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PUCL Job#1328 Flow Tech Flow Core (Whitehead Inst) (14 July, 21)

Flow Cytometry Technical Assistant II, Core

Flow Cytometry Core Facility

 

 

Classification: Exempt; Administrative Staff

Reports To: Flow Cytometry Core Facility Manager

 

Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research is a leading, nonprofit research and educational institution that has defined the cutting edge of biomedical science, creating a legacy of research excellence and academic eminence since 1982. Wholly independent in its governance, finances and research programs, Whitehead shares a teaching affiliation with Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), offering the intellectual, collegial and scientific benefits of a leading research university. Whitehead's Faculty Members and Fellows run pioneering programs in cell biology, cancer research, immunology, developmental biology, stem cell research, regenerative medicine, genetics and genomics--programs with a record of success.

 

SUMMARY

The primary duty of the Technical Assistant II of the flow cytometry core cytometry facility is to provide high quality flow cytometry service and support to the Whitehead Institute investigators and Cambridge and Boston research communities. The Flow Cytometry Technician will possess a high level of proficiency on the BD FACSAria cell sorter and Diva software in order to independently perform quality high speed cell sorting. Additional duties include but are not limited to: development of proficiency on all core facility instrumentation including the BD LSRII, BD LSR Fortessa with HTS, BD FACSCanto with HTS and the SONY SH800 cell sorter, assisting researchers to design and optimize flow cytometry experiments, assist in training of researchers on the technology and instrumentation and working with core facility staff to characterize and oversee performance of all cytometers. As time allows, the Technical Assistant II will work with the core facility manager to design and execute flow cytometry technology-oriented research projects. Other duties will be performed as scheduled or needed. All duties will be performed in accordance with the Whitehead Institute’s behavioral standards, safety standards, and mission.

 

 

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES

 

High Speed Cell Sorters- BD FACSAria SORPs and SONY SH800

 

  • Perform high quality, high speed cell sorting for researchers
  • Perform daily quality control and monitor instrument performance
  • Perform scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, including routine data backup and basic instrument repairs
  • Troubleshoot sorter and associated software and peripherals
  • Contact and interact with vendor technical support and service engineers as needed
  • Log sorter and related software and peripheral problems and report to core manager immediately.
  • Track and log all cell sorter usage.

 

Benchtop Cytometers- BD LSR II, FACSCanto w/HTS, & LSRFortessa w/HTS

 

  • Develop and maintain proficiency with all benchtop cytometers and associated software and peripherals
  • Perform scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, including data backup and basic instrument repairs
  • Perform daily quality control and monitor instrument performance
  • As needed, train researchers on the operation and use of the benchtop cytometers.
  • Assist core facility manager in characterizing all analyzers in the facility
  • Troubleshoot benchtop cytometers and associated software and peripherals
  • Contact and interact with vendor technical support and service engineers as needed
  • Log benchtop cytometer and related software and peripheral problems and report to core manager immediately

 

Service

•                Support facility manager in developing and providing flow cytometry

              educational content

  • Provide high quality service to researchers
  • Work closely with researchers and Whitehead Institute staff to maintain good relationships
  • Orient new users to the lab
  • Assist researchers with their scheduling needs
  • Advise researchers on basic requirements for high-speed cell sorting and acquisition of data on benchtop cytometers

 

Administrative

•                Assist in monitoring sort appointment requests and approvals.

•                Log lateness and failure to cancel appointments

•                Notify researchers of unscheduled instrument downtime

•                Assist with writing/editing standard operating procedures for core staff and

       investigators

•                Assist with ordering of supplies and billing as needed

 

Operations

  • Prepare reagents as needed
  • Assist with inventory and stocking of laboratory supplies
  • Maintain all work areas

 

Other

  • Attend a minimum of one flow cytometry workshop, seminar, vendor show, or core lab visit per year
  • Attend a Whitehead Institute retreat
  • Become familiar with flow cytometry journals, associations, and resources
  • Assist with demos and tours as needed
  • Audit training sessions and provide feedback

 

 

QUALIFICATIONS

 

  • B.S degree in biological or physical sciences or related discipline
  • Must have 3 - 5 years of experience independently cell sorting using flow cytometry.
  • Must be able to work well with researchers, engineers, and institute staff in a service-oriented environment
  • Excellent problem-solving skills
  • Strong organizational and communication skills
  • Ability to work independently in a fast-paced research environment

 

 

Interested candidates can submit a resume to resumes@wi.mit.edu

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