Lead Flow Cytometry Scientist & Cell Sorting Expert

St. Jude; Lauderdale Courts (TN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 114,000; Full time

Job summary

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital’s Flow Cytometry and Cell Sorting Shared Resource (FCCSSR) seeks an Associate Scientist or Lead Researcher to provide cell sorting services and expert support to researchers across the institution.

This role emphasizes hands-on instrument operation, panel design, and collaborative problem solving in a customer‑facing environment. Candidates should have flow cytometry experience, strong interpersonal skills, and a commitment to excellence.

Qualifications

• Candidates should have demonstrated experience in at least one of the following areas: flow cytometry, cell sorting, or high-parameter fluorescence panel design. Previous experience operating a cell sorter is strongly preferred but not required.
• Understanding of fluorescence, compensation or spectral unmixing, experimental controls, and flow cytometry data interpretation.
• Strong customer service orientation, with demonstrated ability to communicate professionally, build positive relationships, and support researchers with varying levels of technical expertise.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex scientific problems, work independently, and take ownership of responsibilities through resolution.
• Experience with spectral flow cytometry, high-dimensional data analysis, or multiparameter experimental design is beneficial.
• Experience training, mentoring, or providing technical guidance to researchers or colleagues is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine and complex cell sorting services, including instrument setup, sample preparation, experimental optimization, troubleshooting, and post-sort quality assessment.
• Provide exceptional customer service to researchers, demonstrating patience, professionalism, empathy, and a genuine commitment to helping others succeed.
• Work directly with researchers to understand their experimental objectives, assist with experimental planning, and provide guidance on sample preparation, fluorophore selection, high-parameter panel design, and appropriate controls.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot advanced flow cytometry instruments, including cell sorters and analyzers, with increasing independence as specialized training is completed.
• Assist researchers with flow cytometry data analysis, compensation, spectral unmixing, and interpretation of experimental results.
• Take ownership of assigned instruments or operational responsibilities, including quality control, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, documentation, and communication of instrument-related issues.
• Provide technical guidance and hands‑on training to researchers and less‑experienced team members as expertise develops.
• Collaborate with facility staff to coordinate cell sorting reservations, manage competing priorities, and ensure reliable and timely service delivery.
• Contribute to improvements in facility workflows, standard operating procedures, training materials, and the overall researcher experience.

Skills

Flow cytometry

Cell sorting

High-parameter panel design

Customer service

Problem solving

Training/mentoring

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific area

Tools

BD FACSDiscover S8

BD FACSDiscover A8

Thermo Fisher Bigfoot

Job description

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital’s Flow Cytometry and Cell Sorting Shared Resource (FCCSSR) seeks an Associate Scientist or Lead Researcher to provide cell sorting services and expert support to researchers across the institution.

This role emphasizes hands-on instrument operation, panel design, and collaborative problem solving in a customer‑facing environment. Candidates should have flow cytometry experience, strong interpersonal skills, and a commitment to excellence.