Position Description
Senior Flow Cytometry Scientist
Translational Research Institute, Brisbane
1. Background
The Translational Research Institute (TRI) is a leading Australian medical research, development, and translation facility. It is home to a broad range of cutting-edge research into cancer, chronic diseases, mental health conditions, immunology, genetics and more. TRI’s priority is partnering scientific development with clinicians and the MedTech sector to ensure new discoveries progress quickly and improve patient outcomes and commercial return. To this end, TRI is at the interface of science, medicine, and industry. Our vision is Exceptional Science, Healthier Lives.
Situated on the Princess Alexandra Hospital precinct, TRI is a joint venture between Queensland Health, The University of Queensland, the Queensland University of Technology and Mater Research.
TRI houses more than 1000 leading researchers, support staff and students and has a community of biotech and med-tech start-up companies as well as industry bodies located on its campus. The Institute has two clinical trial facilities, one based at the PA Hospital and the other at the Centre for Children’s Health Research next to the Children’s Hospital.
2. TRI Vision and Values
TRI will be a global leader in effective translation of research and innovation into improved healthcare and increased income and jobs for Australia. The TRI vision is achieved through a values-driven corporate culture focused on collaboration to achieve excellence. Our values are:
Leadership: | Our actions will shape a healthier world |
Integrity: | We do the right thing. Always |
Knowledge: | Through sharing, we empower innovation |
Excellence: | We strive for exceptional outcomes |
Collaboration: | Together we’re better |
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3. Position Purpose
Reporting to the TRI Core Facilities Manager, the Senior Flow Cytometry Scientist will provide specialist research management advice and technical support for TRI flow cytometry research activities.
This role is responsible for managing shared flow cytometry instruments such as Aria/Astrios sorters, FACSymphonyA5 , Cytek Aurora, Fortessa X-20, Cytoflex-S and AMNIS ImageStream analysis instruments, ensuring the facility equipment is properly operated and maintained, and the provision of equipment training to TRI research staff and students.
The Senior Flow Cytometry Scientist also provides support to researchers including technical consultation on research/study experimental design and data processing, through to publication and prospecting for new technologies when they become available.
The Senior Flow Cytometry Scientist works closely with other TRI facilities to provide key services in the translational research platform approach for the TRI Shareholder Institutes. The Senior Flow Cytometry Scientist implements guidelines and regulations for the TRI safety management plan, including WH&S audits, the maintenance of standard laboratory operating procedures, and risk assessment documentation.
The Senior Flow Cytometry Scientist works with both TRI staff and staff from the Shareholder institutions who share the commitment to excellence in customer service. The Senior Flow Cytometry Scientist must be highly organised, detail orientated and motivated to learn new skills in a varied research setting that will benefit the researchers in TRI.
4. Key Accountabilities
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Flow Cytometry Scientist include but are not limited to:
Facility Management
• Manage budget expenditure within delegated financial responsibility levels.
• Supervise and provide day-to-day leadership for other facility staff as required.
• Assist the Core Facilities Manager (“CFM”) in the development and implementation of the facility strategic plan.
• Liaise with the CFM and Academic Lead regarding benchmarking, standard operating procedures, equipment maintenance, equipment replacement, and grant applications.
• Assist the CFM with ensuring that facility KPI’s are met.
• Collaborate with the CFM and other Facility staff to facilitate cost effectiveness and provide value for money for all users; and
• Attend user group meetings and communicate regularly with the designated Academic Lead and provide the CFM with information as required in a timely manner.
Operations
• Ensure the cytometers are operating effectively; at or above the QC standards set for the instrumentation by the manufacturer.
• Maintain ‘hands-on’ practical instrument operation skills for all instruments to maximise the service quality, efficiency and effectiveness of the equipment.
• Implement new applications, novel experiments and procedures as driven by user requirements.
• Undertake flow cytometry research that will provide enhancement of knowledge and provision of cytometric techniques to TRI researchers.
• Maintain up to date knowledge of the latest equipment, research, and techniques in flow cytometry.
• Maintain equipment and the flow cytometry facilities infrastructure in compliance with regulations standards, procedures, and policies, in line with TRI facilities maintenance and WHS requirements.
