Flow Cytometry Core Manager
Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research (PAVIR) has an exciting career opportunity for a Flow Cytometry Core Manager who will oversee a flow cytometry core, supporting the flow cytometry needs of a user base of approximately 100 researchers, each tasked with a scientific discipline aimed at improving the well-being of Veterans of the United States military branches. It is rewarding to know that what you do makes a difference in the lives of others.
ABOUT THIS ROLE
Flow Cytometry Core Manager is expected to keep the facility and its instrumentation operational and anticipate user needs and provide training and expert advice to ensure quality data.
The Flow Cytometry Core is located at the Palo Alto VA campus and currently houses five cell sorters and three analyzers. Find out more about our FACS facility here: https://facs.pavir.org/
In this role, you will assist the scientific initiatives associated with the flow cytometry core and will work collaboratively with principal investigators, research lab staff and PAVIR staff, supporting the medical research projects of the VA Palo Alto Health Care System (VAPAHCS) while optimizing efficient and value-added service to the research community. There is a possibility of researcher collaborations and publications.
PAVIR offers competitive salary, supportive and collaborative environment, professional development training, comprehensive health insurance, 13 paid holidays, paid vacation, sick pay and a generous 401(k) with a fully vested 6% company match and 3% profit share. Plus, we pay for life, short-term disability, and long-term disability insurance.
ABOUT PALO ALTO VETERANS INSTITUTE FOR RESEARCH (PAVIR)
Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research (PAVIR) facilitates research and education activities conducted at the VA Palo Alto Health Care System (VAPAHCS). At PAVIR we work with more than 160 uniquely talented medical scientists across a broad spectrum of research areas as we fulfill our purpose of driving Veterans' health innovation. Our researchers have an active appointment with the VA Palo Alto Health Care System and most maintain an academic appointment with Stanford University.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Provide training, guidance, and assistance to new and existing users:
- Train users on the operations of the Becton Dickinson (BD) suite of instruments, specifically the FACSDiva instrument software.
- Train users on the basics of analysis and cell sorter.
- Assist in these operations "as needed".
- Assist in the development of experimental protocols and panels for use on flow cytometers and cell sorters.
- Assist users in making rudimentary assessments of their data.
- Advise on optimal use of equipment to endure high-quality data output.
- Provide expertise to users on multi-parameter flow cytometry for various cell phenotype and multi-parameter data analysis.
- Set up framework for initial analysis and support researchers in analysis of data, as well as advise on follow up experiments.
Maintenance and operations of the Becton Dickinson suite of instruments:
- Daily setup and calibration; Week and monthly facility maintenance; Organize service and preventative maintenance visits.
- Troubleshoot, maintain, and operate multiple flow cytometry analyzers and cell sorters on regular schedules to maximize equipment function.
- Consults with vendor technicians to address equipment issues.
- Ensures adequate supplies and equipment maintenance records.
- Create and maintain user group to assess current needs and to predict and support emerging needs.
- Stay abreast of developments that could augment or change VAPAHCS need and use of FACS core; Read technical journals or manuals and attends vendor seminars to learn about new hardware and add on equipment.
Provide Technical and Logistical Support for instrument operations:
- Collaborate and communicate effectively with colleagues and management to enhance the technical capabilities of the laboratory.
- Interpret and effectively convey instrument issues during conversations with instrument service and support.
- Offer IT support with the assistance of Stanford IT for both instrument computers and a remote data server.
- Update and oversee a facility website.
- Administer the facility calendar, scheduling, and usage tracking software package.
Oversee facility budget and purchases:
- Track and prepare a monthly summary of instrument usage.
- Work with the PAVIR accounting to generate annual budget and to establish recharge rate adjustments.
- Work with purchasing to ensure that the facility is supplied with all necessary reagents and spare parts for operations.
- Oversee service requirements of all instrumentation to ensure minimal downtime of instrumentation.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- A bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
- 3-5 years of hands-on research experience in flow cytometry assays with human and mouse blood, cells, and tissue.
- Proficiency in flow cytometry acquisition and analysis (FlowJo) software.
- Experience with operation of Becton Dickinson analyzers and cell sorters.
- Familiarity with a broad range of flow cytometry assays.
- Demonstrated ability to analyze data and consult with user.
- Demonstrated ability to stay current in job knowledge and technology.
- Effective communication skills and a willingness to share information. A collaborative and flexible style, with a strong service mentality, exhibiting high levels of professionalism and respect for confidentiality.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills. Ability to write scientific papers.
- Ability to establish credibility and effective partnerships in a lab environment that interacts with a diverse group of research and technical personnel.
- Ability to handle more than one task at a time and work at a rapid pace while maintaining attention to detail.
- Knowledge of basic lab safety protocols and the ability to enforce and evolve based upon VA guidelines.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master's and/or Ph.D.
- Theoretical knowledge of Immunology, Cancer Biology, Molecular Biology, General Chemistry or Genetics and a combination of education and lab experience.
- Experience with Beckman Coulter and Sony instruments.
- Experience assisting in the preparation of funding proposals.
- Knowledge of FACSDiva database logistics.
- Understanding of the administration of a remote data server.
ARE YOU READY TO JOIN OUR TEAM? Please fill out our initial 3-minute, mobile-friendly application. We look forward to meeting you!
PAVIR engages in nonprofit medical research and works with sponsors and the Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System (VAPAHCS) in administering funds for conducting research to find new and improved ways to combat human disease and help people with disabilities. Please refer to our website for additional information: www.pavir.org
PAVIR is pleased to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Minorities, Women, Veterans, and Individuals with a Disability are encouraged to apply. We welcome and encourage diversity in the workplace regardless of race, color, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need special assistance or an accommodation to apply for a posted position, please contact jobs@pavir.org - Human Resources department.
Location: 94304
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For more information, or to apply now, you must click on the green Apply Externally button. Please DO NOT email your resume to us as we only accept applications through our website.