Description
:
Deputy Lead (FC) in the Flow Cytometry STP
Reports to: Head of Flow Cytometry Science Technology Platform
This is a full-time, permanent position on Crick terms and conditions of employment.
OVERVIEW
The Francis Crick Institute is a partnership between Cancer Research UK, the Medical Research Council, the Wellcome Trust, University College London, Imperial College London and King's College London. It is a registered charity whose purpose is to conduct biomedical research into all aspects of human health and disease.
The Crick is a world-leading centre of biomedical research and innovation. It promotes connections between researchers and disciplines and between academic institutions, healthcare organisations and businesses. Dedicated to research excellence, the Crick has the scale, vision, and expertise to tackle the most challenging scientific questions underpinning health and disease. It is world-class with a strong national role, training scientists and developing ideas for public good. The Crick is located in a purpose-built research centre in Midland Road, St. Pancras and houses around 1,500 staff.
There are 17 Science Technology Platforms at the Crick, providing scientists with unparalleled support to help them streamline their research and achieve their research goals faster. The Flow Cytometry Science Technology Platform (FC STP) provides the equipment and expertise necessary to analyse and sort cells and image tissues at high content. Specialising in sorting and analysis, in both traditional and spectral methodologies. As well as fluorochrome probes, the STP uses isotope labelled antibodies for high dimensional single cell analysis and high dimensional tissue imaging. The platform collaborates with over 90% of the Crick research groups. Collaborations cover research themes including cell biology, infection, immunity, cancer biology, neuroscience, developmental biology, and biomaterials.
The main core of the FC team consists of 11 experienced cytometrists working closely with research groups at the Crick to plan, optimise and implement flow cytometry experiments. The STP operates at biological containment level (CL) 1, 2 and 3 offering analysis and sorting at each level. The FC STP has 14 analysers and 8 sorters at CL1, 1 analyser and 2 sorters at CL2 and 2 analysers and 2 sorters at CL3. To increase capacity and help empower Crick scientists to become expert in their flow cytometry assays, ‘superusers’ from research labs are trained and supported to perform their own analysis and sorting experiments. In addition, the Flow STP has a mass cytometry and mass imaging (MCMI) suite lead by a deputy and made up of 3 Hyperion imagers and a high throughput XT instrument for single cell work. The MCMI team collaborates with our scientists adding their expertise to projects and helping our scientists design panels and acquire mass cytometry and imaging data. The team have expertise in experimental design, high dimensional analysis, and antibody heavy metal conjugation which they do as part of the collaboration.
The FC STP employs a wide range of flow and imaging techniques, image analysis for both mass and flow imaging cytometry and data analysis. We also have expertise in high dimensional and spectral analysis. We use FloJo and FACSExpress for general flow cytometry analysis, Cytobank, R and OMIQ for high dimensional analysis and Cell Profiler and Fiji for image analysis.
SUMMARY
The position of ‘Deputy Lead (FC) – Flow Cytometry Science Technology Platform’ will work within the FC STP to deliver a world-leading imaging facility for Crick research scientists. The role reports to the FC STP Lead, and together the Lead and Deputy Lead of the MCMI will have shared responsibility for the day-to-day operational management of sorting and analysis. This includes oversight of STP strategy, research projects, staff resource, collaborations, technology development, translation, symposia, community initiatives, grant funding, lab space, health and safety, instruments, workflows, procurement, training, demos, and workshops. The Deputy Lead (FC) will also work closely with the Deputy Lead (MCMI) to supply CL3 Sorting and analysis to Crick researchers.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
The allocation of key responsibilities between the Lead and the Deputy Lead (FC) will be tailored considering the skills, experience, and preferences of the successful candidate. The key responsibilities of the Deputy Lead (FC) may therefore include:
Support the STP Lead in management of a state-of-the-art science technology platform to deliver cutting edge flow cytometry and imaging cytometry for Crick researchers. Deliver cytometry science for research projects: produce high quality and timely results for multiple research groups, from initial consultation through to helping sample processing, data acquisition and data interpretation. Day-to-day management of the operations specialists within the team, who collectively operate and maintain rooms and equipment; organise assisted sorting; deliver training programmes for staff and super users; and oversee service engineers and technical support. Manage administrative processes, including identifying and introducing new systems and processes to improve administration within the STP Implement and monitor health and safety processes, develop lab protocols, SOPs, and risk assessments. Support the STP Lead in formulation of grant proposals for instrument acquisition, oversight of the procurement process, management of the installation of new equipment. Engage with technology development projects within the FC STP. Organise meetings and workshops to deliver training in cytometry techniques and technologies for the wider cytometry community. Participate in national and international FC community initiatives. Maintain continuing professional development in the cytometry field and in relevant scientific areas through attending scientific meetings, seminars and keeping abreast of the relevant literature. Communicate science to a wider scientific and general audience through talks and events. Support and promote education and equality, diversity and inclusion initiatives.
