Job Description
We are seeking an experienced Flow Cytometry Leader to head the Flow Cytometry Facility, providing high‑quality, high‑throughput cytometry support across Discovery and Biotherapeutics programmes. This is a senior scientific role combining hands-on technical expertise, facility leadership, and strategic capability development in a drug discovery environment.
This is an excellent opportunity for a highly skilled cytometrist to shape scientific direction, mentor teams, and drive innovation within a global, science‑led organization.
Key ResponsibilitiesScientific & Technical Leadership
* Lead the operation, development, and strategic growth of the Flow Cytometry Facility
* Design, optimise, and validate complex multi‑parameter flow cytometry panels (analysis and sorting)
* Develop novel assay formats to meet emerging discovery and biotherapeutics needs
* Provide expert guidance on experimental design, marker selection, gating strategies, and data interpretation
* Act as technical lead for flow cytometry in internal, external, and vendor collaborations
* Support discovery drug pipeline programmes, including immunology and preclinical assay development
Instrumentation & Technology
* Oversee performance of all flow cytometers and cell sorters, including daily QC, calibration, troubleshooting, and maintenance
* Coordinate service support and manage instrument uptime and reliability
* Evaluate, implement, and integrate new cytometry technologies (e.g. spectral, high‑parameter, imaging flow cytometry)
* Lead procurement of new instrumentation and software, including CAPEX justification and budget planning
Facility Management & People Leadership
* Develop and deliver training programmes for users at all experience levels
* Mentor and coach scientific staff and junior cytometry specialists
* Supervise facility staff and coordinate team workflows where applicable
* Establish and maintain SOPs, documentation standards, and quality records
* Drive continuous improvement, automation, and workflow optimisation
* Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and biosafety requirements
Data, Software & Digital Systems
* Act as an expert user of FlowJo and advanced analysis tools
* Oversee secure data management, traceability, and retrieval of cytometry datasets
* Identify and implement software or platform upgrades to improve insight and efficiency
Collaboration & Communication
* Clearly communicate scientific data, strategy, and facility updates to stakeholders
* Represent flow cytometry at internal leadership forums and cross‑site technical groups
* Provide technical input to business development, proposals, client discussions, and scientific scoping
Qualifications & Experience Essential
* MSc in a relevant scientific discipline (or equivalent experience)
* Extensive hands-on flow cytometry experience in research or drug discovery
* Proven expertise in multi‑colour panel design, optimisation, analysis, and cell sorting
* Strong background in QC, troubleshooting, and instrument management
* Experience leading, mentoring, and training scientific teams
* Excellent communication and influencing skills
* Ability to work on site in Portishead, with flexibility for external engagement as needed