Job Overview

Are you ready to build and lead a cutting-edge spectral flow cytometry platform that shapes the future of immunology-driven drug discovery?

Can you translate deep cytometry expertise into high-impact client solutions and innovative scientific strategy? 

We are excited to offer a new opportunity in Flow Cytometry at our Portishead site.

Our Research Leaders and Senior Research Leaders within our Discovery teams at Portishead play a pivotal part in the development and implementation of innovative scientific strategy.

These are senior positions, with requirements to perform within the lab and to provide scientific leadership to multidisciplined teams within Discovery.  

Job Description

Lead and develop the site Flow Cytometry capability, acting as the scientific and operational owner of the flow cytometry facility.

Drive the implementation, optimisation, and adoption of the new spectral cytometer, including orientation, validation, and establishment of best practices.

Ensure full platform utilisation and return on investment (ROI) through:

• Proactive internal marketing (“launching” the technology across Discovery and to clients).
• Enabling new assay development and innovative applications.
• Expanding client-facing flow cytometry offerings.

Act as a cross-divisional Subject Matter Expert (SME) in flow cytometry, supporting programs across Discovery and other Business Units.

Develop and implement advanced flow cytometry assays, particularly in immunology-focused areas (immuno-oncology, autoimmune disease, inflammation, infection, microbiome).

Define and deliver training programs for all flow users, ensuring competency in:  

• Conventional and spectral cytometry principles and panel design.
• Instrument operation and troubleshooting.
• Advanced data analysis and interpretation.

Drive innovation in cytometry technologies, including multiplexing, high-dimensional analysis, and integration with other platforms (‘omics, imaging, etc.).

Partner with BD, Client Services (CS), and wider Discovery teams to introduce new flow-based capabilities into client programs and position the site as a leader in cytometry.

Demonstrate strong business awareness, using flow cytometry expertise to:  

• Shape site and cross-Discovery strategy.
• Develop new assays, models, and platform-based offerings.

Lead development of complex in vitro cell biology capabilities, with strong application of flow cytometry to immune-related assays.

Guide and/or direct immunology disease models (autoimmune, inflammation, infection) with a focus on flow-based and ex vivo endpoint analysis.

Support and integrate molecular biology and genetic manipulation approaches with flow cytometry readouts. 

Broaden capability beyond flow where relevant (e.g., Incucyte, ELISpot, Luminex, high content imaging), while maintaining flow cytometry as the primary technical anchor.

Identify, evaluate, and introduce novel cytometry technologies and workflows to enhance site and cross-site capabilities.

Drive innovation-led growth by aligning cytometry capabilities with client needs and emerging scientific trends.

Contribute to external positioning, showcasing the spectral cytometry platform and capabilities to clients and collaborators.

Lead or deputy lead FTE/FFS and IDD client projects, ensuring strategic alignment and scientific excellence.

Act as primary contact for clients, particularly on projects involving flow cytometry or complex immunophenotyping.

Design and deliver complex, flow-driven project plans that meet client timelines, budgets, and scientific objectives.

Coordinate multidisciplinary teams to ensure efficient execution of cytometry-intensive workflows.

Establish a structured training framework for flow cytometry users at all levels.

Mentor and coach scientists in:

• Experimental design using spectral cytometry.
• Panel design and data quality control.
• Data interpretation and troubleshooting.

Skills and Qualifications

PhD within a relevant scientific discipline or MSc within a relevant scientific discipline with significant time in industry.
Extensive publications list  
Significant lab-based experience within the drug discovery sector.
Proven project leadership skills, including managing multidisciplinary teams, finances, and creation of project plans with track record in achieving scientific milestones consistently. 
Strong influencing and people skills, able to foster a positive working environment that drives scientific innovation and aligns to the overall Discovery strategy.
Passionate about working within the drug discovery sector, able to demonstrate a strong understanding of the industry.
Proven ability to develop and train junior team members and work with internal and external stakeholders.
Ability to concisely and accurately present own results and those of others via slide decks, teleconference, videoconference, written report or face-to-face as appropriate.
Expertise across immuno-oncology, autoimmune disease, inflammation (inc. neuroinflammation), infection or microbiome programs.
Techniques which may include: flow cytometry, Incucyte, ELISpot, Luminex, high content imaging, complex primary cell culture, molecular biology, ‘omics and standard biochemical techniques.  
Experience in aspects of immune-related assays supporting immuno-oncology, autoimmune disease, inflammation (inc. neuroinflammation), infection or microbiome programs.
Identify ways to increase throughput or expand assay/model portfolio.

Advantageous, but not essential:

Experience with spectral cytometry.
Previous experience from another CRO or biotech.
Significant scientific leadership experience, managing multiple integrated projects or programmes across different sites and divisions.
Able to manage and resolve more complex technical and personnel issues, can liaise with other managers and peers in implementing solutions.
Demonstrates high-quality decision making which impacts positively on project deliverables.
Maintains a strong awareness of the relevant scientific literature and contemporary laboratory practices, sharing knowledge widely.
Helping to define strategy and leading new assay/model/platform development at the site and across Discovery.
Experience in autoimmunity, inflammation and infection or neuroinflammation, with ex vivo endpoint analysis.
Support the design of complex programs of work which meet client’s needs.
Strong focus on innovation, playing a key role in defining site strategy and leading new assay/model/platform development at the site and across Discovery.
Design complex programs of work which meet client’s needs and work with the operational teams to ensure successful delivery.
Utilise this to raise awareness of site capabilities. 

What We Offer You

At Charles River Discovery UK, we offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package designed to support our employees’ health, wellbeing, and professional growth. A generous Bonus and non-contributory pension, health, dental and much more.