• Liaise with the CFM to ensure rapid resolution of any issues, incidences, breakdowns, and provide high quality communication with researchers leading to minimal down time and impact on the research/researchers; and
• Provide equitable access to facility services across shareholders.
Services
• Provide and oversee the provision of high-quality cell sorting as a service for researchers in TRI.
• Assist with cell sorting and cytometric analysis using all the cytometry facility equipment.
• Provide expert knowledge and assistance for research experimental design and data analysis/interpretation for all users.
Training
• Coordinate and provide access and training on the instruments in the facility to all researchers requiring access to the facility.
• Undertake appropriate relevant training, attending meetings, workshops, and conferences.
• Provide training and support for researchers:
- in the operation of the equipment in the flow cytometry facility.
- in the preparation and handling of samples and development of standard techniques.
- in the development of specialised techniques.
- in the use of quantitative analysis tools and techniques; and
• Provide training and support for facility staff development.
Communication and Customer Service
• Facilitate open and effective communication with users (eg. for training, facility initiatives or service disruptions).
• Liaise with company representatives and instrument engineers.
• Liaise with other flow cytometry facilities in university and medical research institutes enabling knowledge exchange.
• Communicate with the wider TRI community and externally about the services available in the facility and the research possibilities.
• Have a high standard of customer service; and
• Participate in facility open days and other marketing strategies for the facility.
Work Health and Safety
• Ensure compliance with all requirements of Queensland Work Health and Safety (WHS) regulations as they apply to the role.
• Ensure compliance with all other standards and regulations as they apply to TRI (e.g., OGTR, animal ethics, human ethics) and TRI policies and procedures.
• Ensure any unsafe conditions, accidents or incidents are reported via the TRI Accident and Incident reporting module to the WHS Manager.
• Comply with the TRI Code of Conduct and other policies and procedures.
• Ensure that the flow cytometers are operated safely, emphasizing laser, mechanical, electrical, and infectious agent safety.
• Maintain a risk register and SOP register for the facilities equipment training and procedures;
• Assist with audits (including assets, waste disposal, WHS, DAg Biosecurity, OGTR, chemicals).
Other
• Be available to work after hours, including weekends, from time to time; and
• Other duties as required by the CFM.
5. Reporting Relationships
The position reports to the Core Facilities Manager. There is a small diverse team of experienced Flow Cytometry specialists that report to the Senior Flow Cytometry Scientist.
6. Selection Criteria - Experience, Skills, Abilities and Knowledge, Qualifications
Experience
• Experience in a scientific role within a research environment, with experience in the application of flow cytometry techniques to biomedical or preclinical research projects.
• Experience managing a small team
• A proven research track record and significant experience within a flow cytometry facility with similar equipment would be desirable
Skills, Abilities and Knowledge
• Practical knowledge of cell sorting and multi-colour cell analysis technologies.
• Practical knowledge of flow cytometric data analysis software, such as FACSDiVa, Kaluza, FlowJo, SpectroFlow, ISX and IDEAS, for data acquisition, processing, and presentation.
• Knowledge of research environment and PC2,3 awareness and requirements.
• Working knowledge in experimental design method implementation and documentation and data analysis; and
• Practical knowledge in flow cytometry experimental design, method implementation and documentation
• Practical knowledge in the development of advanced flow cytometry techniques
• Knowledge of techniques for Molecular Biology, Tissue Culture, Hematology, Immunology and Cell Biology.
• Knowledge of relevant WHS, OGTR legislative requirements and other standards associated with working in this type of facility.
• Ability to communicate clearly, teaching skills, with the ability to introduce flow cytometric techniques to both experienced and novice researchers.
• Highly motivated with demonstrated initiative.
• Ability to work in a flexible, well-organised and efficient manner.
• High level of attention to detail.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, including supervising others.
• Ability to liaise effectively and relate well to research staff and students; and
• Methodical approach to problem solving.
Qualifications
• BSc (Hons)/MSc or PhD in a relevant discipline, with subsequent relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training.
• Member of appropriate professional flow cytometry body such as the Australian Flow Cytometry Group or the International Society for Advanced Cytometry is desirable.
Applications
To apply for this position, candidates must submit a cover letter addressing the selection criteria with a current resume quoting job reference 1491.
Applications to be emailed to careers@tri.edu.au by no later than 9:00 am Monday 3 October 2022 AEST
