For 75 years, Charles River employees have worked together to assist in the discovery, development and safe manufacture of new drug therapies. When you join our family, you will have a significant impact on the health and well-being of people across the globe. Whether your background is in life sciences, finance, IT, sales or another area, your skills will play an important role in the work we perform. In return, we’ll help you build a career that you can feel passionate about.
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Have you become the go‑to expert for advanced flow cytometry and are you ready to lead, evolve, and scale site‑wide technical capability?
Do you want to combine hands‑on technical leadership with strategic influence, driving innovation and excellence in advanced flow cytometry at a Discovery and Safety level?
We are recruiting for a Technical Leader in Flow Cytometry to shape scientific direction, drive innovation, and strengthen Discovery and Safety capabilities at our Portishead site.
What You'll Be Doing
Scientific / Technical Responsibilities
Lead the operation, development, and strategic growth of the Flow Cytometry Facility, ensuring provision of high‑quality, high‑throughput cytometry services across Discovery divisions.
Design, optimise, and validate complex multi‑parametric flow cytometry panels (analytical and sorting), including development of novel assay formats to meet emerging scientific needs.
Oversee instrument performance across all flow cytometers and sorters, ensuring daily QC, troubleshooting, maintenance, calibration, and coordination of engineer support when required.
Drive the evaluation, implementation, and integration of new flow cytometry technologies (e.g. spectral cytometry, high‑parameter analysis, imaging flow cytometry) to expand Biotherapeutics Division capabilities.
Provide expert support to project teams by advising on experimental strategies, marker selection, panel design, gating approaches, and data interpretation.
Serve as the technical lead for flow cytometry in internal and external collaborations, including technology vendors and client scientific teams.
Establish and enforce robust documentation standards for experimental workflows, instrument logs, QC data, and facility‑wide SOPs.
Lead the procurement of new cytometry instrumentation and software, including preparation of technical justifications for CAPEX and operational budget planning.
Facility Management & Leadership
Develop and deliver training programs for users at all experience levels, ensuring safe and competent operation of analysers and sorters.
Mentor scientific staff and junior cytometry specialists, modelling best practice and supporting technical skill progression.
Coordinate work for other team members, including supervision of facility staff where applicable.
Champion continuous improvement within the facility by refining workflows, implementing automation or digital solutions, and reducing variability in experimental procedures.
Maintain facility compliance with all CRL health, safety, and biosafety requirements, proactively identifying risks and implementing corrective actions.
Data, Software & IT Systems
Serve as an expert user of data analysis platforms (e.g. FlowJo) and support teams in applying advanced analysis strategies.
Oversee digital data management practices for the facility, ensuring secure storage, traceability, and retrieval of cytometry datasets.
Identify and implement software upgrades or new analysis platforms that enhance scientific insight or operational efficiency.
Collaboration & Communication
Communicate scientific findings, facility updates, troubleshooting insights, and strategy proposals clearly to both internal and cross‑site stakeholders.
Represent the Flow Cytometry Facility and discipline at internal leadership forums, cross‑site technical groups, and capability development discussions.
Provide high‑level technical input into business development activities, including client interactions, proposal development, and scientific scoping.
Profile and Requirements
Essential
MSc in a relevant scientific discipline or equivalent experience.
Extensive hands‑on experience in flow cytometry within a research or drug discovery environment.
Proven expertise in designing, optimising, and analysing complex multi‑colour flow cytometry panels, including use of analysers and cell sorters.
Strong experience providing technical leadership, mentoring, and training scientific teams.
Deep knowledge of advanced flow cytometry, including QC, troubleshooting, data analysis, and interpretation.
Experience supporting discovery drug pipeline programmes, including immunological assay development.
Excellent communication and influencing skills, able to explain complex concepts clearly.
Ability to work on‑site in Portishead, with willingness to represent Charles River externally when required.
Desirable
PhD in a relevant discipline.
Experience leading a flow cytometry facility or cross‑site technical capability.
Experience with BD flow cytometers and / or Cytek Aurora platforms.
Involvement in client‑facing projects, collaborations, or scientific conferences.
