Histology Technician

Position Summary

The Histology Technician performs hands-on histology procedures to support high-quality tissue-based research and project execution in a fast-paced CRO environment. Working under the direction of the Histology Lead, the role independently performs core histology workflows including tissue grossing, specimen preparation, embedding, microtomy/sectioning, H&E staining, quality control, documentation, and routine laboratory support. The ideal candidate has strong bench-level histology capability, can consistently balance speed with slide quality, recognizes and troubleshoots routine technical issues, and communicates clearly when workflow or quality concerns arise.

Key Responsibilities

Histology Processing & Technical Execution

• Perform routine histology procedures, including specimen handling, tissue processing, embedding, microtomy/sectioning, and staining; perform cryosectioning when qualified and assigned.
• Prepare high-quality sections from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue blocks and, when qualified, frozen tissue samples in accordance with project requirements and established procedures.
• Perform manual H&E staining according to approved protocols; perform special stains and support IHC/IF workflows when trained and assigned.
• Independently perform tissue grossing and specimen preparation in accordance with established procedures and project requirements.
• Operate microtomes, tissue processors, staining equipment, and other histology laboratory equipment safely and correctly; operate cryostats when qualified and assigned.
• Troubleshoot routine histology issues involving tissue handling, embedding, sectioning, staining, or slide quality, and elevate complex specimen, equipment, or workflow concerns to the Histology Lead.
• Meet the established productivity standard of at least 20 FFPE blocks per hour while maintaining required quality and accuracy.

Quality Control & Documentation

• Inspect tissue sections and slides for quality, proper orientation, section integrity, staining consistency, and conformance with project requirements.
• Maintain accurate sample identification, traceability, laboratory records, and required documentation throughout the histology workflow.
• Follow approved SOPs, protocols, work instructions, and quality-control procedures consistently.
• Document work accurately and promptly in accordance with internal quality requirements and applicable GLP or other regulated-laboratory practices.
• Report deviations, specimen issues, repeated quality concerns, or process failures promptly to the Histology Lead and support corrective actions as assigned.

Laboratory Operations & Team Support

• Coordinate daily work priorities with the Histology Lead and communicate sample status, workflow delays, technical issues, and completion timelines.
• Perform routine equipment cleaning, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting according to established procedures.
• Prepare reagents, staining solutions, and laboratory materials; support inventory monitoring and communicate supply needs in a timely manner.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment and follow applicable laboratory safety, biosafety, and waste-disposal procedures.
• Collaborate with histology, scientific, project-management, and laboratory teams to support timely project execution.
• Participate in training, process-improvement activities, and implementation of updated SOPs or workflows.

Qualifications

Required

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Histotechnology, Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Pathology, or a related scientific discipline; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
• Minimum 5+ years hands-on histology/histopathology laboratory experience.
• Prior hands-on histology experience in a CRO environment is required.
• Demonstrated Day 1 proficiency in tissue embedding and microtomy/sectioning of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue blocks.
• Ability to independently perform tissue grossing and specimen preparation in accordance with established procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to process at least 20 FFPE blocks per hour while consistently meeting established quality standards.
• Hands-on experience performing manual H&E staining and strong working knowledge of end-to-end histology workflows, tissue handling, quality-control practices, and routine troubleshooting.
• Ability to maintain accurate documentation, sample traceability, and adherence to established SOPs and laboratory procedures.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, time management, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented laboratory environment while maintaining quality and turnaround expectations.

Preferred

• Experience with frozen tissue and cryosectioning.
• Experience performing manual special stains, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and/or immunofluorescence (IF).
• HT or HTL (ASCP) certification.
• Experience in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or research environments in addition to required CRO experience.
• Familiarity with GLP or other laboratory quality systems.