Imaging and Automation Biologist

We are looking for highly motivated candidate for the role of High-throughput Imaging Biologist 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 supplying cell culture and high-throughput imaging support services. 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.,

• Maintain mammalian cell cultures (includes passaging, plating) and perform high-throughput screens with same.
• Develop and execute wet-lab protocols for assays involving high content imaging. Includes optimization and execution of immunofluorescent and other staining protocols, optimization of high content imaging parameters.
• Optimize and use liquid handling units such as plate washers and high precision dispensers (e.g., Agilent Bravo, SPT Dragonfly, Echo) to automate imaging-related wet lab protocols.
• Use high-content imaging systems (e.g., PerkinElmer Opera Phenix/Operetta, Incucyte) and imaging analysis software (e.g., CellProfiler, Harmony, Columbus) to acquire and analyse images in screening settings.
• Analysis of data using secondary software packages (e.g., Excel, Tibco Spotfire).
• Maintain laboratory supplies and records by routinely checking inventory while maintaining compliance i.e. following risk assessments, local rules and procedures.
• Maintain an electronic laboratory notebook keeping in compliance with local business rules and procedures.
• Present/share results at team and project meetings as well as conference and poster sessions, where appropriate.
• Comply to Health and Safety procedures for own well-being and quality of product.
• Actively seek opportunities to develop the service by discussion with customer or by the sharing of best practice with other groups.
• Assist with the preparation of SOPs, Risk Assessments and best practice guides.
• Act as an ambassador for TLS and promote PerkinElmer's core values.
• Operate to approved quality standards.
• Work independently and flexibly depending on team priorities and set realistic work schedules to support requirements.
• Perform any other reasonable duties as requested by the line manager or project team leader.
  
  BSc or equivalent in relevant scientific subject (e.g. biology, biotechnology, biomedical sciences, or other relevant life science field).
• 2+ years of demonstrated technical expertise/or equivalent in cell culture, general lab instrumentation, cell-based assays, preferably at a biotech and/or pharmaceutical company.
• Experience with microscopy and image analysis required; high content imaging experience preferred.
• Experience with standard wet lab protocols required; experience with automated liquid handling preferred.
• Knowledge of CRISPR gene editing and screening principles preferred.
• Understanding of standard productivity software (e.g. Microsoft Office) required; advanced image analysis (CellProfiler, Harmony, Columbus/Signals Image Artist, Fiji/ImageJ, or custom written scripts) and/or statistical/graphing software experience (e.g. Graphpad Prism) preferred.
• Highly motivated and independent, yet able to work well in a group setting.
• Ability to work independently and deliver high-quality, consistent results in a timely fashion.
• Ability to meet timelines successfully with the utmost attention to detail while setting high performance standards.
• Ability to understand, interpret, and communicate complex scientific data.
• Ability to execute new and established methods and protocols.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills
Physical Demands The overall physical exertion of this position requires:
• Sit or stand 4-5 hours in laboratory areas.
• Work around moving laboratory equipment and machinery.