JOB DESCRIPTION
Post Title:
Flow Cytometry Support Technician
Division:
National Heart and Lung Institute
Section:
Respiratory Infections
Job Family and Level:
Technical Services, Level 2a
Salary Range:
£23,080 - £24,780 per annum
Responsible to:
Flow Cytometry Facility Manager
Accountable to:
Director of CRI and Academic Lead for the Facility
and Flow Cytometry Facility Manager
Key Working Relationships:
Internal – FACS users and other scientific, technical
and administrative staff from the research groups of
the members of the Centre for Respiratory Infection,
Respiratory Infections Section, NHLI Division, the
Faculties of Medicine and Natural Sciences and
Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
Duration:
Full-time and fixed-term for 3 years in the first
instance
Location:
St Mary’s Campus, Paddington
Summary of Post
You will support the Flow Cytometry Facility Manager to provide professional, effective and
efficient technical and administrative support in the Flow Cytometry Facility to users. You
will assist the day-to-day set-up, running and basic maintenance of the equipment that is
housed in the flow cytometry laboratory, including Luminex and MSD Meso Scale
technologies, to ensure a comprehensive, high quality service to users. You will be
provided with training, as appropriate, to allow you to assist in training and the provision of
advice and guidance to users in the use of flow cytometry equipment and applications.
This position may also involve out of hours work, hence some flexibility of working core
hours will be expected based on demand and peak periods within the facility.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Your main duties will be to:

Provide general laboratory support within the Facility to support the Manager,
facilitate the day-to-day coordination, running and general maintenance of the
laboratory

Maintain cleaning solutions and carry out appropriate waste management and
correct disposal

Use the ICIS on-line ordering system, place orders for regular laboratory supplies
and basic equipment, collect goods from delivery point and deliver to the Facility,
ensure stocks are monitored, maintained and records kept of delivery notes

Send out requests for and record user information on Share Point

Run the monthly data file clear-out from instruments and quarterly FACS server
clear out

Switch on and run Bio plex 200, LX 100 for users booked, checking MSD
calibration on a quarterly basis

Handle as appropriate, and with guidance from the Manager as required, any
queries on the use of the Facility and equipment breakdowns from users and in
relation to service engineer call-outs

Support the Manager in ensuring that flow cytometry machines are maintained in
optimum working order: switching on and running machines and undertaking
regular calibration and testing as appropriate

Maintain the inventory of equipment and on the instruction of the Manager, ensure
that old or obsolete equipment is disposed of

Support the Manager in arranging visits from technicians/engineers, to help ensure
that machines are adequately maintained

Assist in the organisation of courses, workshops and demonstrations and any
bench work to support this

Assist the Manager in the updating of software packages and upgrades and
informing users of changes and with the training of users in the use of flow
cytometry acquisition and analysis software

Be willing to be trained and learn about applications of the technology available in
the facility; including cell sorting techniques

Attend laboratory meetings, talks, seminars and clubs, to support ongoing training
and development in flow and keeping up to date with the progress of technology

Be aware that all work carried out in the laboratory must comply with the applicable
regulations concerning biohazards

Any other duties, which may arise commensurate with the grade of the post as
directed by the Senior Flow Cytometry Technician or Academic Lead for the Facility
To observe and comply with all College policies and regulations, including the key
policies and procedures on Confidentiality, Conflict of Interest, Data Protection,
Equal Opportunities, Financial Regulations, Health and Safety, Imperial
Expectations (for new leaders, managers and supervisors), Information Technology,
Private Engagements and Register of Interests, and Smoking.
To undertake specific safety responsibilities relevant to individual roles, as set out
on the College Website Health and Safety Structure and Responsibilities page
(http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/safety/policies/organisationandarrangements).
Job descriptions cannot be exhaustive and the post-holder may be required to
undertake other duties, which are broadly in line with the above key responsibilities.
Imperial College is committed to equality of opportunity and to eliminating
discrimination. All employees are expected to adhere to the principles set out in its
Equal Opportunities in Employment Policy, Promoting Race Equality Policy and all
other relevant guidance/practice frameworks.
IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Qualifications:
Essential
 A technical qualification, A levels in science and/or relevant research laboratory
experience or equivalent vocational qualification in laboratory science
Knowledge and Experience:
Essential
 Awareness of current Health & Safety legislation and its application in a modern
laboratory
 Previous experience of working in research laboratories
Desirable
 Knowledge of the lab procedures relevant to flow cytometry work
 Experience in flow cytometry and operation of flow cytometers
 Experience of maintaining and servicing equipment
 Experience of ordering consumables and handling deliveries
 Experience in biomedical techniques
 Experience of supporting a research based service
Skills and Abilities:
Essential
 Good laboratory skills
 Good planning and organisational skills
 Good attention to detail
 Good interpersonal skills
 Good written and oral communication skills
 Good level of fitness with the ability to regularly lift and carry objects up to 20kgs
 Ability to work under established routines referring complex problems and nonroutine queries to the senior staff, as appropriate
 IT skills, both PC and Mac, including the use of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel
spreadsheets and the Internet
Desirable
 Ability to use flow cytometry software, for example, Summit, FACSDIVA & FlowJo
 Problem-solving skills, particularly in relation to the maintenance of equipment
Other Requirements:
Essential
 An open, flexible and positive approach to working in a constantly changing
environment
 You should be prepared to work unsociable hours as work demands from time to
time
Training will be provided.