Research Scientist – Immunology and Flow Cytometry

Location: Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada

Appointment: Full-time, on-site

Duration: One-year term, with possibility of renewal subject to funding, research needs, and satisfactory performance

Salary: CAD $70,000–$80,000 annually, commensurate with qualifications and experience, plus applicable benefits and entitlements in accordance with SFU policies

Position Summary

The Pantophlet Laboratory at Simon Fraser University is seeking a Research Scientist to contribute to infectious disease immunology research and support the operation of the SFU Flow Cytometry Laboratory.

This hybrid position combines hands-on experimental research (approximately 50%) with flow cytometry facility operations and user support (approximately 50%). The successful candidate must be comfortable balancing these responsibilities and remaining actively involved in both areas. Time allocation may vary depending on research priorities and facility needs.

We are particularly interested in candidates who enjoy bench research, are technically versatile, and can work independently while supporting the research activities of others.

This is not a postdoctoral position.

Research Responsibilities

• Design, perform, troubleshoot, and analyze experiments related to antibody discovery, immunology, and virology.
• Perform mammalian cell culture, transfections, molecular biology techniques, and cell-based assays.
• Conduct antibody characterization and immunological assays, including flow cytometry and ELISA-based methods.
• Maintain accurate experimental records, organize and analyze data, and communicate results.
• Contribute to experimental planning, protocol development, and research reports.
• Collaborate with laboratory members and external research partners to advance funded projects.

Flow Cytometry Laboratory Responsibilities

• Support the daily operation of the SFU Flow Cytometry Laboratory, including the BD LSRFortessa X-20 analyzer and BD FACSAria Fusion cell sorter.
• Perform instrument setup, quality control, routine maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Train users in instrument operation, sample preparation, data acquisition, and analysis.
• Provide technical assistance with experimental design, multicolor panels, compensation, and cell sorting.
• Coordinate instrument bookings, user access, training requests, and facility communications.
• Maintain SOPs, training records, instrument logs, and other facility documentation.
• Coordinate instrument servicing and communicate with vendors and technical support personnel.

Additional responsibilities may include supporting other research platforms, including biolayer interferometry, automated liquid handling, and virology experiments in containment laboratories, subject to appropriate training and authorization.

Required Qualifications

• BSc or MSc in immunology, molecular biology, cell biology, virology, or a related discipline.
• Substantial recent hands-on experience in a biomedical research laboratory.
• Demonstrated proficiency in mammalian cell culture and routine molecular or cellular biology techniques.
• Practical experience with multicolor flow cytometry, including instrument operation and data analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to organize, perform, and troubleshoot experiments with limited supervision.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to balance experimental work with scheduled facility responsibilities.
• Excellent communication, documentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to train and support researchers with different levels of technical experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience operating or supporting a cell sorter, particularly a BD FACSAria.
• Experience with flow cytometry instrument QC, maintenance, troubleshooting, compensation, and panel design.
• Experience training researchers or supporting shared laboratory instrumentation.
• Experience in antibody biology, infectious diseases immunology, or virology.
• Familiarity with FlowJo and GraphPad Prism.
• Experience with antibody characterization assays, including ELISA and BLI.
• Experience working in CL2+/CL3 environments or willingness to undergo appropriate training.

Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will be a hands-on experimental scientist who enjoys both conducting research and helping others use sophisticated laboratory instrumentation effectively.

We are seeking someone who takes initiative, communicates clearly, maintains organized experimental and operational records, and can adjust priorities as research and facility needs change.

Candidates should be prepared to discuss examples of experiments they have independently performed and troubleshot, as well as their experience supporting or training other researchers.

Application Instructions

Applications will be reviewed beginning immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

Please submit a single PDF containing:

• A cover letter describing your relevant experience, your interest in the combined research and flow cytometry responsibilities, and how the position aligns with your career goals.
• Your curriculum vitae.
• Names and contact information for three professional references, preferably including at least two direct supervisors.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in Canada. Any additional eligibility or screening requirements will be administered in accordance with applicable SFU policies.

The Pantophlet Lab welcomes applications from qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds.