Research Flow Cytometry Technologist I
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Boston, MA
Full-Time

Primarily technical position, incumbent will work in the area of the DFCI Flow Cytometry Facility performing immunophenotyping as well as cell sorting. Samples may include bone marrow, peripheral blood stem cells, cord blood, tumor as well as other biological components. Must adhere to the applicable regulations & standards established by DFCI, EH&S, and International Society of Analytical Cytology (ISAC). Responsibilities include the operation, calibration and maintenance of flow cytometer and related equipment, data acquisition, analysis, and documentation of results. Participates in the development and validation of new procedures and tests in the laboratory. Maintenance of required regulatory documentation and participation in QC/QA/ activities.

Requirements
Technical Duties and Responsibilities:

• Operation and maintenance of fluorescence-activated cell analyzer and cell sorters including: data acquisition for patient and research samples, calibration, preventative maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Operation and maintenance of cytometer-related computer hardware and software.
• Preparation and immunophenotyping of human cellular products for use in research protocols according to lab procedures.
• Preparation and maintenance of cytometry-related reagents.
• Data analysis, documentation and maintenance of test results according to lab procedures.
• Perform tests using SOP involving multiple methodologies. These may include automated, semi-automated or manual technologies.
• Prepares cellular products for biological standards.
• Performs cell culture & aseptic technique for cell sorting.
• Review and retrieve samples for special studies or additional testing.
• Accurately produce and document the processing data.
• Achieve expected results within established turnaround times for cell sorting  products that support research care goals.
• Detect, troubleshoot, and correct instrument, reagent, and system failures.
• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance of equipment and instrumentation. Identify the need for repair or referral as required. Calibrate equipment as scheduled.
• Evaluates/troubleshoots problems related to product analysis and preparation. Communicates outcomes to appropriate supervisors.
• Evaluate test results & analyze an assay for acceptability.
• Other duties and procedures as required or assigned.

QA/QC/Regulatory Duties and Responsibilities:

• Performs quality control duties.
• Perform and document QC/QA activities as defined in policies & SOPs. 
• Participate in validation of new instruments & methods.
• Examine existing processes and problems and continuously look for ways to improve them. Appropriate follow up & documentation .
• Participate in development of new procedures and continuous improvement activities.
• Perform & report proficiency & competency testing as required.
• Maintains records of procedures and resultant data, both manually and on computer.
• Work within the Flow Cytometry Core guidelines and adheres to all regulatory standards within the Flow Cytometry Core Facility.
• Maintains and prepares laboratory work records.
• Ability to enter & retrieve data from computer databases & spreadsheets.
• Other general administrative duties as required.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities:

• Foster adherence to safety compliance and exemplifies proper behavior in this regard.
• Attend safety training as required. Safety compliance: follow institution's safety procedures, wear PPE. Know, understand & adhere to all safety standards, i.e., emergency preparedness, chemical, infectious agents & radioactive hazards.
• Adhere to department and section staffing assignments and "on-call" protocols with respect to bench work and other responsibilities.
• Professional Development: Annual CE & competency. Participates in the introduction and evaluation of new procedures, supplies and equipment.
• Use resources (supplies, time, and people) in a responsible cost-effective manner.
• Organize and prioritize multiple technical tasks with max efficiency and minimal waste.
• Assume responsibility to assist others in the lab on a regular basis.

Qualifications

• BS/BA in a Biological Science, Medical Technology or related field preferred.  Minimum 0-2 year experience in a research flow cytometry laboratory setting is strongly preferred.  
• Experience or exposure to operating flow cytometers and/or Fluorescence-Activated cell sorters preferred not required.
• Experience operating flow cytometers and/or Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorters preferred not required.
• Experience preferred not required. with data acquisition, data analysis, data presentation and documentation.
• Position requires an ongoing commitment to upgrading job skills. Must be able to work closely with others & possess solid interpersonal & communication skills.
• Capable of working in a fast-paced environment; effective in a diverse work group; willing to work in a rapidly changing work unit.
• Able to work independently on off-shifts, capable of handling stress of producing accurate results under time constraints; willing to accommodate schedule adjustments, as well as off-shift and weekend assignments as workload dictates.
• Must possess good judgment, problem solving and analytical skills.
• Experience with operation & troubleshooting of lab instrumentation and assay systems is desirable.
• The ability to be flexible & adaptable to changing technology.
• Ability to use a wide variety of analytical techniques and instrumentation.
• Requires attention to detail and interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with staff and physicians.
• Adherence to practices for good sterile technique.
• Good analytical reasoning & ability to perform complex mathematical calculations using scientific notation.
• Must be able to work independently. Excellent interpersonal skills are necessary.
• Biological Research experience, culture lab experience preferred but not required.
• General lab skills and knowledge of lab safety and infection control.
• Knowledge & understanding of the policies & procedures of the lab.
• Knowledge of the lab equipment and ability to interact with employees and management.
• Must be familiar with operation & performance of basic lab equipment, i.e., centrifuge, microscopes, program incubators, etc.
• Good technical skills, able to make sound judgment, good problem solving and analytical skills.

For more information and to apply, please visit: https://careers.dana-farber.org/flow-cyto-research-tech

About Dana-Farber Cancer Institute:
Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute brings together world renowned clinicians, innovative researchers and dedicated professionals, allies in the common mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS and related diseases. Combining extremely talented people with the best technologies in a genuinely positive environment, we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all ages; we conduct research that advances treatment; we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers; we reach out to underserved members of our community; and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other groups as protected by law.