What We Offer You
Meaningful scientific impact – contribute to research that supports the development of life‑changing therapies.
Career development & mobility – strong opportunities for progression, learning, and cross‑site or cross‑discipline growth within a global organisation.
Collaborative, science‑led culture – work alongside highly skilled scientists in multidisciplinary teams, with access to advanced platforms and technologies.
Investment in learning – continuous professional development, training, and access to new scientific tools and capabilities.
Competitive reward & benefits – including salary, pension, and a comprehensive benefits package.
Work‑life balance & wellbeing – a culture that supports flexibility, wellbeing, and long‑term career sustainability.
Stability with innovation – backed by a global organisation, while still driving innovation at site and programme level.
About Discovery
Discovery from Charles River is industry-proven in the successful development of novel therapies, with over 350 patents and 80 preclinical drug candidates delivered to our sponsors in the past 17 years. Backed by more than 650 scientists, our comprehensive, integrated portfolio employs the latest technology and platforms to provide chemistry, biology, and pharmacology services that support clients from the earliest stages of hit identification all the way through to IND. Our client-focused, collaborative approach creates true partnerships that anticipate challenges, overcome obstacles, and move us forward together on the journey of getting new drugs to market.
About Charles River
Charles River is an early-stage contract research organization (CRO). We have built upon our foundation of laboratory animal medicine and science to develop a diverse portfolio of discovery and safety assessment services, both Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and non-GLP, to support clients from target identification through preclinical development. Charles River also provides a suite of products and services to support our clients’ clinical laboratory testing needs and manufacturing activities. Utilizing this broad portfolio of products and services enables our clients to create a more flexible drug development model, which reduces their costs, enhances their productivity and effectiveness to increase speed to market.
With over 20,000 employees within 110 facilities in over 20 countries around the globe, we are strategically positioned to coordinate worldwide resources and apply multidisciplinary perspectives in resolving our client’s unique challenges. Our client base includes global pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, government agencies and hospitals and academic institutions around the world.
At Charles River, we are passionate about our role in improving the quality of people’s lives. Our mission, our excellent science and our strong sense of purpose guide us in all that we do, and we approach each day with the knowledge that our work helps to improve the health and well-being of many across the globe. We have proudly worked on 80% of the drugs approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the past five years.
At Charles River Laboratories, we recognize and recruit all talent. We are a company committed to fostering a sense of belonging and work daily in this direction.
Helping you find your moment
You take great care and effort when you apply for a job with us. Rest assured that we’ll be just as diligent in finding the role that’s right for you. Here’s how our hiring process works:
Job Search
Learn about CRL, our culture, and why we do the work we do while also searching for roles that match your interests and expertise.
Application
Create a profile and apply to as many roles as you have an interest.
Note: Depending on the role, you may be required to include a resume in your application.
Assessment and application review
Complete assessments, if requested, to determine whether the role is likely to be a good fit for you – and vice versa. The recruiter will review your resume and qualifications against the requirements of the role and will determine next steps.
Note: At any point in the process, you can log into your profile to review the status of your application.
Interview
Engage in our interview process by meeting with a group of interviewers who will provide information on the company, culture, and your role while also asking you questions to assess your skills, interests, and expertise. This is also a great time for you to ask questions and better understand how we foster a sense of belonging at Charles River.
Note: Charles River leverages technical and behavioral-based interview questions based on our DNA (Care, Lead, Own, and Collaborate). Please familiarize yourself with the DNA and be prepared to relate your experiences to them.
Job offer and onboarding
Receive a competitive offer either by phone or email from a Charles River recruiter or hiring manager. The offer will include your title, salary, location, and other relevant information.
Note: Upon acceptance, you will work with your recruiter to confirm a start date and will receive paperwork to electronically complete prior to your start. For US-based roles, upon your acceptance, you will be required to take a pre-employment drug screen and pass a criminal background check.
Job Search
Learn about CRL, our culture, and why we do the work we do while also searching for roles that match your interests and expertise.
Application
Create a profile and apply to as many roles as you have an interest. Note: Depending on the role, you may be required to include a resume in your application.
