"SEA Flow Cytometrist/Microscopist"

Position Summary:

The SEA Flow Cytometrist/Microscopist is responsible for the management, maintenance, and operation of specialized scientific research equipment in the flow cytometry and optical microscopy core lab facilities for the Office of Research, through the Shared Equipment Authority (SEA). As part of the biological instrumentation and optical microscopy staff teams, this position coordinates these responsibilities with other SEA research scientists and provides support to other SEA facilities as needed.

Ideal Candidate Statement:

The ideal candidate is a highly skilled research scientist with extensive hands-on experience in flow cytometry (including spectral/conventional flow cytometers, analyzers/sorters, and data analysis software such as FlowJo) and optical microscopy instrumentation (including wide-field, confocal, and super-resolution microscopy, as well as Imaris image and data processing/analysis software). Under the supervision of the core facility manager, the research scientist's core responsibilities include operating, maintaining, and optimizing instruments; providing user consultation and training; supporting experimental design; troubleshooting instruments; ensuring quality control; processing and interpreting data; and coordinating the use of shared equipment. The successful candidate will ensure adherence to institutional laboratory safety policies and regulatory requirements while supporting a broad range of investigator-driven research programs.
This individual excels in a service-oriented, collaborative environment, demonstrating strong technical expertise, meticulous attention to detail, and a commitment to equipment stewardship, user education, and adherence to research best practices. They communicate effectively with faculty, staff, students, and trainees at all levels, work independently while contributing to team-based core operations, and remain motivated to stay current with emerging technologies to enhance the core's research capabilities.

Workplace Requirements:

This position is a full-time on-campus role, requiring all duties to be performed in person at Rice University. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Hiring Range:

$63,100 - $80,400
*Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.*

Minimum Requirements:

• Master's degree in a relevant science or engineering field (biology, biochemistry, bioengineering, etc.)
• 2+ years of hands-on experience with maintenance, training, and operations for flow cytometers, optical microscopes, and other biosciences and bioengineering research instruments

Skills:

• Broad-based knowledge of science with focused experience in an applicable research area and associated research equipment
• Ability to critically evaluate scientific literature and integrate approved findings into the knowledge base
• Ability to troubleshoot malfunctioning equipment
• Knowledge of mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems
• Excellent critical thinking, research, and technical skills
• Excellent editing, presentation, verbal, and written communication skills, and the ability to communicate with a wide range of researchers, faculty, staff, and students, including both technical and nontechnical individuals
• Willingness to work autonomously as well as collaboratively with other staff and faculty
• Strong project management and time management skills
• Commitment to promoting best practices in a research lab
• Proven high degree of skill with instrumentation and ability to learn quickly and master new experimental methods

Preferences:

• Ph.D. in a relevant science or engineering field
• 5 years of hands-on experience with maintenance, training, and operations for flow cytometers, optical microscopes, and other biosciences and bioengineering research instruments
• Specialist in Cytometry (SCYM) certification

Essential Functions:

• Responsible for the full life cycle of assigned research equipment, including assisting with negotiation of technical specifications for new research equipment, overseeing vendor installation, operating, maintaining, troubleshooting, consulting with vendors regarding repairs, overseeing repairs as appropriate, and facilitating routine maintenance of the equipment
• Provides instruction on instrument usage to undergraduates, graduates, postdoctoral fellows, faculty, and external users; performs brief demonstrations
• Develops standard processes and provides expert consultation to researchers for process issues
• Participates in research experiments/projects as requested or required
• Provides training when specialized techniques are needed for research; works as necessary with individuals in performing experiments, interpreting results, determining next steps, and writing results for publication
• Stays abreast of the latest technological advances in research and informs faculty and stakeholders of new methodologies; pursues implementation of new techniques needed for research on existing instrumentation
• Promotes and enhances lab safety culture
• Follows best practices of a shared lab research facility
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Additional Functions:

• Works in conjunction with PIs to prepare grant proposals for research equipment acquisition to improve research programs
• Performs various administrative functions, including but not limited to attending internal/external meetings, issuing/tracking scientific equipment usage and fee charges to necessary parties, and maintaining security access control to research labs

Special Instructions to Applicants:
All interested applicants should attach a resume in the Supporting Documents section of the application, preferably in a PDF format to avoid any formatting issues.