(Junior) Flow Cytometry and Cell Models Core Facility Head

(Junior) Flow Cytometry and Cell Models Core Facility Head

The International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw (IIMCB), Poland 

invites applications for the position of the Head of Flow Cytometry and Cell Models Core Facility.

Are you passionate about technologies and their development? Are you interested in a career in a core facility (CF) of an academic research institute?

As we plan to expand the core facilities' portfolio of services, the IIMCB is currently seeking an expert in Flow Cytometry and Cell Models to manage the core facility within the IN-MOL-CELL Infrastructure.

The IIMCB hosts a vibrant, multinational community of scientists and is well-connected internationally, as exemplified by the composition of the IIMCB's International Advisory Board and the IIMCB's membership in Eu-Life website an alliance of 17 top European research institutions. The IIMCB is on its way to unprecedented scientific and institutional growth, in part supported by: the RACE project entitled: “RNA and Cell Biology - from Fundamental Research to Therapies” funded in the Teaming for Excellence program under Horizon Europe and National Recovery Plan under the "Molecular and Cell Research Infrastructure" project.

Through an investment of over 16 M Euro in equipment and a planned expansion to 20 research groups, we aim to become a unique Polish center where excellent science benefits from state-of-the-art technologies and services provided by core facilities. To this end, the IIMCB is establishing institutional support for the development of current and the creation of new core facilities.

The Flow Cytometry and Cell Models Facility is a newly established facility within the IN-MOL-CELL Core Technologies Program. This facility recently separated from the Microscopy Facility. Its mission is to provide state-of-the-art services in flow cytometry and cell line model generation to the IIMCB community and external users. The facility is equipped with a CytoFLEX SRT cell sorter, a CytoFLEX LX Analyzer, and a recently acquired BD FACSDiscover S8 Cell Sorter.

The Head’s primary objectives are to integrate and upgrade existing workflows, develop new methodologies, particularly for imaging sorting. In the future, the facility head should develop a strategy to implement cell models generation methods, in collaboration with the Genome Engineering Facility. This position will involve both leadership responsibilities and hands-on wet-lab work.

Key responsibilities:

Management of everyday operations of the core facility, ensuring services are completed on time and in compliance with protocols

Provision of expert services for internal users and external clients according to the needs of the Institute

Supervise flow cytometers and sorters, including performing regular maintenance and quality tests, and handling maintenance contracts

Supervision of a small team of technology specialists, hiring and onboarding new staff members, and training the team

Supporting the team with issue resolution 

Ensuring appropriate quality control measures

Implementation of new methodologies

Regular liaison with Facility users to discuss the design and implementation of flow in the research projects and to analyze and review data generated

Keeping up with trends in technologies, suggesting new solutions, and technological upgrades

Management of the finances of the Facility, including budgeting

Implementation of the cell model generation service (knock-outs and knock-ins for stable cell lines)

Writing of scientific documents

Collaboration with other Core Facilities (in particular Genome Engineering, Microscopy, and Genomics) to build cross-functional experimental pipelines

Continued professional development by maintaining awareness of progress in the field.

Cultivate partnerships with academic and industry partners

Necessary qualifications and skills:

PhD in or equivalent by experience

Demonstrated scientific achievements in the field of flow cytometry

Strong hands-on experience in advanced flow methods, data analysis, and interpretation are a must, including at least some experience with spectral and/or imaging methods

Experience with FlowJo software

At least 2 publications or 2 patents/patent applications using flow methods

Effective communication & networking skills, including building and maintaining relationships

Flexible mindset and ability to work in a fast-changing environment

Deep understanding of the role of core facilities/technological platforms in academic research

Good at problem solving, can-do attitude

Excellent organizational skills and the ability to collaborate and handle multiple priorities

Excellent English, both written and spoken 

Nice to have:

Hands-on experience with cell culture work, especially with the generation of genetically modified cell lines and/or generation of iPS or ES cells.

At least basic leadership experience (supervising students or PhD students, etc.)

Business acumen

International or Industry Experience

Basic Polish

Selection criteria:

Technical skills needed for the position and interest in methodological approaches.

Education or professional experience relevant to the position.

Leadership experience or capabilities

Soft skills: communication skills, ability for effective teamwork, likelihood to fit and add value to the group, and effective work organization.

The IIMCB offers:

A full-time position

Temporary contract for 2 years, which can be extended to an open-ended contract upon a successful evaluation

Starting date: as soon as possible

Salary in the range of 11 000 – 13 000 PLN gross per month

Salary is complemented by an additional 13th salary plus an annual bonus

36 days of paid vacation time per year (+ national holidays)

Attractive benefits package (co-financing Multisport cards, Christmas, Easter and summer holiday bonuses, etc.)

Professional development and business travel opportunities

Full organizational and administrative support by professional English-speaking staff

Friendly, inclusive, international working environment

The application should include:

Cover letter explaining the motivation for joining the IIMCB

Curriculum Vitae

Contact information for two referees

How to apply

Apply now via system eRecruiter: eRecruiter application form

Please include the following statement in your CV: “I hereby agree to the processing of my personal data, included in the application documents by the International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, 4 Księcia Trojdena Street, 02-109 Warsaw, for the purpose of carrying out the current recruitment process.” Your personal data will be processed for the purpose of the recruitment procedure by the International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw. Full information is available under the personal data processing information link.

Procedure for reporting irregularities, taking follow-up actions, and protecting whistleblowers: whistleblowing procedure.

Informal inquiries about the offer are welcome and should be addressed to dr Olga Gewartowska (ogewartowska@iimcb.gov.pl)

The deadline for applications is August 31st. Interested candidates are invited to apply as soon as possible. Please note that the competition may be closed earlier should a suitable candidate be identified.