Flow Cytometry Scientist

Surf Search Inc.; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Surf Search Inc. seeks an experienced Flow Cytometry Scientist to design and optimize complex multicolor flow cytometry panels from scratch.

You will lead experimental design, fluorochrome selection, and spectral compensation to ensure high-quality data, with emphasis on robust panel validation and reproducibility. The role requires a PhD in Immunology or related field (or equivalent hands-on experience) and extensive experience in high-parameter cytometry.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent with extensive hands-on experience in multicolor flow cytometry.
• Experience designing complex panels from scratch beyond routine assays.
• Expertise in fluorochrome selection, titration, compensation, and spectral overlap handling.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop high-parameter multicolor flow cytometry panels from scratch.
• Optimize antibody clones, fluorochromes, titration, compensation, and spectral unmixing to maximize data quality.
• Troubleshoot panels for spectral overlap, nonspecific binding, autofluorescence, and low signal resolution.
• Develop staining protocols, controls, and gating strategies for complex populations.
• Analyze and interpret flow cytometry data using FlowJo, FCS Express, or similar software.
• Document and validate optimized panels and protocols to ensure reproducibility.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop flow cytometry solutions for complex research questions.

Skills

Multicolor flow cytometry

Panel design and optimization

Fluorochrome selection

Antibody titration

Spectral overlap compensation

Gating strategies

Data analysis (FlowJo/FCS Express)

Education

PhD in Immunology / related field

Tools

FlowJo

FCS Express

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Flow Cytometry Scientist with deep expertise in designing, developing, and optimizing complex multicolor flow cytometry panels from scratch. This individual will lead panel development from experimental design through validation, applying advanced knowledge of fluorochrome selection, antibody titration, spectral overlap, compensation, and assay optimization.

Key Responsibilities of the Flow Cytometry Scientist:

• Design and develop complex, high-parameter multicolor flow cytometry panels from scratch based on biological and research objectives.
• Optimize antibody clones, fluorochromes, titrations, compensation, and spectral unmixing to maximize data quality.
• Troubleshoot challenging panels, including spectral overlap, nonspecific binding, autofluorescence, and low signal resolution.
• Develop and optimize staining protocols, controls, and gating strategies for complex cellular populations.
• Analyze and interpret flow cytometry data using FlowJo, FCS Express, or similar software.
• Document and validate optimized panels and protocols to ensure reproducibility and consistent assay performance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional scientific teams to develop flow cytometry solutions for complex research questions.

Required Qualifications of the Flow Cytometry Scientist:

• PhD in Immunology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field; a relevant master's or bachelor's degree with substantial hands-on experience may also be considered.
• Extensive hands-on experience developing complex multicolor flow cytometry panels from scratch, rather than simply running established assays or maintaining existing panels.
• Demonstrated expertise in fluorochrome selection, antibody titration, compensation, spectral overlap, and panel optimization.
• Strong understanding of immunology, cellular phenotyping, antibody-based detection, and relevant biological markers.
• Proficiency in flow cytometry data analysis, gating strategies, and assay troubleshooting.
• Experience with multicolor or high-parameter flow cytometry platforms; spectral flow cytometry experience is highly desirable.
• Strong experimental design, analytical, documentation, and problem‑solving skills.

Occupational Code: 19-1029.00 — Biological Scientists, All Other