Senior Scientist, Cell Sorting immunologist

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Job Title: Senior Scientist, Cell Sorting immunologistLocation: London (Francis Crick Institute)Job Type: 6 months temporary contract

Agencies: We will only work with recruitment partners on our preferred supplier list and will not engage with speculative CVs submitted.

Are you passionate about making life science life changing and delivering impact for patients? We want to hear from you.

About the role:

Please note this is a temporary position based at the Francis Crick Institute.

We are enhancing our single B-cell-based antibody discovery platform, and as part of this development, we have a team of experts based at the Francis Crick Institute in London. The team has already established transgenic mice immunizations and single B-cell sorting protocols. We are seeking a highly motivated and well-organised flow cytometry sorting Senior Scientist (or scientist, band 2) with a proven background in multi-parameter analysis and single cell sorting to join our expanding Antibody Discovery team at LifeArc. The successful candidate will primarily run single B-cell sorting experiments, including complex data analysis to support various antibody discovery projects. The position will be at the Francis Crick Institute in London, but you will work closely with Scientists within our Biologics Discovery and Development team at Stevenage. Other responsibilities will include running routine maintenance procedures, troubleshooting the cell sorting equipment, reporting data, and training new users. Expertise in in-vivo mouse experiments with immunisation techniques and cellular assays is an added advantage.

About you, you will:

• Independently run single cell sorting for antibody discovery project protocols, including troubleshooting flow cytometry instruments and experimental data
• Design and prepare multi-parameter and multi-colour-stained samples
• Perform in-depth analysis of flow cytometric data, including visualisation and presentation of large data sets
• Prepare primary immune cells, mainly B cells, from various mouse tissues
• Contribute to the development of new operating procedures.
• Coordinate work with other members of the Antibody Discovery team collaboratively
• Summarise, interpret and present the results (both verbally and in writing) and validate the interpretation of data and conclusions
• Excellent communication with Project Leaders/Line Managers to ensure the project is sufficiently resourced and achieves its goals according to the project plan.
• Visiting the Stevenage research facility regularly for project meetings and other occasions as required
• Demonstrate, maintain, and share knowledge of current scientific literature and developments in your area of expertise
• If required, coordinates workflow, develops team member capabilities, sets annual objectives, etc.
• Lead on part of assigned project rationale
• Input into and deliver to schedules of work and deadlines, as determined by project requirements
• Work within set processes and protocols
• Execute research using novel or modified experimental techniques or methodologies
• Independently solve new and complex problems by evaluating a range of approaches
• Define blocks of activity for self and team members where applicable, within a project and monitor progress according to project plan.

Education & experience required:

• PhD in a relevant branch of biosciences or highly relevant extensive laboratory experience in cellular immunology and the expertise listed above
• Experience in an academic core facility or biotech company, including sorting a wide variety of cell types
• In-depth technical knowledge of flow cytometry standards, protocols, best practices, and sorting instrumentation
• Current or previous Home Office personal licence holder (modules A-B) or equivalent qualification will be a great advantage
• Strong and proven experience in multi-colour flow cytometry, especially with single-cell sorting.

Skills & abilities:

• An excellent record of scientific productivity proportional to the applicant's career
• Familiarity with various flow analysis software (e.g., FlowJo, FCS express, or FACS Diva)
• Background knowledge in immunology
• Meticulous attention to detail and a proven ability to critically assess data and solve technical issues
• Ability to identify errors, troubleshoot, and implement novel QC procedures
• Versatility to work on different collaborative projects and ability to adapt to changing priorities
• Ability to work independently on assigned tasks and in small teams
• Desire to learn new skills and techniques
• Evidence of building collaborative relationships.
• Adaptability in adjusting to changing priorities.

Desirable:

• Related practical lab experience in a Pharmaceutical, Biotech, or Contract Research Organization or academic laboratory environment working directly in flow cytometry.
• Experience with BD FACS Aria Fusion would be an advantage.
• Experience preparing immune cells from tissues for sorting
• Experience in B-cell and plasma cell isolation and handling
• Experimental in vivo skills, in particular with immunisation procedures in a variety of species, including mouse would be an advantage
• Proficient in MS Office Suite, including experience in data presentation and statistical analyses.
• Evidence of effective management of students, technicians, or other team members

About us:

At LifeArc, our ambition is to make life science life changing. We do this by advancing scientific discoveries beyond the lab, faster, so that they can shape the next generation of diagnostics, treatments, and cures.

Working at the cutting edge of translational science and as the early-stage translation specialists, we progress scientific discoveries on their journey to becoming a medicine, diagnostic or intervention that improve patients' lives. Our work begins by seeking out innovative science, then helping to develop this to a point where there is a clinical and commercial pathway for others to invest the time and money to take it further forward.

What we can offer you:

Focused on finding life changing solutions for underserved patients, our people thrive in an inclusive, and supportive environment that prioritises their health and wellbeing. Our multidisciplinary approach guarantees our people growth opportunities, while our culture of innovation and collaboration drives the impact we make delivering on our purpose of 'putting patients at the centre of everything we do'.

We are dedicated to creating a diverse, flexible, equitable and happy work environment so our colleagues can thrive as their truest selves. We act with courage, curiosity, care & commitment to deliver quality & excellence for our patients and each other Join us, and you'll be given the scope to develop your professional skills and experience in a safe, supportive and challenging environment

Salary will be determined by qualifications and experience along with other exceptional benefits. Because we understand everyone has different requirements, our flexible benefits allow you to choose those which are important to you. Our pension scheme offers employer contributions of up to 12%, private health insurance, and annual leave of 31 days PLUS bank holidays (annual leave and bank holidays pro-rated based on the length of your contract).

Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people from minority ethnic backgrounds, for example, are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At LifeArc we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so whatever your background or lived experience, if you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. Our top priority is finding the best candidate, and you may be just right for this or other roles.

We all have potential. At LifeArc, you'll discover what you can really do with it.