Lead Histotechnologist

Job Description

Job Description

Retro develops therapies for diseases driven by the biology of aging. We focus on cellular reprogramming and autophagy to rejuvenate cell and tissue function with the ultimate aim of adding 10 years to healthy human lifespan.

We’re building a mission-driven team of accomplished and kind individuals who embrace our startup culture of rapid iteration, transparency, and versatility.

We are hiring a Lead Histotechnologist to build and run Retro’s first in-house histology capability. You’ll be the primary histologist supporting multiple scientific programs - including our Microglia, Tissue Reprogramming, and Autophagy teams - performing FFPE and cryo-sectioning workflows from embedding through staining and imaging. Tissue processing will continue to be outsourced to a CRO; everything else happens in-house with you. You will work in a dedicated histology lab space and be a part of the Scientific Operations team - a close-knit group of dedicated, resourceful humans, handling all things labs, facilities, and logistics.

You’re a skilled bench histologist who takes pride in producing high-quality sections and stains. You’re comfortable working independently, juggling requests from multiple teams, and building workflows from scratch. You’re organized, detail-oriented, and proactive - the kind of person who keeps a lab running smoothly without being asked. You communicate clearly with scientists, understand what they need from their tissue, and can advise on best practices from fixation through imaging.

• Own the day-to-day operation of Retro's histology workflows — managing work prioritization, quality control, and turnaround timelines 

• Independently triage and schedule work across programs, communicating realistic timelines, flagging conflicts early, tracking sample throughput, and maintaining organized records

• Perform tissue and organoid embedding, paraffin and frozen sectioning, vibratome sectioning, and slide preparation for multiple scientific teams

• Conduct IHC and IF staining, including protocol optimization and new antibody validation

• Perform H&E staining and special stains as needed

• Develop and document SOPs for all histology workflows, building up the institutional knowledge for Retro’s histology practice 

• Operate and maintain standard histology equipment - embedding center, microtome, cryostat, vibratome, water baths, fume hood, and associated instruments

• Coordinate with CROs for tissue processing and ensure quality of incoming processed tissues

• Decalcify tissues as needed for bone or calcified samples

• Assist with imaging of stained sections or coordinate with instrument engineers for imaging support

• Manage histology supplies inventory, ordering, and lab organization

• Provide guidance to scientists on tissue collection, fixation, and handling best practices to ensure downstream quality

• Have 5+ years of hands-on histology experience with FFPE workflows - embedding, microtomy, and staining

• Are proficient with both paraffin sectioning, cryosectioning, and vibrating sectioning

• Have experience with IHC and/or IF staining, including antibody titration and protocol troubleshooting

• Have demonstrated ability to work independently and manage multiple concurrent requests — you've been the go-to histologist that teams rely on

• Are naturally organized and detail-oriented - you keep clean records and a clean lab

• Communicate clearly and effectively - whether discussing tissue orientation with a scientist or coordinating things

• Are hands-on and proactive - you don’t wait to be told when something needs to be done

• Biotech, pharmaceutical, or academic research histology core environments

• Image analysis or digital pathology tools

• Training others on histology techniques

• GLP or regulated laboratory environments

*At Retro, we don't use titles. New hires join as a "Member of X Team". The expectations for this role are generally aligned to the level of Histology Specialist. 

Total compensation also includes generous equity and benefits including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your family

• 401(k) plan with 4% matching

• Unlimited time off and 10 company holidays per year

• Annual learning & development stipend

• Free lunch and snack

We take pride in cultivating an environment that fosters collaboration, open communication, and authenticity. We believe that great results are best delivered by a highly creative team working in concert. We are an equal opportunity employer; we do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We are diverse in background and singular in mission.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.