When joining PerkinElmer, you select an experienced and trusted leader in scientific solutions, with the support of a global service network and distribution centers, providing the right solution, at the right time, to meet critical customer needs. With over an 80+ year legacy of advancing science and a mission of innovating for a healthier world, our dedicated team collaborates closely with commercial, government, academic and healthcare customers to deliver our broad portfolio of analytical solutions, and OneSource services.
Job Description
The Associate Instrument Readiness Specialist -Flow Cytometry is responsible for supporting daily operational readiness of flow cytometry instrumentation and laboratory environments. This entry-level role ensures instruments, reagents, consumables, and laboratory support systems are prepared and maintained to enable uninterrupted scientific operations. The specialist will perform routine startup checks, manage laboratory inventory, support biosafety and decontamination procedures, and coordinate preventative maintenance activities under established SOPs and safety guidelines. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, organized, and able to work effectively in a fast-paced laboratory setting.
· Perform daily startup procedures, optical alignment checks, and fluidics verification on flow cytometry instrumentation to ensure operational readiness.
· Prepare reagents, buffers, media, controls, and assay materials according to established laboratory procedures and biosafety requirements.
· Maintain adequate inventory of laboratory consumables including plates, pipette tips, filters, sheath fluid, waste containers, and assay kits.
· Support proper hazardous waste handling, disposal, and decontamination procedures in compliance with laboratory safety standards.
· Maintain accurate readiness logs, maintenance records, and biosafety documentation for laboratory instruments and equipment.
· Coordinate and escort external vendors during instrument calibration, preventative maintenance, and service activities.
· Assist with instrument shutdown procedures and maintain laboratory cleanliness and organization.
· Monitor laboratory supply levels and communicate replenishment needs to supervisors or procurement teams.
· Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs), Good Documentation Practices (GDP), and laboratory safety protocols.
· Support laboratory operational efficiency by identifying basic equipment or supply issues and escalating concerns appropriately.
· Collaborate with scientists, laboratory staff, and facilities personnel to ensure laboratory readiness and uninterrupted workflow.
· Participate in laboratory training activities related to equipment operation, biosafety, and workplace safety requirements.
· Will be part of the after hours on call team to provide support in the event of a freezer or incubator failure.
Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities of this job at any time.
Critical Skills:
Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
Basic understanding of laboratory operations and scientific equipment handling.
Ability to follow SOPs and safety procedures consistently.
Good verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize responsibilities effectively.
Demonstrates reliability and accountability in maintaining laboratory readiness.
Ability to work independently with appropriate supervision.
Basic troubleshooting and problem-identification skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Outlook, Word, Excel, and Teams.
Strong teamwork and customer service mindset.
Basic Qualifications:
High School Diploma/GED with 1+ years of laboratory support experience, OR
Associate degree in life sciences, biology, chemistry, or related scientific discipline, OR
Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences or related field preferred.
Basic understanding of Flow Cytometry principles and laboratory support operations is desirable.
Experience working in regulated or controlled laboratory settings is desirable.
Preferred Qualifications:
Prior experience supporting flow cytometry or other analytical instrumentation.
Familiarity with laboratory inventory management and consumable tracking.
Knowledge of biosafety practices and hazardous waste handling procedures.
Experience working in research, biotech, pharmaceutical, or clinical laboratory environments.
Exposure to laboratory documentation systems and maintenance logs.
Working Environment:
Must be able to work in a laboratory, controlled environments requiring personal protective equipment (e.g., lab coat, safety glasses, etc.) in laboratory.
Job pace may be fast and job completion demands may be high.
Must be able to remain in a stationary position more than 25% of the time
The person needs to occasionally move between labs, corridors, adjoining rooms, and buildings onsite Frequently operate on instruments, objects, tools or controls, which will require regularly bending, squatting, stretching and reaching in order to perform in a service function.
Occasionally move or lift up to 25 pounds (potential for occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds).
Specific vision abilities required by this position include without limitation, the ability to observe details at close range distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus in order to perform the essential service functions of this position.
Occasionally operates a computer and other office machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer.
Employee may be required to handle hazardous waste according to local, state, and federal regulations. Duties may include identifying, handling, generating, accumulating, storing and labeling hazardous waste.
Potential risk to lab-based hazards including but not limited to extreme temperature, biological materials, and hazardous chemicals.
May be required to complete Medical Clearance, Respiratory Protection Training, and Fit Testing to wear a respirator as protection against hazards present in the laboratory environment.
The annual compensation range for this full-time position is $60,000 to $70,000. The final base pay offered to the successful candidate will be determined by factors including internal equity, work location, as well as individual qualifications, such as job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.
PerkinElmer is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability status, age, or veteran status or any other characteristics protected by applicable law. PerkinElmer is committed to a culturally diverse workforce.