Senior Lab Operations Specialist, Flow Cytometry

About the role

The successful candidate will support the daily operations of the flow cytometry core laboratories, ensuring a high-functioning environment that meets the needs of Gilead’s Oncology, Inflammation, and Virology therapeutic areas. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to and support research across Gilead’s departments. As a high-visibility, collaborative position, it allows you to impact cutting-edge scientific research while working in a dynamic, cross-functional environment.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and troubleshoot instrumentation, perform startup, shutdown, daily cleaning, and QC procedures
• Train and advise users on conventional, spectral, and imaging cytometry platforms, as well as perform cell sorting
• Troubleshoot flow-based assays to deepen our understanding of disease pathobiology and assist with lab inventory and automation
• Perform instrument calibration, maintenance, and cleaning to ensure optimal performance
• Diagnose and repair complex instrumentation issues; perform repairs or coordinate with field engineers
• Conduct multiparameter cell sorting, including setup and operation of sorters; optimize sorting conditions for specific assays (BSL2+ sorting experience is a plus)
• Execute experiments to validate and refine standard operating procedures (SOPs) for flow cytometry assays
• Aid and train core users in flow technologies, experimental design, and data analysis

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in life sciences or related field and 5+ years in flow cytometry required
• Masters degree in life sciences or related field and 3+ years in flow cytometry required
• Strong troubleshooting skills and ability to apply critical thinking to resolve assay and instrumentation issues
• Excellent verbal, technical, and interpersonal communication skills
• Highly collaborative, quick learner, resourceful problem solver, and adaptable in a fast-paced environment
• Strong background in cell biology and immunology, with technical expertise in cell-based assays is required

Preferred

• Demonstrate solid knowledge of conventional and spectral flow cytometry; experience with imaging cytometry is a plus
• Familiarity with BSL2 and aseptic techniques
• Proficient in Windows-based systems and able to quickly learn new software and hardware
• Prior experience in a core facility setting is highly desirable
• Advanced expertise in both conventional and spectral flow cytometry, along with cell sorting experience is strongly preferred