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Max Perutz Labs

The Max Perutz Labs represent a collaborative venture between the University of Vienna and the Medical University of Vienna, leveraging the unique advantages of their prime location within the vibrant Vienna BioCenter Campus. This strategic positioning, coupled with close proximity to the esteemed Vienna General Hospital, fosters an unparalleled synergy for scientific innovation. Moreover, the majority of our workforce, directly employed through the universities, cultivates an environment of stability and consistency, setting us apart from the transient nature of project-based employment.

In recent years, there has been a growing trend favouring the adoption of flow cytometry as a primary approach, gaining popularity among in-house labs as well. This trend has resulted in an expansion of both the number of machines and the workforce at our facility over the past three years. Currently, our operations are managed by two persons overseeing an impressive line-up of equipment, from cutting-edge cell sorters and analyzers to a large particle sorter. This setup not only revolutionizes our workflow but also streamlines budgeting, cushioning us against the impact of machine downtimes.

While the scientific facilities within Max Perutz Labs are financially interconnected, each operates as a distinct entity, boasting independent core heads and specialized scientific user committees. However, this decentralized structure poses a challenge—a limitation in achieving a holistic, institution-wide overview of instrument maintenance, aging, and upcoming technological investments. Consequently, the absence of a unified strategy impedes tackling expensive instrument repairs and embracing technological advancements uniformly across the institution.

Navigating this complexity underscores the delicate balance between financial synergy and cohesive planning essential for the seamless functioning of individual facilities within Max Perutz Labs. Finding harmony between these units ensures we scale new heights while revolutionizing scientific exploration and innovation.