Assessment and Application Review
Complete assessments, if requested, to determine whether the role is likely to be a good fit for you – and vice versa. The recruiter will review your resume and qualifications against the requirements of the role and will determine next steps.
Note: At any point in the process, you can log into your profile to review the status of your application.
Interview
Engage in our interview process by meeting with a group of interviewers who will provide information on the company, culture, and your role while also asking you questions to assess your skills, interests, and expertise. This is also a great time for you to ask questions and better understand how we foster a sense of belonging at Charles River. Note: Charles River leverages technical and behavioral-based interview questions based on our DNA (Care, Lead, Own, and Collaborate). Please familiarize yourself with the DNA and be prepared to relate your experiences to them.
Job offer and onboarding
Receive a competitive offer either by phone or email from a Charles River recruiter or hiring manager. The offer will include your title, salary, location, and other relevant information. Note: Upon acceptance, you will work with your recruiter to confirm a start date and will receive paperwork to electronically complete prior to your start. For US-based roles, upon your acceptance, you will be required to take a pre-employment drug screen and pass a criminal background check.
Featured jobs
Important things are happening every moment at Charles River. This means exciting new career opportunities for you to explore. Take a look and apply today!
Looking for something else? Search all jobs.
Moment by moment
At Charles River, you’ll be able to contribute to incredible breakthroughs while experiencing exciting opportunities for growth and development.
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UX/UI Designer
Advocate for user-centered design solutions. Create distinctive, consistent, branded digital experiences across multiple platforms, devices, and channels.
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Sr. UX/UI Designer
Define and drive UX/UI strategies and interaction designs – from scratch and for scale – that solve business and user problems.
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Associate Director
Work with Sr. UX/IX Designers and developers to assess problems and develop solutions. Execute on plan by building coding standardisations and automating processes.
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Director, Digital Data Enablement
Lead UX management and operational teams across business units and technical teams. Identify and define fit-for-purpose strategies to integrate best practices.
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Sr. Director UX/UI Design
Mentor, coach, and guide designer teams on design strategy related to research insights, execution, continuous integration, and automated deployment.
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Animal Care Technician I-IV
Maintain the well-being of our animals by providing food, water, and a clean environment.
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Animal Care Technologist I-IV
Provide specialised care to maintain and monitor our animal's health and physical environment.
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Veterinary Technician
Help monitor, document, and triage all laboratory animal health cases.
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Team Leader / Supervisor
Supervise, train, mobilise, empower, and develop a high-performing team.
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Research Associate
Coordinate and plan activities according to study plan guidelines.
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Intern Level I
Support process/procedure improvement based on site and department needs. Gain knowledge of our corporate environment to navigate cross-functional department collaboration.
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Intern Level II
Complete comprehensive departmental projects incorporating mentorship of Level I interns as a professional development component.
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Biomanufacturing Technician I-III
Oversee the production, formulation, and banking of cellular products while maintaining compliance with GMP, GDP, and aseptic guidelines.
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Biomanufacturing Lead / Specialist
Maintain in-depth knowledge of specialised equipment to address questions as a Subject Matter Expert for the required equipment.
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Clinical Veterinarian I-III
Responsible for delivering professional veterinary services and helping to manage all phases of health care for the animal colony.
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Senior Clinical Veterinarian
Utlise knowledge of laboratory animal medicine to optimise the scientific objectives of animal research protocols.
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Principal Veterinarian / Associate Director
Conduct veterinary consultations, make treatment recommendations, communicate with study directors, and follow cases through to resolution.
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Director, Laboratory Animal Medicine
Provide technical and professional oversight of all animal care and use functions involving site laboratory animals.
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Technician I-III
Follow SOP and protocols in the areas of animal handling, husbandry, and blood/urine collection.
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Technician IV-V
Handle advanced technician duties, including anesthesia, leadership and specialised sample collections.
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Project Leader (Scientific)
Serve as a scientific expert for the Lab with responsibility for staff-conducted studies.
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Team Leader (People Leader)
Oversee team activities and gain leadership skills on the path to becoming a Team Supervisor.