KEY EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES
The post holder should embody and demonstrate our core Crick values - bold, imaginative, open, dynamic and collegial, in addition to the following…
Essential:
Technical Experience
A PhD or equivalent experience in biological sciences. Extensive knowledge of all aspects of FC. A record of delivery of high-quality cytometry science projects for a broad range of life and/or clinical science researchers. Experience of a wide range of FC techniques, including high dimensional analysis, image analysis, complex assay development such as FRET assays or chromosome sorting. Experience of instrument modifications including laser alignments, altering fluidics, changing detectors and electronic components. Experience of a broad range of manual sorter setups and automated analysis techniques such as image analysis for FC.
Operational Experience
Significant experience of operational management of a flow cytometry core technology facility as a lead, deputy, or alternative senior role in a university or research institute, providing an outstanding service to researchers with high levels of user satisfaction and scientific excellence. Proven track record of daily management and troubleshooting of core facility operations and delivery, including implementation of the highest standards of health and safety, maintenance of rooms and supplies, support for super users, and instrument maintenance. Experience of managing the STP-industry interface, including experience of procurement, tenders, instrument installation, and interaction with service teams to minimise instrument downtime. Experience of financial and resource management, grant preparation and management, and budgetary responsibility. Experience of designing and delivering high quality training programmes.
Project Management Skills:
Act as a point-of-contact for user requests, ensuring that queries are managed and followed-up accordingly. Work with the STP Lead to develop and implement processes to communicate with users effectively with regards to capabilities, equipment availability, timelines, costs and training availability. Ensure information on CrickNet with regards to the STP is clear and up to date. Provide expert consultation across a range of technology applications for experimental biomedical research. Ensure appropriate documentation and records are kept, investigating and developing improvements where needed. Ensure high-quality results are delivered and assist in the provision of expert analysis and interpretation of these data. Develop methods to track and monitor key performance indicators to measure success. Horizon scanning new technologies to provide state of the art customer support. Stay informed on project management and/or customer services principles and processes that might be beneficial for the functioning of the STP. Ensure the STP works within a budget, driving efficiencies and optimisations where needed.
People Management Skills
Experience of team leadership, including motivation of staff, delegation, objective-setting, constructive feedback, performance management, and employee development. Interest in listening to and supporting others to be able to deliver to their best ability. Ability to communicate complex issues simply and clearly. Focus on delivery of a fair and equitable working environment.
Strategic Experience
A clear vision for the future of cytometric science to support bioscience research that complements the strategic aims of the Crick and the FC STP. Ability to think and contribute strategically to activities at the institute, and at the national and international level in cytometry. Ability to deputise for the FC STP Lead in strategic meetings at the Crick and externally. Ability to identify areas of need within a core facility and develop/adopt new technologies to meet these needs. Ability to collaborate and build effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
Personal Skills
Ability to work independently and to contribute effectively to the work of a multidisciplinary team. Strong organisational and planning skills, the ability to prioritise workload in the face of competing demands, and proven success in delivering work to tight deadlines. Flexible and cooperative approach to working with others. Effective written and verbal communication skills. Ability to think creatively and problem-solve. Energy and drive with a focus on project delivery. Enthusiasm for cytometry to support discovery and clinical science to improve human health.
Desirable:
Experience of spatial ‘omics techniques. Experience in statistics for high dimensional analysis. Experience of developing new cytometry techniques and technologies with demonstrable application to real world bioscience research. Experience of science communication: press interviews, teaching on courses and workshops, public engagement, schools’ engagement.
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Equality, Diversity & Inclusion:
We welcome applications from all backgrounds. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities, regardless of ethnicity, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, pregnancy, age, disability, or civil partnership, marital or family status. We particularly welcome applications from people who are Minority Ethnic as they are currently underrepresented in the Crick at this level.
Diversity is essential to excellence in scientific endeavour. It increases breadth and perspective, leading to more innovation and creativity. We want the Crick to be a place where everyone feels valued and where diversity is celebrated and seen as part of the foundation for our Institute’s success.
The Crick is committed to creating equality of opportunity and promoting diversity and inclusivity. We all share in the responsibility to actively promote dignity, respect, inclusivity and equal treatment and it is our aim to ensure that these principles are reflected and implemented in all strategies, policies and practices.
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