Associate Scientist – Flow Cytometry (Contract)

About the role

Slingshot Biosciences is seeking a Flow Cytometry Specialist to help build our next portfolio of products. You will be a key part of the product development process, providing expertise to R&D and Manufacturing. This role involves generating publication-quality results for competitive marketing and general publication, as well as investigating root cause issues related to product complaints. This is a full-time, on-site, 3-month contract position at Slingshot's headquarters in Emeryville, CA, reporting to the technical lead of our Flow Cytometry function.

Responsibilities

• Test and validate new product designs on a range of flow cytometry platforms
• Document, implement, and transfer best practices and protocols for sample preparation, staining, and data acquisition to ensure accurate and reproducible results
• QC products using flow cytometry, analyze flow cytometry data using software such as FloJo, and extract meaningful data while ensuring data integrity and accuracy
• Conduct regular maintenance and calibration of flow cytometry instruments to ensure optimal performance and data accuracy
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues with flow cytometers and associated equipment
• Ensure that product vision is maintained and realized through execution and documentation of design control processes, including verification & validation, stability studies, and design reviews
• Generate competitive marketing material for new product introductions, product comparisons, and conferences, e.g., presentations and posters as needed
• Investigate product complaint issues and perform root cause analysis independently or in conjunction with the QA team as needed
• Exhibit active intellectual involvement in research projects including experimental design, execution, and reporting in support of our scientists and senior scientific leadership
• Write technical reports of the test results with statistically derived conclusions
• Develop SOPs to transition research into production and manufacturing
• Provide feedback about new product concepts and needs in RUO and IVD arenas
• Ensure compliance with laboratory health and safety guidelines; familiarity with ISO 9001 and GMP guidelines is desired
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Extensive background in flow cytometry across multiple different instrument platforms, particularly spectral flow cytometry
• Advanced expertise in multiparameter (>10-color) flow cytometry analysis, compensation, and gating strategies for analysis of mixed cell populations
• Experience analyzing flow cytometry data in software such as FloJo
• Strong understanding of stability principles, including shelf life determination and accelerated stability testing
• Good knowledge of laboratory health and safety standards, including working with blood products such as Leukopaks
• Excellent analytical and research skills
• Attention to detail and excellent communication skills/systems in record keeping/documentation
• Flexibility to work after hours or over weekends if needed
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to drive work independently
• PhD in Cell Biology/Biochemistry/Biology or equivalent, Masters with 3+ years experience, or Bachelors with 6+ years experience

Pay

The base salary range for this position is between $105,000 - $152,000.

About Slingshot

Slingshot Biosciences is a fast-growing life sciences company with a platform technology and mission to make precision-engineered cell mimics the gold standard for all cell-based assay controls. We are transforming cell-based applications with robust, scalable, and reproducible controls, including TruCytes™ Biomarker controls, SpectraComp® compensation controls, ViaComp® cell health controls, and FlowCytes® instrument controls. Our TruCytes cell mimics precisely replicate real cells' optical and biochemical properties—without the sourcing, quality, or cost challenges of traditional controls. Trusted in cell-based applications across cell therapy, drug development, and diagnostics, they empower process and analytical development, quality control, potency assessments, multi-site validations, clinical research studies, and assay development and validation.

Our north star is to make healthcare more accessible around the world by advancing cell biology to develop innovative solutions for human health. We value diversity and believe that a variety of backgrounds and experiences leads to more innovative ideas and a better understanding of our customers. Passion is at the core of our values, and employees are encouraged to pursue their passions in their work and contribute to the company's overall mission.