Lab Associate

Job Title: Histology Lab Associate

Job Description

The Histology Lab Associate supports daily histology laboratory operations by coordinating workflow, organizing specimens, handling slides, performing data entry, and providing broad laboratory support. This role serves as a key operational partner to histology, imaging, and biosample operations teams, helping highly skilled technical staff focus on sectioning, imaging, and scientific data generation. The position offers exposure to cutting-edge biotechnology research, histology workflows, imaging processes, and biosample management in a fast-paced research environment.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate daily histology laboratory workflows to ensure smooth and timely processing of specimens and slides.

• Print, label, and organize slides and tissue blocks with high accuracy to maintain sample integrity and traceability.

• Accession specimens, enter data, and track samples throughout their lifecycle to support chain-of-custody and proper specimen management.

• Manage laboratory records and databases to ensure accurate documentation and sample traceability in accordance with SOPs and laboratory requirements.

• Coordinate the movement of samples between histology, imaging, and biosample operations to support efficient laboratory throughput.

• Support staining workflows by preparing materials, organizing slides, and ensuring required reagents and supplies are available.

• Assist with imaging processes by organizing slides, coordinating sample readiness, and supporting imaging operations as needed.

• Organize laboratory materials, supplies, and inventory to keep the workspace efficient, safe, and well-stocked.

• Monitor inventory and sample storage systems to ensure materials and specimens remain organized, accessible, and properly documented.

• Use data entry tools, LIMS, and related laboratory systems to record, update, and retrieve information accurately.

• Follow established SOPs, laboratory documentation requirements, and safety practices while handling biological specimens and working in regulated environments.

• Independently identify tasks and operational needs, taking initiative to complete work that supports overall laboratory efficiency.

• Collaborate closely with histology, imaging, biosample operations, and other laboratory teams, communicating effectively to coordinate activities and resolve issues.

• Proactively identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, streamline workflows, and enhance laboratory support processes.

• Maintain a clean, organized, and compliant laboratory environment, contributing to a culture of operational excellence and accountability.

Essential Skills

• Demonstrated laboratory operations experience that enables rapid contribution to daily histology and biospecimen workflows.

• Proficiency in sample accessioning and tracking to maintain chain-of-custody and effective specimen management.

• Strong data entry and database management skills to support accurate record keeping and sample traceability.

• Exceptional attention to detail for maintaining sample integrity, labeling accuracy, and overall workflow quality.

• Advanced organizational skills to manage multiple histology workflows and tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.

• Self-starter mentality with the ability to independently identify work that needs to be completed and take initiative.

• Collaborative mindset with the ability to support multiple laboratory functions and stakeholders effectively.

• Experience with inventory and sample management to ensure materials and specimens remain organized and accessible.

• Clear and professional communication skills for coordinating with histology, imaging, and biosample teams.

• Experience following SOPs and laboratory documentation requirements.

• Ability to stand for extended periods while performing laboratory duties.

• Ability to handle biological specimens according to established procedures and safety standards.

• Familiarity with laboratory safety practices and working safely with biological materials.

• Experience using Microsoft Office Suite for documentation, tracking, and communication.

• Comfort working in fast-paced, research-focused laboratory environments.

Work Environment

This role operates in a fast-paced biotechnology research environment that supports histology, imaging, and biospecimen workflows. Team members work closely together and value initiative, accountability, collaboration, and operational excellence. The culture rewards individuals who identify problems, offer solutions, and proactively support the success of others. You will work with laboratory information management systems such as LIMS and Benchling, and handle tissue samples and imaging-related workflows. The environment offers strong visibility across multiple functional teams, opportunities for long-term growth within laboratory operations, and direct impact on scientific productivity and data generation. Lunch is provided onsite, and the setting emphasizes safety, organization, and high-quality laboratory practices.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of South San Francisco, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $28.00 - $32.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: - Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in South San Francisco,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 31, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.