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
PerkinElmer is seeking an experienced Instrument Readiness Specialist II to provide dedicated operational, technical, and readiness support for advanced imaging, automation, and laboratory instrumentation at a customer research site. This role is responsible for ensuring that key laboratory systems remain operational, calibrated, stocked, compliant, and inspection-ready to support high-content imaging, live-cell analysis, and automated workflows.
The specialist will serve as a primary point of contact for instrument readiness activities related to PerkinElmer imagers (Operetta CLS), Molecular Devices high-content imaging systems, Incucyte live-cell imaging platforms, plate washers, and laboratory automation systems. The role also supports chemical and consumable management, buffer and reagent preparation, vendor coordination, Lab IT interactions, and user training.
This position operates within the PerkinElmer OneSource Instrument management Services organization and works closely with Customer scientists, Lab IT, facilities, and external vendors to ensure uninterrupted laboratory operations and optimal instrument performance.
Job Responsibilities
Maintain operational readiness of high-content and live-cell imaging platforms, including PerkinElmer Operetta CLS imagers, Molecular Devices high-content imaging systems, and Incucyte live-cell imaging instruments, ensuring systems are calibrated, functional, and available for use.
Perform and coordinate routine and monthly instrument calibrations, including Incucyte live-cell imaging calibration activities, in accordance with manufacturer and Customer requirements.
Support operation, readiness, and basic troubleshooting of plate washers (BlueCat Bio), ensuring systems are cleaned, maintained, and supplied with appropriate buffers and reagents.
Operate and support laboratory automation and robotic systems, including routine startup, shutdown, monitoring, and coordination of issue resolution.
Manage chemical inventory and consumables associated with the cellular imaging laboratory using min/max inventory principles, ensuring adequate stock levels and uninterrupted laboratory operations.
Prepare buffers and reagents associated with the cellular imaging laboratory as , performing minimal preparation activities in accordance with approved protocols and safety procedures.
Coordinate instrument scheduling and cell imaging with all end users via OneSource platform scheduling calendar.
Manage antibody inventories (approximately 5–10 antibodies), including tracking usage, maintaining storage conditions, and coordinating purchasing activities through Customer-approved procurement systems.
Maintain plates and other basic laboratory consumables in coordination with Customer laboratory staff to support imaging and automation workflows.
Assist with equipment readiness and maintenance for additional laboratory systems such as incubators and water baths as scope expands.
Coordinate and support vendor-led repairs, preventative maintenance (PM), and service visits, including escorting vendors, documenting activities, and verifying completion of work.
Interface with Lab IT teams to support software updates, patches, and system connectivity for imaging platforms and related instrumentation.
Support Customer and PerkinElmer training activities, including onboarding users to imaging systems, automation workflows, and readiness procedures.
Maintain accurate documentation of instrument status, calibrations, maintenance activities, deviations, and readiness metrics in Customer-approved systems.
Communicate routinely with Customer stakeholders regarding instrument availability, issues, planned maintenance, and readiness risks.
Ensure all activities are performed in compliance with Customer SOPs, safety standards, quality requirements, and data integrity expectations.
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 technical aptitude with laboratory instrumentation, particularly imaging and automated systems.
Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple instruments and priorities simultaneously.
Strong written and verbal communication skills for cross-functional collaboration and reporting.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining high standards of reliability and compliance.
Service-oriented mindset with a focus on instrument uptime and user satisfaction.
Strong attention to detail and documentation accuracy.
Ability to coordinate effectively with vendors, Lab IT, facilities, and scientific staff.
Proficiency with standard software tools, including Microsoft Office and laboratory tracking systems.
Basic Qualifications
BS or equivalent in a scientific, engineering, or technical discipline, or equivalent relevant laboratory experience.
2–4 years of experience supporting cellular imaging laboratory instrumentation
Hands-on experience with instrument maintenance, calibration coordination, or readiness support.
Familiarity with laboratory safety practices, chemical handling, and consumable management.
Experience working under SOP-driven or regulated laboratory environments.
Preferred Qualifications
Direct experience with PerkinElmer Operetta CLS, Molecular Devices high-content imaging systems, or Incucyte live-cell imaging platforms.
Experience supporting laboratory automation or robotic systems.
Familiarity with Coupa or similar procurement systems.
Experience coordinating vendor PMs, repairs, and service contracts.
Experience interfacing with Lab IT teams for instrument software updates and system support.
Prior experience in a customer-facing or contract laboratory support role (e.g., embedded services).
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 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, colour vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus 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 labelling 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 $(70,000) to $(90,000). 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.