Imaging and Automation Biologist

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate for the role of Imaging Technician to build their career and support the PerkinElmer OneSource Scientific Services at one of our customer sites in Stevenage.
The successful candidate will be working within the PerkinElmer Genome Biology team, who will be responsible for supporting high throughput imaging service. The customer department is in the Research Technologies sector of R&D which is at the forefront of developing innovative and life-changing medicines for patients.
The role will provide the opportunity to develop skills associated with assay development and screening support as well as the opportunity to collaborate with numerous biological groups across the site and service lines to improve the TLS Analytical Section operations.
The candidate will work within a collaborative team environment across a diverse biotherapeutic portfolio within the company and have the opportunity to develop in PerkinElmer’s scientific arena.
This role will report into the PerkinElmer Genome Biology Team Leader and will be supporting the GSK Genome Biology Large Scale Imaging Team on the Stevenage Campus.

Job Responsibilities

1. Conduct wet-lab experiments for assays involving high content imaging, including utilizing liquid handling units such as plate washers and high precision dispensers to automate/execute immunofluorescent and other staining protocols.
2. Use high-content imaging systems and standardized image analysis software/programs to acquire and analyse images in screening settings. Subsequently, analyse data using secondary software packages (e.g., Excel, Tibco Spotfire).
3. Maintain laboratory supplies, processes, and records (including electronic laboratory notebook) by routinely checking inventory and facilitating compliance (i.e., following risk assessments, local rules and procedures).
4. Present/share results at team and project meetings as well as conference and poster sessions, where appropriate.
5. Comply with Health and Safety procedures for own well-being and quality of product.
6. Actively seek opportunities to develop the service by discussion with customers or by the sharing of best practices with other groups.
7. Assist with the preparation of SOPs, Risk Assessments and best practice guides.
8. Act as an ambassador for TLS and promote PerkinElmer’s core values.
9. Operate to approved quality standards.
10. Work independently and flexibly depending on team priorities and set realistic work schedules to support requirements.
11. Perform any other reasonable duties as requested by the line manager or project team leader.

Preferred Education/Experience/Qualifications

1. BSc or equivalent in relevant scientific subject (e.g. biology, biotechnology, biomedical sciences, or other relevant life science field).
2. Demonstrated technical expertise/Exposure to cell-based assays involving imaging, preferably in a biotech and/or pharmaceutical company setting.
3. Experience with standard wet lab protocols required; experience with automated liquid handling preferred (e.g. Agilent Bravo, SPT Dragonfly).
4. Experience with microscopy required; experience with high throughput or high content imagers preferred (e.g. Revvity Opera Phenix/Operetta, InCell, Molecular Devices ImageXpress, Sartorius Incucyte, etc.).
5. Experience using standard software packages for image analysis required (e.g. Fiji/ImageJ), high content/throughput image analysis experience preferred (e.g. CellProfiler, Harmony, Columbus, Signals Image Artist, etc.).
6. Experience using tools for secondary data analysis and/or statistical/graphing software required (e.g. Excel, Tibco Spotfire, Graphpad Prism).
7. Proficiency with standard productivity software (e.g. Microsoft Office) required.
8. Knowledge of CRISPR gene editing and screening principles preferred but not essential.
9. Highly motivated and independent, yet able to work well in a group setting.
10. Ability to work independently and deliver high-quality, consistent results in a timely fashion.
11. Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills.

Physical Demands

The overall physical exertion of this position requires:

1. Work around moving laboratory equipment and machinery.
2. Work with biohazards such as blood borne pathogens.
3. Hepatitis B vaccination will be required, Vaccination programme in place for successful candidates who are not already vaccinated or require updated boosters.
4. All work is carried out in a containment level 2 environment.
5. Appropriate PPE must always be worn (Lab coat, gloves, eye protection).