Job Description

Reference: 630191Posted: 2026-08-21Location: Redwood City, CaliforniaCompany: Planet Pharma GroupContact: ApplicationsEmail: applications@staffingfuture.comSenior Research Associate, Cancer ImmunologyThe Opportunity:As a key member of our Cancer Immunology team in this lab-based role, you will serve as the primary point of contact for flow cytometry operations – responsible for the following:Managing flow cytometer instruments:Perform daily startup, quality control (QC), routine maintenance, and performance verification of flow cytometers and cell sorter.Troubleshoot instrument issues and coordinate repairs and preventative maintenance with external vendors as needed.Maintain inventories of instrument consumables and reagents.Performing routine flow cytometry assays.Execute sample preparation and acquisition workflows, including sample handling, processing, and staining, in compliance with established SOPs.Perform antibody titrations to optimize staining conditions for new and existing panels, and support spectral panel optimization, including fluorophore selection and spectral unmixing.Perform data acquisition and analysis.Optimize sample preparation, staining, and acquisition methods.Providing technical support.Train new users on instrument startup, QC procedures, sample acquisition, and best laboratory practices.Assist scientists with experimental design and flow cytometry workflows.Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for instrument operation and flow cytometry assays.Manage flow cytometer instrument data, including storage, backup, and export of flow cytometry files.Monitor and evaluate emerging flow cytometry technologies, reagents, and workflows to maintain up-to-date knowledge of novel dyes, fluorochromes, instrumentation, and assay standards.Manage flow cytometry core calendaring.Required Skills, Experience and Education:Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree in Science with 3+ years of experience in a cell biology/cellular assay development role. Title will be adjusted according to experience.Deep expertise with multi-color spectral flow cytometry assays.High proficiency in designing high-parameter flow panels and running experiments independently, including sample handling, cell staining, and data acquisition and analysis.Highly organized and proactive, with a demonstrated ability to identify opportunities to improve laboratory workflows and operational efficiency.Rigorous and quantitative approach, strong attention to detail, and excellent record-keeping skills.Excellent written and verbal communication skills to facilitate collaboration with project and departmental teams.Innovative, proactive team player who thrives in a fast-paced drug discovery and development environment.Preferred Skills:Prior experience as a Flow Cytometry core manager.Prior experience working with Cytek Aurora flow cytometer and SH800S sorter.Hands-on experience with primary immune cells, including human PBMC handling, isolation and differentiation.Immuno-oncology assays including immune cell phenotypic and functional characterization by flow cytometry (T cell proliferation, suppression and killing assays, antigen presentation assays, phagocytosis assays, etc.).Prior experience utilizing electronic laboratory notebooks.

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