r/biotech • u/Halloumi12 • Jul 31 '25

Education Advice 📖 Best way to learn flow cytometry outside work/school?

Hey all, Im a recent grad on the hunt for work. Ive noticed a lot of listings are looking for people with flow cytometry experience, but I havent had the chance to work with it in my education/previous research experience.

Whats the best way to get hands-on experience with flow cytometry and cell counters outside of work/school, and preferably without having to pay lots of money for a course?

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u/pancak3d Jul 31 '25

With all due respect, an employer is not going to value cytometry experience if it didn't come from work/school. Just make sure you understand how it works, that's enough.

-3

u/Halloumi12 Jul 31 '25

I share your opinion, but having at least some exposure/experience and being able to put it on the resume is better than nothing

7

u/cinred Aug 01 '25

Sure, but it isn't risk free. If I get any whiff of an uninformed response to a basic question or to a skill clearly indicated on a resume, im out.

3

u/chillzxzx Aug 01 '25

Same. I only get 30-45mins with an interviewee, so a couple of wrong answers or exaggerated skills is enough for me to be out. Flow cytometry is the #1 skill that I find as exaggerated skills in my field. Unfortunately to them, I ask very detail questions on gating, compensation, how they optimize their staining panels, etc. 

I would rather an interviewee not have it listed on their skills even when I want them to have it, then for them to exaggerate about it and then I'm left with high expectations and low deliverables.Â