Senior Technical Support Specialist (Histology, Flow Cytometry, & Cell Gene Therapy)
Position Type: Full Time
Job Location: Minneapolis, MN
Position Summary
We are seeking a highly skilled Technical Support Specialist with a unique, cross‑functional expertise spanning histology, flow cytometry, and advanced cell culture systems. You will provide expert‑level support for our core portfolios: Dakewe histology solutions, flow cytometry systems, and our stem cell research & cell therapy product line (including GMP‑grade media, growth factors, cytokines, and differentiation kits). The ideal candidate will bridge the gap between basic research tools and therapeutic development, supporting customers from discovery through translational workflows. This role requires deep technical knowledge, excellent communication skills, and a passion for customer success across multiple, sophisticated technology platforms.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Technical Customer Support
- Provide advanced, integrated technical support for Exreprotein’s multi‑disciplinary portfolio:
- Histology: Equipment, reagents, and consumables for tissue‑based analysis.
- Flow Cytometry: Instrument operation, software, application support, and reagents for immunophenotyping and characterization.
- Stem Cell & Cell Therapy: Growth factors, cytokines, basal media, feeds, and specialized supplements for pluripotent stem cell (iPSC/ESC) culture, directed differentiation, and primary immune cell expansion (e.g., T‑cells, NK cells) for therapeutic applications. Support includes protocol optimization, quality control testing interpretation, and scalability advice.
- Troubleshoot complex, cross‑platform customer inquiries involving cell culture health, differentiation efficiency, characterization data (flow cytometry, IHC), and instrument performance.
- Document all customer interactions and technical issues accurately in our CRM system.
- Collaborate with internal R&D, QA, and manufacturing partners to escalate and resolve advanced technical and application‑specific issues.
Customer Training & Education
- Histology/IHC: Equipment and staining protocols.
- Flow Cytometry: Instrument operation, panel design, and analysis.
- Advanced Cell Culture: Aseptic technique, media preparation, growth factor reconstitution/storage, cell line‑specific protocols, cryopreservation, and best practices for maintaining culture consistency and compliance.
- Conduct remote and on‑site training sessions, with the ability to adapt content for both academic research labs and regulated cell therapy development environments.
- Create and update technical documentation, application notes, and troubleshooting guides.
Field‑Based & On‑Site Support
- Perform on‑site visits to provide hands‑on support across the portfolio.
- Histology/Flow Cytometry: Instrument optimization and assay troubleshooting.
- Cell Therapy Support: Assist in the implementation of media and growth factor systems, review of aseptic processes, and troubleshooting of cell expansion or differentiation protocols in R&D, process development, or GMP‑like settings.
- Demonstrate new products and complex integrated workflows (e.g., from cell differentiation to flow analysis to histopathological validation).
Pre‑ & Post‑Sales Scientific Support
- Work closely with the Sales team as a scientific expert for the entire portfolio, with a focus on consultative support for cell‑therapy and stem cell research customers.
- Assist in experimental design, product selection, and protocol development for complex projects involving cell culture systems, characterization, and downstream analysis.
- Build trusted advisor relationships with scientists, process development engineers, and lab directors in both research and biopharma.
Qualifications
- Education: Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Cell Biology, Immunology, Stem Cell Biology, Bioengineering, or a closely related field is highly preferred.
- Experience:
- Histology: Practical experience (2+ years) in histology/IHC techniques and equipment. HT/HTL certification is a plus.
- Flow Cytometry: Hands‑on experience (2+ years) operating cytometers and supporting multicolor panel applications for characterization.
- Stem Cell/Cell Therapy: Minimum 3+ years of hands‑on experience with human pluripotent stem cell (iPSC/ESC) culture, directed differentiation, and/or primary immune cell culture for therapeutic applications (CAR‑T, TCR, NK cells). Direct experience with a variety of commercial media systems, growth factors, and matrices is required.
- Experience in a GLP/GMP environment is a significant advantage.
- Deep, integrated knowledge of Histology, Immunology, cell culture biology, stem cell protocols, and the critical role of growth factors/media in determining cell fate and function.
- Ability to understand and support the unique needs of both research and process development labs moving toward clinical translation.
- Strong technical aptitude for troubleshooting complex, multi‑step biological workflows and associated instrumentation.
- Exceptional communication, teaching, and scientific presentation skills.
- Self‑motivated, organized, and able to manage a complex international travel and support schedule.
- Must possess a valid passport and driver’s license and be able to travel internationally without restriction.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
- An employee, to successfully perform the essential functions of this position, requires extended sitting or standing at workstation or at desk.
- The employee should be able to lift 50 pounds, if necessary.
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.
Note
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) of this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job‑related instructions and to perform any other job‑related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.