Research Scientist for the Flow Cytometry Unit

CNIO - Spanish National Cancer Research Centre; Madrid; On-site; EUR 44,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Meals

Transportation

Childcare

Job summary

The Flow Cytometry Core Unit at CNIO seeks a dedicated scientist to drive scientific and operational excellence. You will support researchers in experimental design, execution, and analysis of advanced cytometry, while shaping the unit's technology roadmap and best practices.

You may provide leadership during the Head's absence to ensure continuity of activities and strategic growth. CNIO offers exposure to state-of-the-art cytometry, including high-speed sorters and full-spectrum platforms,

Qualifications

• PhD in Immunology, Cancer Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or related field; 4+ years postdoc.
• At least 5 years hands-on flow cytometry experience with sorting and advanced cytometry.
• Experience in core facility operations, user training, and method development.
• Expertise in high‑speed cell sorting and advanced analytical cytometry.
• Proficiency with major cytometry platforms and software.

Responsibilities

• Support design, execution, and analysis of advanced cytometry experiments.
• Lead the Flow Cytometry Core Unit in absence of the Head and contribute to strategic development.
• Provide leadership, training, and expert support to CNIO researchers.
• Develop and implement best practices; adopt emerging cytometry technologies.

Skills

Flow cytometry expertise

Cell sorting

Advanced analytical cytometry

Leadership

Communication

English proficiency

Education

PhD in Immunology, Cancer Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or related

Tools

BD FACSAria

BD FACSDiscover S8

BD FACSCanto

BD LSRFortessa

Cytek Aurora

Influx

OMIQ

FlowJo

FCS Express

SpectroFlo

FACSDiva

FACSChorus

Job description

• Reference: ICCF26II
• Start date: 17/09/2026 0:00:00
• Expiration Date: 05/11/2026 23:59:00
  

The Flow Cytometry Core Unit at the Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO) is seeking an outstanding and highly motivated scientist to join our dynamic and innovative Core Facility as Staff Scientist. Working closely with the Head of the Unit, the successful candidate will contribute to the scientific, technical, and strategic development of the facility, ensuring the delivery of high-quality services and expert support to a diverse portfolio of research programmes. The role will involve supporting researchers in the design, execution, and analysis of advanced cytometry experiments, while contributing to the adoption of emerging technologies, development of best practices, and continuous enhancement of the Unit’s capabilities. The successful candidate will also be expected to provide leadership for the Unit in the absence of the Head, ensuring continuity of its scientific and operational activities and contributing to its strategic development CNIO is one of Europe's leading cancer research institutions, dedicated to advancing cancer research through excellence in basic, translational, and clinical science. The Flow Cytometry Core Unit provides expert technical support, scientific consultation, and access to state-of-the-art cytometry technologies for CNIO researchers. The facility is equipped with three high-speed cell sorters, including the latest BD FACSDiscover™ S8, with full spectral and imaging capabilities, as well as four analytical cytometers encompassing both high-parameter conventional and full-spectrum technologies. This advanced platform supports a broad range of applications, including multiparametric phenotyping, high-dimensional analysis, imaging, and sophisticated cell.

Selection Criteria

• A PhD in Immunology, Cancer Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or a related discipline, together with at least four years of relevant postdoctoral research experience, is required.
• A minimum of five years of hands‑on experience in flow cytometry, with extensive expertise in cell sorting and advanced analytical cytometry, including full‑spectrum and imaging flow cytometry, is required.
• Experience in core facility operations, user support and training, method development, and implementation of new cytometry technologies will be highly valued.
• Demonstrated expertise in high‑speed cell sorting and advanced analytical flow cytometry.
• Experience with instrumentation available in the Unit (Influx, FACSAria, FACSDiscover S8, FACSCanto, LSRFortessa, and Cytek Aurora) is highly desirable.
• Strong hands‑on experience with conventional multiparametric, full‑spectrum, imaging, and next‑generation cytometry platforms.
• Proven ability to design and optimize complex flow cytometry panels and advanced cytometry workflows.
• Expertise in immune monitoring applications, with experience in cancer research environments highly desirable.
• Advanced knowledge of flow cytometry acquisition and analysis software, including OMIQ, FlowJo, FCS Express, FACSDiva, FACSChorus, and SpectroFlo.
• Tissue culture and hands‑on experience in sample preparation for flow cytometry.
• Familiarity with computational approaches for high‑dimensional cytometry data analysis is desirable.
• Proficiency in English is an absolute requirement.
• Fluency of Spanish is no needed but could be an advantage.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently while fostering a collaborative and service‑oriented team environment.
• Previous supervisory, leadership, or facility management experience is highly desirable.
  

The CNIO Offers

• Incorporation into a Cancer Research Centre of excellence of international relevance.
• Gross annual salary between €44,091 and €47,481.
• Social benefits. Flexible compensation (Health insurance, meals, transportation, childcare).
• Contract linked to a project.