Andy,
Marjolijn has pointed to several strong publications on this topic, and many of you are likely familiar with ABRF's broader guidance on career ladders (not discipline-specific):
[https://abrf.org/resources/careers/#families](https://abrf.org/resources/careers/#families)
In addition, there is are recurring salary surveys that are circulated through the Purdue listserv that may also be of interest as a benchmarking resource - but nothing by ISAC that I know of.
I am currently in the process of formalizing a structured career ladder for Shared Resource Laboratory staff, with clearly defined competencies and performance expectations tailored to each technical discipline. One of the more significant challenges has been identifying sufficiently detailed and comparable job descriptions to support appropriate market benchmarking and salary band development at each level.
I have been leveraging the ABRF salary survey data with incremental progress. The trajectory has moved from initial resistance ("we cannot use this") to a more constructive dialogue in which HR is requesting additional detail about the survey methodology and comparability so that it may be considered for formal salary benchmarking. While this is encouraging, it underscores that translating core-specific roles into institutional compensation frameworks requires persistence and careful framing.
In my experience, success depends on presenting the data and role definitions in terms that align with HR's classification and compensation language, and maintaining steady engagement throughout the process. It is not a short path, but it is navigable with consistent communication and well-documented justification.
If others are actively working through similar efforts, I would welcome the opportunity to compare approaches and materials.
Best regards,
Tim
Original Message:
Sent: 2/24/2026 7:52:00 AM
From: Marjolijn Hameetman
Subject: RE: Flow Cytometry Core Careers and ISAC
Dear Andy,
I know a few people here in Europe who have been active in this field.
Saskia Lippens from the VIB in Belgium has some papers on this topic:
How tech‐savvy employees make the difference in core facilities | EMBO Reports | Springer Nature Link
Future proofing core facilities with a seven-pillar model - PubMed
Unlocking success: The power of change management in core facilities - PMC
Kelly Vere is also active in the UK (will be presenting at ABRF as well, March 29 9:00 AM):
RMS | Technician Commitment
Hope this helps!
Best regards,
Marjolijn
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Marjolijn Hameetman
BSc.
LUMC
Leiden
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Original Message:
Sent: 02-23-2026 17:26
From: Andy Chitty
Subject: Flow Cytometry Core Careers and ISAC
Hi Folks,
One of the core directors here was asking me if ISAC has done work developing Flow career paths, reviewing salaries, etc. It seems to me I heard something about ISAC people doing some work in this arena, and thought I'd reach out. They would like to see if they can cite things that other flow cytometry groups have done to develop career paths for workers in flow cores.
Thanks!
Andy
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Andy Chitty
Executive Director, MGB Research Cores
Mass General Brigham
Boston MA
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