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Team Supervisor (People Leader)
Responsible for overall employee supervision, staff development, and team success.
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Financial Analyst
Help analyse financial data, extract/define relevant information, and interpret data.
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Financial Analyst II
Responsible for analysis, forecasting, budgeting, accounting administration, and reporting of projects.
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Senior Financial Analyst
Handle weekly and monthly forecasting and annual budget preparation. Prepare financials and key indicators for business reviews.
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Manager, Business Finance
Partner with operating businesses to raise standards in key decision areas. Present a dynamic industry, competitor, and economic context.
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Finance Director, Operation
Support all business aspects, working with site teams to direct weekly/monthly forecasting and annual budget preparation.
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Biomanufacturing Technician I
Support the production, formulation, and banking of novel cellular products (including cGMP, GDP, and aseptic processing).
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Biomanufacturing Technician II
Perform specialised activities in the production, formulation, and banking of novel cellular products (including cGMP, GDP, and aseptic processing). Train Biomanufacturing Technician 1.
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Biomanufacturing Technician III
Help advance the production, formulation, and banking of novel cellular products (including cGMP, GDP, and aseptic processing) while interacting with clients.
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Biomanufacturing Lead / Specialist
Maintain in-depth knowledge of specialised equipment to address questions as a Subject Matter Expert for the required equipment.
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Biomanufacturing Supervisor
Oversee biomanufacturing personnel, ensuring compliance with cGMP’s, CRL quality systems, and process documents in biomanufacturing.
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Biomanufacturing Manager
Lead biomanufacturing activities in the start-up and cGMP production of novel cellular products. Schedule and manage staff, ensuring a safe and compliant working environment.
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Client Manager
Ensures high-quality customer service through multi-site coordination. Deliver timely, accurate, and comprehensive responses to sponsor requests.
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Business Development Director
Deliver profitable sales growth by targeting and visiting clients to build strong relationships and customer loyalty.
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Senior Business Development Director
Plan and execute a territory-based field sales strategy. Drive growth through targeted long- and short-term account plans.
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Regional Sales Manager
Manage sales team within North America's Safety Assessment sales region to achieve sales and profit goals.
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Director
Partner with site leadership to achieve performance goals, develop staff, and deliver succession planning.
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Senior Director / General Manager
Lead a multi-functional team to ensure integrated operations. Collaborate with senior leadership to form plans, objectives, and policies.
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Executive Director
Lead a global, mutidisciplinary team. Develop short and long-term strategic plans tp maximise growth and profitability.
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Corporate Vice President
Provide leadership, direction, and advice to leadership and finance teams. Accountable for financial planning, directing, and controlling.
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About Charles River
Charles River is an early-stage Contract Research Organisation (CRO). Here, we are passionate about our role in improving the quality of people’s lives. With 100 sites around the globe, we are strategically positioned to coordinate worldwide resources and apply multidisciplinary perspectives in resolving our clients’ unique challenges. Our client base includes global pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, government agencies, hospitals, and academic institutions around the world.
Supporting your well-being
Your dedication and passion make a life-saving difference in lives around the world. We’re committed to providing you with benefits that elevate your quality of life.
Financial
- Earnings + incentives
- Retirement benefits
- Holidays + time away
- Recognition
- Employee Assistance
Career
- Professional development opportunities
- Career development
- Awards
- Educational support
Health & wellness provision
- Employee well-being support
- Family Support Assistance
- Parental benefits + family formation benefits
- Work-life balance flexibility
Social and Community
- Culture of inclusion
- 11 employee resource groups (ERGs) with >3,000 members
- Opportunities for paid volunteer time off
- Community outreach + matching gift + engagement activities
About Charles River
Charles River is an early-stage Contract Research Organisation (CRO). Here, we are passionate about our role in improving the quality of people’s lives. With 100 sites around the globe, we are strategically positioned to coordinate worldwide resources and apply multidisciplinary perspectives in resolving our clients’ unique challenges. Our client base includes global pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, government agencies, hospitals, and academic institutions around the world.