Research Associate, Flow Cytometry

Position Summary:

The Immune Monitoring and Discovery Platform (IMDP) at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center James seeks a motivated and innovative Flow Cytometry Research Associate. Part of the Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, the IMDP provides advanced technologies to assess immune responses to cancer immunotherapy. Key instruments include the Cytek Aurora Spectral Cell Sorter, Aurora Analyzer, Northern Lights, and BD FACSMelody. This role is essential to PIIOs immune monitoring efforts and involves oversight of flow cytometry instrumentation, assay development, training, and facility operations. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with high-parameter cytometry and a commitment to supporting translational immuno-oncology research.

Primary Responsibilities:

Flow Cytometry Instrument Maintenance, Standardization, and Quality Assurance

• Establish, modify, and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for routine maintenance and performance evaluation of flow cytometers and associated instrumentation.
• Independently perform instrument setup, sample acquisition, calibration, alignment, and troubleshooting.
• Oversee instrument repair and service coordination.
• Maintain detailed documentation of instrument performance, service logs, and corrective actions to ensure optimal operation and data reliability.

Flow Cytometry Training and User Support

• Train technicians, students, and investigators on cytometry concepts, including instrument startup/shutdown, routine maintenance, sample acquisition, and basic data analysis.
• Educate users on sample preparation requirements tailored to their specific research goals and experimental designs.
• Support users in developing technically sound and biologically relevant cytometry-based approaches.

Experimental Design, Method Development, and Assay Optimization

• Collaborate with the Director and investigators to develop, evaluate, and optimize multicolor flow cytometry assays, including high-parameter panels.
• Work independently or collaboratively to design and validate novel analytical methods with attention to accuracy, reproducibility, and biological relevance.
• Present new techniques and applications to the broader research team and adapt innovations into routine workflows.

Core Facility Operations and Resource Management

• Manage laboratory resources, including supply ordering and inventory control.
• Oversee compliance with institutional safety policies related to chemical, biological, and instrument operations.
• Support budgeting, cost-recovery tracking, fee development, and reporting metrics.
• Supervise and mentor technical staff, setting goals, delegating tasks, and providing developmental feedback.

Technology Assessment, Data Analysis, and Continuing Education

• Stay abreast of emerging cytometry platforms, analytical software, reagents, and immunological techniques.
• Evaluate and implement new tools for flow data analysis and reduction; train users on software solutions as needed.
• Develop and refine data analysis strategies in collaboration with the Director and investigators.
• Engage in continuing education and present innovative methodologies to enhance the IMDP's impact on cutting-edge translational research.

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required. Master's Degree preferred. 1-3 years of relevant experience required. 3-5 years of relevant experience preferred.

Experience: Proficient knowledge of immunology. Demonstrated success in training and supervising others. Demonstrated experience with data analysis platforms and making figures suitable for scientific presentations (e.g., FlowJo, DiVa, Omiq), Microsoft Office products (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint), and other common tools. Training in bacteriological, viral, chemical, and physical safety. Proficiency with Macintosh or PCs and handheld devices. Able to work safely in a BSL2 environment.

Include in your application, a cover letter, CV,and contact information for three professional references

Function: Research and Scholarship

SubFunction: Research

Career Band: Individual Contributor - Specialized

Career Level: S1

About Us:

The PIIO is a comprehensive bench-to-bedside research initiative focused on harnessing the bodys immune system to fight cancer at all levels (https://cancer.osu.edu/piio). Launched in July 2019 as part of a $102 Million pledge from Pelotonia (pelotonia.org), the PIIO represents Ohio State's commitment to grow the exciting area of immuno-oncology. Led by founding director and renowned immunologistZihai Li, MD, PhD, the PIIO builds upon a rich portfolio of active investigator-initiated IO clinical trials being conducted at the OSUCCC James.

Research in the PIIO centers on Systems IO (a systems-wide strategy to study the anti-cancer immune response holistically to discover the next IO breakthroughs and create effective cancer immunotherapies) and Translational IO (where we turn discoveries into new or improved cancer treatments and broaden the indications and patient populations that can be treated with cellular therapy). Our Immune Monitoring and Discovery Platform (IMDP) supports each center, providing comprehensive cell-based and molecule-based immunoassay services to support basic, translational, and clinical IO studies. The PIIOs Immuno-Oncology Informatics Group (IOIG) provides data analytics for flow and mass cytometry, bulk and single-cell RNA-Seq, spatial transcriptomics and imaging, neoantigen discovery,and more.

The OSUCCC James is a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer center, rated Exceptional, the highest rating given to cancer centers by the NCI; is one of only a few centers funded by the NCI to conduct phase I, II and III clinical trials on novel anticancer drugs; and includes the third-largest freestanding cancer hospital in the country.