Director, Caltech Flow Cytometry/Cell Sorting Facility

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Job Summary

The Caltech Flow Cytometry/Cell Sorting Facility is a multi-user facility which provides expert assistance and advanced instrumentation to researchers for analyzing and separating various types of cells and micro-organisms per their measurable properties of light scatter and fluorescence. The mission of the Caltech Flow Cytometry and Cell Sorting Facility is to foster scientific research by providing the expertise, state-of-the-art resources, and training necessary to solve complex biological problems and promote cutting edge research on a fee-for-service basis. It strives to provide cost effective analysis and cell separation on several different platforms using a myriad of protocols to enhance the scope and quality of the scientific research performed at Caltech.

We are seeking a dynamic director who can lead, direct, supervise and work with a staff of experienced full-time cytometry specialists who operate three cell sorters and two flow cytometers, as well as train researchers on our self-service instruments. The successful candidate must have an extensive experience and theoretical understanding of flow cytometry and cell sorting instrumentation including practical hands-on experience with the instruments in order to serve as a resource for troubleshooting projects and equipment. Effective communication and interaction with Caltech faculty and investigators is essential to understand and advise on the management, design, technical needs, and execution of projects performed in the facility. This entails a wide variety of sample preparation approaches, standard and complex flow analysis, interpretation of complex data, and guidance for publication quality data.

The successful candidate will also be responsible for the quality of services provided, as well as preparing cost recovery reports, budget reports, managing future capital acquisitions, and making recommendations to keep the facility instrumentation and staff up to the challenges of emerging technology.

Essential Job Duties

• Manage day-to-day activities of staff and facility.
• Keep up to date with technology.
• Oversee equipment acquisition and maintenance.
• Consult with and advise investigators on their projects including appropriate instrumentation, fluorochrome choices, data analysis and interpretation.
• Ensure quality assurance with instrument QC, routine maintenance and troubleshooting of core instrumentation, working with service contractors.
• Supervise laboratory staff.
• Ensure staff is up to date on protocols and instrument maintenance.          
• Supervise performance of laboratory activities.
• Serve as a resource for troubleshooting research and instrument problems.
• Administer cost recovery through chargebacks.
• Provide a yearly report to the institution on budget and facility highlights.

Basic Qualification

• Bachelor’s degree.
• 10 or more years of experience as a core technical director, or core manager in a Flow Cytometry Cell Sorting Core Facility.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or PhD.

Required Documents

• Resume