instruments and is expanding with the addition of a BD FACSDiscover S8, BD FACSDiscover A8, and a second Thermo Fisher Bigfoot cell sorter. This position will focus heavily on providing cell sorting services while supporting researchers with flow cytometry experiments, high-parameter panel design, and technical troubleshooting.

We are seeking candidates with experience in flow cytometry, cell sorting, or high-parameter panel design who are interested in expanding their technical expertise. Previous experience operating a cell sorter is strongly preferred but not required, as specialized training will be provided. Above all, we value exceptional interpersonal skills, professionalism, accountability, and a genuine commitment to helping others succeed. This is an opportunity to develop advanced cytometry expertise while helping shape a collaborative, supportive, and service-oriented team that contributes to the life-saving research conducted at St. Jude.

Job Duties:

• Perform routine and complex cell sorting services, including instrument setup, sample preparation, experimental optimization, troubleshooting, and post-sort quality assessment.
• Provide exceptional customer service to researchers, demonstrating patience, professionalism, empathy, and a genuine commitment to helping others succeed.
• Work directly with researchers to understand their experimental objectives, assist with experimental planning, and provide guidance on sample preparation, fluorophore selection, high-parameter panel design, and appropriate controls.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot advanced flow cytometry instruments, including cell sorters and analyzers, with increasing independence as specialized training is completed.
• Assist researchers with flow cytometry data analysis, compensation, spectral unmixing, and interpretation of experimental results.
• Take ownership of assigned instruments or operational responsibilities, including quality control, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, documentation, and communication of instrument-related issues.
• Provide technical guidance and hands-on training to researchers and less-experienced team members as expertise develops.
• Collaborate with facility staff to coordinate cell sorting reservations, manage competing priorities, and ensure reliable and timely service delivery.
• Contribute to improvements in facility workflows, standard operating procedures, training materials, and the overall researcher experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Candidates should have demonstrated experience in at least one of the following areas: flow cytometry, cell sorting, or high-parameter fluorescence panel design. Previous experience operating a cell sorter is strongly preferred but not required.
• Understanding of fluorescence, compensation or spectral unmixing, experimental controls, and flow cytometry data interpretation.
• Strong customer service orientation, with demonstrated ability to communicate professionally, build positive relationships, and support researchers with varying levels of technical expertise.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex scientific problems, work independently, and take ownership of responsibilities through resolution.
• Experience with spectral flow cytometry, high-dimensional data analysis, or multiparameter experimental design is beneficial.
• Experience training, mentoring, or providing technical guidance to researchers or colleagues is preferred.

Professional Development Opportunities

• The FCCSSR offers extensive opportunities to expand technical expertise across a diverse portfolio of advanced cell sorters and flow cytometry analyzers. Team members will receive specialized training on multiple instrument platforms and have opportunities to develop expertise in complex cell sorting applications, high-parameter panel design, spectral flow cytometry, and data analysis.

Lead Researcher

Minimum Education and/or Training:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific area is required

Minimum Experience:

• 5+ years of research experience is required
• 3+ years of experience is required with a Master’s degree
• No prior experience required with a PHD
• Strong knowledge and experience in understanding and application of underlying principles related to techniques being performed
• Experience in R&D methods and processes in lab setting, and execution of research projects for the laboratory preferred
• Proven performance in earlier role/comparable role

Compensation

In recognition of certain U.S. state and municipal pay transparency laws, St. Jude is including a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This is an estimate offered in good faith and a specific salary offer takes into account factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the salary range and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current salary range is $60,320 - $105,040 per year for the role of Lead Researcher

Associate Scientist

Minimum Education and/or Training:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific area

Minimum Experience:

• 7 + years of research experience is required
• 5 + years of research experience is required with a Master’s degree
• 2 + years of research experience is required with a PHD
• Experience leading and supporting research experiments preferred
• Some experience leading lab and scientific project coordination, maintenance, and other research support activities preferred
• Experience in guiding and training other laboratory personnel preferred
• Proven performance in earlier role/comparable role

As the facility continues to rebuild and expand its services, this position also provides opportunities to contribute to operational improvements, develop educational resources, participate in specialized training courses and scientific conferences, and help shape the future of the shared resource.

Compensation

In recognition of certain U.S. state and municipal pay transparency laws, St. Jude is including a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This is an estimate offered in good faith and a specific salary offer takes into account factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the salary range and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current salary range is $65,520 - $114,400 per year for the role of Associate Scientist OR Lead Researcher- Flow Cytometry and Cell Sorting Shared Resource.

Explore our exceptional benefits!

We are committed to a human-centered hiring experience. Technology may support portions of our process, but recruiting decisions involve human review and engagement. Learn more about our approach to AI.

St. Jude is an Equal Opportunity Employer

No Search Firms

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. Please do not call or email. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee or other representative at St. Jude via email, the internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place and approved by HR will result in no fee being paid in the event the candidate is hired by St. Jude.