Scientist II, Flow Cytometry (Fixed-Term Contract)

Job description

Slingshot Biosciences is a fast-growing life sciences company with a platform technology and paradigm-shifting mission to make precision-engineered cell mimics the gold standard for all cell-based assay controls. We are transforming cell-based applications with the most robust, scalable, and reproducible controls available, including TruCytes™ Biomarker controls, SpectraComp® compensation controls, ViaComp® cell health controls, and FlowCytes® instrument controls. Our TruCytes cell mimics precisely replicate real cells’ optical and biochemical properties - without the sourcing, quality, or cost challenges of traditional controls. Trusted in cell-based applications across cell therapy, drug development, and diagnostics, they empower process and analytical development, quality control, potency assessments, multi-site validations, clinical research studies, and assay development and validation. Slingshot is seeking motivated, creative team members who think outside the box. We empower employees to own their work, contribute ideas quickly, and improve processes. Come join our cross-disciplinary and world-class team that is delivering game-changing solutions for cell-based applications! We're looking for a Flow Cytometry Scientist II to join us on a fixed-term contract basis and help us build our next portfolio of products. You'll be a key part of our product development process, partnering closely with R&D and Manufacturing to bring new ideas to life. You'll also generate publication-quality results for competitive marketing and general publication and release, and dig into root cause investigations behind product complaints. This is a three-month engagement reporting to the technical lead of our Flow Cytometry function. **Learn more about Slingshot and what we do:** [See what Cell Mimics can do](https://slingshotbio.com/cell-mimics/) [About Slingshot Biosciences](https://slingshotbio.com/about-us/) **Location**: 100% onsite in Emeryville, CA. This role reports to the technical lead of our Flow Cytometry function. This role requires up to 25% travel. **What You'll Do** - Test, validate, and characterize new product designs using both spectral and conventional flow cytometers across multiple platforms. - Develop, optimize, and transfer protocols for sample preparation, staining, acquisition, and data analysis to ensure accurate and reproducible results. - Perform QC testing, analyze flow cytometry data using software such as FlowJo, and ensure results meet established specifications and acceptance criteria. - Plan and execute verification/validation and stability studies, including accelerated stability studies, data analysis, and technical reporting. - Support QMS and design control activities, including controlled documentation, deviations, investigations, CAPA, change control, and design reviews. - Perform instrument maintenance, calibration, troubleshooting, and performance verification across multiple flow cytometry platforms. - Investigate product performance issues and complaints and support root cause analysis and corrective actions. - Develop SOPs and support method transfer from R&D into production. - Conduct product testing, demonstrations, and technical evaluations at local flow cytometry core facilities and customer/partner sites; travel as needed. - Maintain compliance with laboratory safety, ISO 9001, GMP, and applicable quality requirements. - Other duties as assigned. **What You'll Bring** - Strong expertise in multiparameter (>10-color) flow cytometry analysis, compensation and gating strategies for analysis of mixed cell populations. - Experience analyzing flow cytometry data in software such as FlowJo. - Experience with QC testing and QMS processes in a regulated or quality-focused environment. - Strong understanding of stability principles, including shelf life determination and accelerated stability testing. - Good knowledge of laboratory health and safety standards, including working with blood products such as Leukopaks. - Excellent analytical and research skills. - Attention to detail and excellent communication skills/systems in record keeping and documentation. - Demonstrated ability to independently lead technical projects and resolve complex scientific problems. - PhD in Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology, or a related field with 3+ years of relevant experience; or Master's degree with 6+ years of relevant experience; or Bachelor's degree with 8+ years of relevant experience. **Salary and Benefits:** The hourly rate range for this fixed-term contract position is $56 - $80, depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, relevant education, and training/certifications. As a fixed-term contract position, this role is not eligible for Company benefit plans (including retirement, equity, and paid time off), except as required by applicable law. **About Slingshot:** Our north star is to make healthcare more accessible around the world. We are doing this by advancing cell biology to develop innovative solutions for human health. At Slingshot, we value diversity and believe that a variety of backgrounds and experiences leads to more innovative ideas and a better understanding of our customers. Passion is at the core of our values, and employees are encouraged to pursue their passions in their work and contribute to the company's overall mission. Slingshot Biosciences is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Legal authorization to work is required for all roles. Employment eligibility will be verified in accordance with applicable laws in the country where the position is based. For U.S.-based roles, this includes completion of required employment eligibility verification. For international roles, employment may be facilitated through an Employer of Record (EOR) in compliance with local regulations.