Working/Functional Title

Flow Cytometry Core Specialist

Position Summary

This position encompasses the daily oversight of core operations, including QC (quality control), instrument maintenance, assay development, user training, and service delivery across diverse research areas such as immunology, oncology, microbiology, veterinary sciences, chemical biology, and plant sciences. This position is ideal for someone with hands-on experience with flow cytometry, assay design, a passion for learning in a team-oriented environment, and a desire to help others advance scientific discovery.

Responsibilities

• Foster a collaborative environment with investigators, students, and staff across multiple departments.
• Ensure effective communication and coordination to meet the needs of diverse users.

Core Facility Operation & Services:

• Assist in oversight of daily operational activities of the Core, including calibration, preventive maintenance, QC tracking, and ensure instruments perform at peak efficiency.
• Operate (provide cell sorting services) and maintain cell sorters (e.g., SONY MA900, BD FACSAria IIu) and analytical instruments (e.g., Cytek Aurora, Attune CytPix, Luminex 200).
• Execute instrument maintenance including troubleshooting and coordinating vendor service when required.
• Ensure compliance with Core SOPs, safety protocols (including training documentation), and EH&S regulatory requirements.

User Support & Training:

• Provide new user training on instrumentation, including, but not limited to the Cytek Aurora, Attune CytPix, and SONY MA900.
• Actively support assay development and optimization—designing experiments (i.e. multi-color panels), advising on controls, and aiding data interpretation.
• Develop and deliver virtual (D2L) and in-person training content on flow cytometry theory, instrument operation, and data analysis for both novice and advanced users.
• Provide expert advice and technical support to users on experimental design, data acquisition, and data analysis for flow cytometry experiments.
• Stay up to date on emerging flow cytometry technologies and methodologies and implement these advancements as appropriate.

Administrative Support:

• Contribute to equipment grant writing process, including coordinating with major and minor users.
• Manage monthly billing, invoicing, and recharge processes for instrumentation usage.
• Assist with data backup, storage management, and documentation of maintenance logs and training activity.
• Coordinate with vendors and industry partners to promote new and cutting-edge technologies, reagents, software, and applications.
• Maintain user training records and facilitate scheduling and resource allocation

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Doctorate -Immunology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology or related field

Minimum Requirements

A Ph.D. in Immunology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, or a related field. 

Desired Qualifications

A minimum of 3 years of experience with flow cytometry, including expertise in instrument operation, experimental design, data analysis, and troubleshooting is preferred. Previous experience working in a Core Facility or laboratory with cell sorting equipment is preferred but not required.

Technical Expertise:

• Proficient in the operation of flow cytometry equipment (e.g., Cytek Aurora, BD Fortessa, ThermoFisher Attune or equivalents).
• Expertise in multi-color flow cytometry, including compensation, panel design, and data analysis.
• Familiarity with flow cytometry software (e.g., FlowJo, FCS Express, R) and statistical tools for data analysis. Experience with high dimensional reduction and clustering pipelines preferred but not required.
• Demonstrated experience with flow cytometric assay development and optimization.
• Familiarity with imaging systems (e.g., confocal microscopes) and image analysis software preferred.
• General assay design and development experience is paramount, with demonstrated ability to select appropriate controls, troubleshoot, and interpret results.
• Experience with cell sorting techniques is preferred but not required.
• Familiarity with cell culture, aseptic techniques, tissue dissociation, and sample prep preferred.

Communication & Interpersonal:

• Foster a collaborative "customer service" mindset with researchers, staff, and students across disciplines.
• Strong ability to convey complex technical information clearly to users at varying expertise levels.
• Demonstrated ability to train others and provide hands-on support.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.

Organizational & Analytical:

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently in a research setting.
• Excellent record-keeping, attention to detail, and capacity to prioritize tasks under minimal supervision.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving mindset.
• Support new method validation, instrumentation upgrade processes, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Required Application Materials

Cover letter, CV and a list of references. 

Review of Applications Begins On

09/23/2025

Summary of Physical Demands

Position involves some physical activity, such as equipment setup, reagent handling, and light lifting (≤50 lbs.). The MSU Flow Cytometry Core is a BSL-2 laboratory and includes working with a diversity of materials, including bacterial, human, or animal samples. Some cell sorter operations may require wearing personal protective equipment, like an N95 respirator, while working in the lab for multiple consecutive hours. Occasional evening or weekend hours may be required to support urgent experimental timelines or instrument maintenance.

Summary of Health Risks

Position involves some physical activity, such as equipment setup, reagent handling, and light lifting (≤50 lbs.). The MSU Flow Cytometry Core is a BSL-2 laboratory and includes working with a diversity of materials, including bacterial, human, or animal samples. Some cell sorter operations may require wearing personal protective equipment, like an N95 respirator, while working in the lab for multiple consecutive hours. Occasional evening or weekend hours may be required to support urgent experimental timelines or instrument maintenance.

Website

https://phmtox.msu.edu/

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.