LKCMedicine is a joint medical school between Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and Imperial College London. Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine (LKCMedicine) is recruiting a Research Assistant/Associate for Flow Cytometry Facility.
The Flow Cytometry Facility in-charge will oversee the daily operations of the flow cytometry core facility. This role involves managing and maintaining flow cytometry instruments, providing training and support to researchers, developing and implementing standard operating procedures, and ensuring high-quality data output. The manager will also be responsible for budgeting, ordering supplies, and coordinating with other departments to facilitate research projects.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Facility Management
- Oversee Daily Operations: Ensure smooth day-to-day running of the flow cytometry facility, coordinating activities and managing workflows.
- Implement SOPs: Develop, implement, and regularly update standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistency and quality in all processes.
- Safety Compliance: Ensure the facility complies with all relevant safety regulations and guidelines, conducting regular safety audits and training sessions.
2. Instrument Maintenance
- Routine Maintenance: Schedule and perform routine maintenance on all flow cytometry instruments to ensure they operate at peak performance.
- Troubleshooting and Repairs: Diagnose and resolve technical issues promptly, coordinating with external vendors for advanced repairs when necessary.
- Calibration: Regularly calibrate instruments to ensure accurate and reliable data.
3. Technical Support and Training
- User Support: Provide technical support to users, assisting with instrument operation, troubleshooting, and optimizing experiments.
- Training Programs: Develop and conduct training programs for new and existing users, ensuring they are proficient in using the equipment and following SOPs.
- Resource Development: Create and maintain user manuals, online tutorials, and other training materials.
4. Data Management and Analysis
- Data Acquisition: Assist users with data acquisition, ensuring proper instrument settings and procedures are followed.
- Data Quality Control: Implement quality control measures to ensure the integrity and reproducibility of data.
- Data Analysis Support: Provide guidance and support for data analysis, helping users interpret and process their results.
5. Administrative Duties
- Budget Management: Manage the facility’s budget, including tracking expenses, purchasing supplies, and forecasting future financial needs.
- Billing and Reporting: Manage billing for facility usage, ensuring accurate and timely invoicing. Prepare and present reports on facility performance and usage.
- Resource Allocation: Efficiently allocate resources, including staff, time, and equipment, to meet the needs of users and projects.
6. Collaboration and Research Support
- Research Collaboration: Collaborate with researchers to design and optimize experiments, providing expert advice on flow cytometry applications.
- Grant and Publication Support: Assist researchers in preparing grant proposals and publications by providing necessary data and technical expertise.
- Stay Updated: Keep abreast of advancements in flow cytometry technology and methodologies, ensuring the facility remains cutting-edge.
7. User Relations and Communication
- User Engagement: Maintain open and effective communication with users to understand their needs and gather feedback for continuous improvement.
- Workshops and Seminars: Organize and conduct workshops, seminars, and user meetings to share knowledge, address common issues, and foster a collaborative environment.
8. Strategic Planning
- Facility Development: Plan and implement strategies for the growth and development of the facility, including equipment upgrades and service expansion.
- Innovation and Improvement: Continuously seek opportunities for innovation and improvement in facility operations and services.
Key Competencies and Requirements:
Educational Qualification(s)
- Bachelor or Master’s in Immunology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, or a related field.
Knowledge Required
- Extensive experience in flow cytometry.
Relevant Experience
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in flow cytometry, including experience with cell sorting and data analysis.
- Previous experience managing a core facility or laboratory is highly desirable.
Skills & Competencies
- Proficiency in using flow cytometry software (e.g., FlowJo, FACS Diva, etc).
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills for interacting with researchers and staff.
- Knowledge of biosafety and regulatory requirements for working with biological samples.
Other Personal Attributes
- Positive working attitude and a mind for problem solving
Responsibilities may evolve over time to meet the changing needs of the organization.
