Lab-based flow cytometry scientist

Kelly Science, Engineering, Technology & Telecom; Spring House (PA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Kelly Science, Engineering, Technology & Telecom seeks a scientist contractor for its Clinical Cytometry group in Spring House, PA. You will design and perform ex vivo flow cytometry biomarker assays and analyze clinical data in a collaborative environment.

Responsibilities cover end-to-end assay development, validation, and data interpretation with publications-ready outputs, while working with external service providers to ensure data quality and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Experience in developing and validating high-dimensional flow cytometry assays.
• Experience with analyzing multi-dimensional flow cytometry data.
• Experience with PBMC/BMMC isolation and primary cell culture.
• Background in Oncology/Immunology is desirable.
• Experience with clinical flow cytometry laboratories/CROs is valuable.

Responsibilities

• Execute end-to-end clinical flow cytometry biomarker assays, including development and validation.
• Design and perform ex vivo/in vitro cell-based assays with functional readouts.
• Isolate and handle primary human cells from blood and cryopreserved samples.
• Record data per SOPs and write validation reports.
• Analyze and present data in publication-ready formats.
• Communicate results clearly and collaborate with stakeholders.
• Support external CROs and monitor outsourced assay data quality.
• Troubleshoot assays to identify root causes and prevent recurrence.
• Manage multiple projects independently and collaboratively.

Skills

Flow cytometry

Primary cell handling

Cell-based assays

Immunophenotyping

Functional readouts

Clinical assay development

Analytical validation

Data interpretation

Education

Bachelor's degree in biomedical sciences

Master's degree in biomedical sciences

PhD in biomedical sciences

Tools

FlowJo

OMIQ

BD Cytometer

Cytek Cytometer

FACS

Job description

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 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 be lab-based and should have experience with flow cytometry, primary cell handling, and cell-based assays. The role will focus on designing and executing robust ex vivo flow cytometric assays with immunophenotyping and functional readouts. Hands-on experience with clinical flow cytometry assay development, optimization, analytical validation and clinical sample analysis is highly valued.

Primary responsibilities

• 1. Execute multi-parameter clinical flow cytometry biomarker assays end-to-end including assay development, optimization, fit-for-purpose validation, on-time assay deployment for clinical sample testing, and downstream analysis
• 2. Design, develop, and perform robust ex vivo and in vitro cell-based assays that incorporate functional readouts, including activation, proliferation, cytokine production, and cytotoxicity
• 3. Handle and isolate primary human cells from blood and cryopreserved specimens for characterization and functional assessment
• 4. Record experimental data and results accurately and well-organized following SOPs and internal document requirements including writing validation reports
• 5. Demonstrate the ability to analyze, interpret, and present data in professional 'publication ready' format
• 6. Demonstrate clear and professional verbal and written communication and effectively present scientific data and concepts
• 7. Support clinical flow cytometry research projects implemented externally at external service providers/CROs.
• 8. Monitor data quality resulting from outsourced clinical flow cytometry assays. Perform assay troubleshoot to correct errors, identify root-cause of errors and prevent re-occurrence.
• 9. Work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously
• 10. Demonstrate the ability to contribute to various projects outside of his/her own, and collaborate with stakeholders from all relevant functions

Qualifications

• Education: A B.S. with 3+ years, a M.S. with 2+ years, or a PhD in biomedical sciences with 1+ year of flow cytometry laboratory experiences are required. Pharmaceutical/biotech industry experience is a plus but not necessary. Related Experience:
• Extensive hands-on experience in developing, validating, implementing and testing high-dimensional flow cytometry assays is required. The candidate should be versed in the analysis of such multi-dimensional flow cytometry experiments with the appropriate instruments (BD/Waters & Cytek preferred) and software (particularly FlowJo, OMIQ) and ability to learn new analytical software packages. Experience with FACS cell sorting is not necessary but valuable.
• Proficiency in PBMC/BMMC isolation and cryopreservation is required. Experience with primary cell culture techniques is required. Expertise in immune cell isolation from whole blood, tissues or tumor dissociation is a plus.
• Background in Oncology and/or Immunology is desirable, as well as the ability to understand and willingness to integrate current scientific literature into research practice.
• Experience with managing research projects at clinical flow cytometry specialty labs/CROs including assay development, analytical validation, and assay implementation is highly valuable Personal Skills:
• Flexibility and interest in learning/developing new techniques and skills in accordance with the research program needs
• Position requires ability to work independently and as part of a larger team. Therefore, excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and strong interpersonal skills are necessary.