Analytical Technician - Flow Cytometry

PerkinElmer; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

PerkinElmer in Cambridge is seeking an Analytical Technician specializing in Flow Cytometry to join our site-based team. You will support laboratory scientists, ensure instrument readiness, and assist with cell culture activities in a fast-paced environment.

You will troubleshoot instruments, perform routine maintenance, and help train new staff while maintaining detailed records in CMMS and other systems. The role requires strong organizational skills, collaborative work, and a flexible

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biological Science or related field with relevant lab experience in flow cytometry.
• Experience with flow cytometry equipment and routine instrument maintenance is preferred.
• Familiarity with data analysis software such as FlowJo or FCS Express is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot instrument issues and minimize downtime. Seek guidance when needed.
• Assist with basic sorting experiments and optimize sample throughput.
• Manage daily startup/shutdown procedures and maintain instrument calibration.
• Perform routine maintenance and coordinate preventative maintenance with vendors.
• Document instrument utilization, downtime, and results in CMMS or electronic systems.
• Assist training of new staff on flow cytometry operations and safety protocols.
• Support analysis and handling of blood/cell samples as required.

Skills

Flow cytometry concepts

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Independent work

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biological Science or related

Tools

BD FACSAria

FlowJo

FCS Express

CMMS data entry

MS Office

Job description

We are looking for an Analytical Technician specialising in Flow Cytometry to join our team locatedat one of our client sitesin Cambridge. The roleassistsin the provision of a high-quality support service to the laboratory scientists and responsible for supporting daily operational readiness of flow cytometry instrumentation to enable uninterrupted scientific operations and supporting cell culture activities. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively in a dynamic laboratory environment.

Job Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot instrument issues: Identify and resolve routine operational problems with flow equipment to minimize downtime and maintain workflow continuity. Proactively perform troubleshooting and know when to seek guidance with instrument care from core staff or manufacturer support.
• Support and collaborate with scientists on basic assisted sorting experiments, optimizing sample throughput and reducing instrument idle time. Collaborate with internal and external teams on troubleshooting and building more complex automation systems.
• Execute daily instrument operations: Manage daily startup and shutdown procedures to maintain instrument calibration and readiness.
• Conduct routine instrument maintenance: Perform regular maintenance on flow cytometers to ensure optimal performance and instrument uptime. Coordinate with instrument vendors and internal planning teams to schedule preventative maintenance with minimal disruption to scientist runs.
• Maintain detailed records: Document instrument utilization, downtime, and results meticulously in CMMS or electronic systems. Facilitate IT tasks to ensure instrument data is accurately transferred and managed.
• Assist and contribute to training initiatives: Support training activities for new staff or junior scientists on basic flow cytometry operations and safety protocols.
• Apply basic conventional and spectral flow cytometry principles: Assist with analyzer operation under supervision to support various project needs.

• Report any accidents or near misses experienced, or witnessed, to Line Management in timely manner.
• Co-operate and assist in all aspects of health & safety procedures introduced by management for their well-being.
• Wear PPE when conditions are required by relevant risk assessment, method statement or mandatory signage.
• Act as ambassador to OneSource PerkinElmer, ensuring delivery of first-class service at all times.
• Working as part of the site technical team, provide technician support in other analytical support services as required.

Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities of this job at any time.

Critical Skills:

• Good understanding of how flow cytometers work.
• Attention to detail and understanding of the basic laboratory environment.
• Excellent organizational skills; ability to troubleshoot and solve problems independently, including identifying a problem and taking appropriate actions and knowing when to seek guidance.
• Great teamwork and communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Demonstrates appropriate use of relevant equipment after training.
• Ability to work independently.
• Strong multi-tasking, time management and organizational skills.
• Able to work a flexible schedule to meet our scientists’ needs.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelors Degree (or equivalent) in Biological Science or a related science discipline and 2 or more years of recent, directly related work experience in flow cytometry in Lab environment .
• Basic experience with MS Office: Teams, Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Candidate will have 2 or more years of experience with one or more of the following systems: Sony MA900, BD FACSAria, BD FACSymphony A5 SE, Cytek Aurora, Thermo Fisher Attune.
• Familiarity with immunology techniques such as cell culture, blood cell processing and cell counting.
• Experience with flow cytometry data analysis software such as FlowJo and FCS Express is highly desirable.

Working Environment:

• Must be able to work in a laboratory, controlled environments requiring personal protective equipment (e.g., lab coat, safety glasses, etc.) in laboratory.
• Job pace may be fast and job completion demands may be high.
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position more than 25% of the time
• The person needs to occasionally move between labs, corridors, adjoining rooms, Frequently operate on instruments, objects, tools or controls, which will require regularly bending, squatting, stretching and reaching in order to perform in a service function.
• Occasionally move or lift up to 25 pounds (potential for occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds).
• Specific vision abilities required by this position include without limitation, the ability to observe details at close range distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus in order to perform the essential service functions of this position.
• Occasionally operates a computer and other office machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer.
• Employees may be required to handle hazardous. Duties may include identifying, handling, generating, accumulating, storing and labeling hazardous waste.
• Potential risk to lab-based hazards including but not limited to extreme temperature, biological materials, and hazardous chemicals.