Specialised Technician in Flow Cytometry

VHIR is currently offering a position for **a technical specialist in flow cytometry for the High Technology Unit (UAT).** The UAT belongs to the VHIR pre-clinical core-facilities, providing highly specialised equipment along with scientific and technical expertise to assist researchers in experimental design and data analysis.

UAT portfolio comprises Cytometry, Microscopy, Genomics, Metabolomics and Molecular Diagnosis services. In addition, UAT collaborates with other VHIR core-facilities giving support to biomedical research projects, and also manages specialized training and teaching activities.

The Cytometry Platform is equipped with a conventional analyser cytometer (Fortessa, BD), a spectral 5-laser cell analyzer (Aurora, Cytek) and a spectral 5-laser cell sorter (Aurora CS, Cytek). It also offers a compact multiplexing reader (Luminex Magpix), as well as several workstations equipped with specific software for analysing conventional and high-dimensional flow cytometry data (FlowJo, OMIQ, FACSDiva).

The aim of this Platform is to provide high-quality services to research groups from VHIR, Vall d’Hebron Campus and to external users.

UAT works under the requirements of the Quality Management System ISO9001:2015.

**Education and qualifications**:
**Required**:

- Degree in Health Sciences
- Fluent written and spoken Spanish and English.

**Desired**:

- _MSc or PhD in Life Sciences. Specific training in Immunology will be highly valued._ _
- _Fluent written and spoken Catalan._ _
- _Prior knowledge of Quality Management Systems (especially ISO9001:2015)._

**Experience and knowledge**:
**Required**:

- Theoretical knowledge of cytometry principles.
- Demonstrable experience in cell culture, protocols and sample preparation techniques most commonly used in cytometry.
- Minimum of 1-year experience (user’s level) in the use of analytical cytometers.
- Basic knowledge of cell sorting principles (user’s level).
- Experience in biological sample handling and in performing molecular biology techniques, mainly ELISA and bead-based multiplex protocols.
- Strong customer orientation.
- Good team player.
- Proactive, rigorous, organised person able to work autonomously, committed to the tasks required by the position.
- Willing to learn, flexibility, adaptability and resilience.

**Desired**:

- Previous experience working as a specialised technician in a Flow Cytometry Core-Facility (1-year minimum).
- Previous experience handling cell sorters (full-spectrum sorters will be highly valued)
- Demonstrable experience in designing and performing full-spectrum cytometry experiments, as well as management of full-spectrum analysers and sorters will be highly valued.
- Experience in analysing cytometry data using specific software (ex: FlowJo).

**Main responsibilities and duties**:

- Perform the optimal set up and daily maintenance of the equipment.
- Management and registration of the preventive and corrective maintenance of the equipment, under the established quality procedures. Management of breakdowns through external technical assistance services.
- Managing and procuring the consumable materials required for the quality control and operation of the machines.
- Administrative management of the Platform activity (bookings, quotations, billing)
- Support the facility users in all kind of issues related to cytometry: experimental design, budgeting, technical performance and data analysis.
- Operate the UAT cytometers in technician-assisted experiments.
- Initial training and on-demand assistance to self-service users.
- Sample handling and performance of ELISA type experiments.
- Ensure that all the platform activities are carried out in accordance with the requirements established in the procedures of the Quality Management System (ISO9001:2015). Promote and launch continuous improvement actions. Write and keep actualized written documentation (protocols, procedures, etc.) and registers.
- Promote, organize and participate in teaching activities organized by the Unit or in those in which the UAT is involved.
- Any other duties related to the job as requested to contribute to the general functioning of the High Technology Unit.

**Labour conditions**:

- Full-time position: 40 h/week.
- Starting date: January 2025
- Gross annual salary: Remuneration will depend on experience and skills. Salary ranges are consistent with our Collective Agreement pay scale.
- Contract**:Temporary contract (initially for 4 months)

**What can we offer?**:

- Incorporation to Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), a public sector institution that promotes and develops the biomedical research, innovation and teaching at Vall d'Hebron University Hospital (HUVH), the biggest hospital of Barcelona and the largest of Catalan Institute of Health (ICS).
- A scientific environment of excellence, highly dynamic, where high-end biomedical projects are continuously developed.
- Continuous learning and a wide range of responsibilities with