Histology Technician or Histotechnologist

Job Description

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced, Histology Technician to perform hands-on procedures supporting fast-paced CRO research and project execution. Working under the direction of the Histology Lead, you will independently drive core histology workflows including tissue grossing, specimen preparation, embedding, microtomy, H&E staining, and quality control.

The ideal candidate brings strong bench-level capability, easily balances rapid throughput with exceptional slide quality, recognizes and troubleshoots technical issues, and excels in a fast-turnaround environment.

About The Company: 

We are a rapidly growing, high-growth life science platform backed by premium private equity. Operating a specialized Contract Research Organization (CRO) facility in the Bay Area, we deliver advanced histopathology services, tissue-based research, and preclinical solutions to global biotech and pharmaceutical innovators. We combine the high-impact, collaborative energy of a scaling startup with the operational stability of established, proven laboratory pipelines.

Key Responsibilities

Histology Processing & Technical Execution

• High-Throughput Microtomy: Meet and maintain an established productivity standard of sectioning at least 20+ FFPE blocks per hour while maintaining strict quality and accuracy.
• Core Bench Work: Perform routine and complex specimen handling, tissue processing, embedding, and microtomy/sectioning from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue blocks.
• Grossing & Staining: Independently perform tissue grossing and specimen preparation. Execute manual H&E staining according to approved protocols; support special stains, cryosectioning, and IHC/IF workflows when assigned.
• Equipment Operations: Safely operate, clean, and maintain microtomes, tissue processors, staining equipment, and cryostats.
• Technical Troubleshooting: Resolve routine technical issues involving tissue handling, embedding, sectioning, or staining artifacts, and escalate complex concerns to the Histology Lead.

Quality Control & Documentation

• Slide Inspection: Rigorously inspect tissue sections for correct orientation, section integrity, staining consistency, and strict conformance with project requirements.
• Traceability: Maintain flawless sample identification, laboratory records, and chain-of-custody documentation across the workflow.
• Regulatory Compliance: Follow approved SOPs, work instructions, and quality-control protocols. Document all work promptly in accordance with internal quality metrics and applicable GLP or regulated-laboratory practices.
• Deviation Reporting: Promptly report deviations, specimen issues, or process failures to leadership and assist with corrective actions.

Laboratory Operations & Team Support

• Workflow Coordination: Coordinate daily priorities with the Histology Lead and proactively communicate sample status, technical delays, and timeline updates.
• Reagent & Inventory Management: Prepare reagents, staining solutions, and lab materials. Monitor inventory and communicate supply needs early.
• Collaborative Environment: Partner closely with histology, scientific, and project management teams to ensure timely project execution and cross-functional success.

Qualifications

Required:

• Education: Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Histotechnology, Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Pathology, or a related scientific discipline (equivalent relevant bench experience will be considered).
• Experience: Minimum of 5+ years of hands-on histology/histopathology laboratory experience .
• CRO Background: Prior hands-on histology experience working within a fast-paced CRO environment is strictly required .
• Speed & Quality: Demonstrated "Day 1" mastery in embedding and sectioning, with a proven ability to process at least 20 FFPE blocks per hour without compromising slide quality.
• Technical Proficiency: Deep working knowledge of end-to-end histology workflows, manual H&E staining, tissue handling, and standard troubleshooting practices.
• Soft Skills: High attention to detail, strong time-management skills, and the communication clarity needed to thrive in a team-oriented, deadline-driven environment.

Preferred:

• HT (ASCP) or HTL (ASCP) certification.
• Hands-on experience with frozen tissues and cryosectioning.
• Experience performing manual special stains, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and/or immunofluorescence (IF).
• Familiarity operating under GLP or equivalent strict laboratory quality systems.
• Prior experience in broader pharmaceutical or biotechnology research environments.