Flow Cytometry Lab Scientist

Position Summary

We are seeking a passionate and talented scientist, as a contractor, to join the Clinical Cytometry group within Biomarker Development & Operations in Spring House, PA. This lab‑based role will support client oncology clinical programs by delivering fit‑for‑purpose flow cytometry biomarker assays and high‑quality clinical data in a highly collaborative clinical research environment. The successful candidate will have experience with flow cytometry, primary cell handling, and cell‑based assays, focusing on designing and executing robust ex vivo flow cytometric assays with immunophenotyping and functional readouts.

Responsibilities

• Execute multi‑parameter clinical flow cytometry biomarker assays end‑to‑end, including assay development, optimization, fit‑for‑purpose validation, on‑time deployment for clinical sample testing, and downstream analysis.
• Design, develop, and perform robust ex vivo and in vitro cell‑based assays that incorporate functional readouts such as activation, proliferation, cytokine production, and cytotoxicity.
• Handle and isolate primary human cells from blood and cryopreserved specimens for characterization and functional assessment.
• Record experimental data and results accurately, following SOPs and internal documentation requirements, including writing validation reports.
• Analyze, interpret, and present data in a professional “publication‑ready” format.
• Communicate verbally and in writing to effectively present scientific data and concepts.
• Support clinical flow cytometry research projects implemented at external service providers/CROs and monitor data quality from outsourced assays.
• Troubleshoot assays to correct errors, identify root causes, and prevent recurrence.
• Work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Contribute to projects outside of own scope and collaborate with stakeholders across relevant functions.

Qualifications

• Education: B.S. with 3+ years, M.S. with 2+ years, or Ph.D. in biomedical sciences with at least 1 year of flow cytometry laboratory experience.
• Extensive hands‑on experience developing, validating, implementing, and testing high‑dimensional flow cytometry assays.
• Proficiency with flow cytometry instruments (BD/Waters & Cytek preferred) and analysis software (FlowJo, OMIQ) and ability to learn new analytical packages.
• Experience with FACS cell sorting is valuable but not required.
• Proficiency in PBMC/BMMC isolation and cryopreservation.
• Experience with primary cell culture techniques.
• Expertise in immune cell isolation from whole blood, tissues, or tumor dissociation is a plus.
• Background in oncology and/or immunology is desirable.
• Experience managing research projects at clinical flow cytometry specialty labs/CROs, including assay development, analytical validation, and implementation, is highly valuable.
• Pharmaceutical/biotech industry experience is a plus but not required.

Personal Skills

• Flexibility and interest in learning/developing new techniques and skills aligned with research program needs.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a larger team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate with cross‑functional stakeholders.

Benefits

• Full benefit options including medical, dental, vision, and telemedicine.
• Retirement savings plan (401K) and service bonus.
• Paid time off: holiday pay (up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), vacation, and sick/personal leave.
• Additional voluntary benefit plans: term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, legal plan, short‑term disability.
• Transit spending account.