Senior Scientist (Flow Cytometry)-----Santa Monica, CA

Zenith LifeScience; Santa Monica (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Zenith LifeScience in Santa Monica, CA is seeking a Senior Scientist contractor to support the Attribute Sciences team with multiparameter flow cytometry assay execution, optimization, and analysis for cell therapy programs.

The role focuses on running complex flow cytometry assays, including large-panel immunophenotyping with 11-18 colors, and generating high-quality data to support development and process understanding across stages. This is an on-site contractor role based in Santa Monica.

Qualifications

• BS/BA with 6+ years, MS/MA with 4+ years, or PhD with 2+ years in immunology, cell biology, oncology, or related field.
• Hands-on experience with multiparameter flow cytometry.
• Experience with large-panel assays (10+ colors).

Responsibilities

• Execute, optimize, and troubleshoot 11-18 color flow cytometry panels for deep phenotypic and functional characterization of cell therapy products.
• Prepare, stain, acquire, and analyze flow cytometry samples with high technical accuracy.
• Support flow assay development and refinement, including panel optimization, titration, compensation strategy, control assessment, and gating strategy development.
• Generate high-quality flow cytometry data to support analytical development and product understanding.
• Analyze and interpret complex datasets using FlowJo and GraphPad Prism; communicate findings to cross-functional partners.
• Maintain accurate and complete experimental records and follow good documentation practices.
• Contribute to assay readiness and laboratory operations, including reagent tracking and instrument coordination.
• Identify technical issues proactively and apply sound scientific judgment to troubleshoot assay performance and data quality.

Skills

Multiparameter flow cytometry

Panel optimization

Data interpretation

Troubleshooting

Independent work

Documentation and data integrity

Attention to detail

Education

Relevant advanced degree (BS/BA, MS/MA, or PhD)

Tools

FlowJo

GraphPad Prism

R

Python

OMIQ

Job description

• 5+ years of 18 color flow cytometry panels MUST HAVE
• Working experience with automation instruments

Job Description

We are seeking a Senior Scientist contractor to support our Attribute Sciences team, with a primary focus on multiparameter flow cytometry assay execution, optimization, and analysis for cell therapy programs. This role will be responsible for running complex flow cytometry assays, including large-panel immunophenotyping assays with 11-18 colors, and generating high-quality data to support product and process understanding across development stages. The ideal candidate brings deep technical expertise in flow cytometry panel execution, troubleshooting, and data analysis, along with strong laboratory rigor and documentation practices. This is an on-site contractor role based in Santa Monica, CA, reporting to the Associate Director, Attribute Sciences.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute, optimize, and troubleshoot complex 11-18 color flow cytometry panels for deep phenotypic and functional characterization of cell therapy products.
• Prepare, stain, acquire, and analyze flow cytometry samples with a high degree of technical accuracy, reproducibility, and attention to sample handling.
• Support flow assay development and refinement, including panel optimization, titration, compensation strategy, control assessment, and gating strategy development.
• Generate high-quality flow cytometry data to support analytical development, process characterization, and product understanding.
• Analyze and interpret complex datasets using tools such as FlowJo and GraphPad Prism and clearly communicate findings to cross-functional partners.
• Maintain accurate and complete experimental records and follow good documentation practices in a fast-paced laboratory environment.
• Contribute to assay readiness and laboratory operations, including reagent tracking, instrument coordination, and general support for flow cytometry workflows.
• Identify technical issues proactively and apply sound scientific judgment to troubleshooting assay performance and data quality.

Required Education and Skills

• BS/BA with 6+ years, MS/MA with 4+ years, or PhD with 2+ years of relevant experience in immunology, cell biology, oncology, or a related discipline in a biotechnology, biopharmaceutical, CRO, or academic setting.
• Deep hands-on experience with multiparameter flow cytometry, especially large-panel assays (10+ colors), including sample preparation, staining, compensation, acquisition, and downstream analysis.
• Demonstrated experience in flow cytometry panel optimization, assay troubleshooting, and data interpretation.
• Strong proficiency with FlowJo required; experience and familiarity with OMIQ, GraphPad Prism, R or Python is a plus.
• Ability to work independently, manage experimental execution with minimal oversight, and deliver high-quality results on schedule.
• Strong troubleshooting, organization, and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to data integrity and good documentation practices.
• Prior experience in cell therapy, immunology-focused assay support, or related analytical development environments is strongly preferred.