Research Associate - Advanced Staining & Immunohistochemistry (IHC)

The Research Associate – Advanced Staining & Immunohistochemistry (IHC) supports HistoWiz's Advanced Staining laboratory by independently performing immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF), and in situ hybridization (ISH) assays while contributing to assay development, validation, and process optimization. This role partners closely with pathologists, laboratory scientists, and clients to develop and validate biomarkers, troubleshoot staining protocols, and deliver high-quality results within established turnaround times.

The ideal candidate is a scientifically curious, detail-oriented laboratory professional with experience in histology, immunohistochemistry, and experimental design who enjoys solving technical challenges while supporting innovative research projects.

 

Key Responsibilities

Advanced Staining Operations

• Independently perform immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF), and in situ hybridization (ISH) staining procedures according to laboratory SOPs.
• Prepare, stain, and process FFPE tissue sections while maintaining specimen integrity and traceability.
• Perform routine and advanced staining workflows to meet client turnaround time expectations.
• Assist with routine IHC production as laboratory workload requires.

Assay Development & Optimization

• Research scientific literature to identify and evaluate antibodies, biomarkers, and staining methodologies for client projects.
• Develop, optimize, and validate new IHC, IF, ISH, and multiplex immunofluorescence (mIF) assays.
• Design experiments to optimize staining conditions, antibody concentrations, antigen retrieval methods, and detection systems.
• Analyze experimental results and recommend protocol improvements.

Validation & Quality Assurance

• Perform biomarker, assay, reagent, and equipment validation studies.
• Troubleshoot staining inconsistencies and identify root causes of quality issues.
• Review stained slides with pathologists to ensure assay performance and staining quality.
• Prepare validation reports documenting assay performance and quality outcomes.
• Maintain compliance with laboratory quality standards and documentation requirements.

Project Leadership & Client Support

• Serve as the technical lead for assigned client projects.
• Lead project update meetings and communicate progress with internal teams and external clients.
• Coordinate project timelines to ensure deliverables are completed on or ahead of schedule.
• Support Advanced Immuno Research (AIR) projects by coordinating laboratory activities and scientific documentation.
• Assign AIR projects through Monday.com and monitor project progress.

Laboratory Operations

• Maintain organization of the Advanced Staining laboratory.
• Monitor inventory levels and coordinate ordering of laboratory reagents, antibodies, consumables, and supplies.
• Ensure laboratory equipment is maintained, calibrated, and operating properly.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives to increase laboratory efficiency, quality, and productivity.

Collaboration & Mentorship

• Collaborate closely with Histology, Digital Pathology, Quality, and Pathology teams.
• Mentor and train junior laboratory staff on staining techniques, laboratory procedures, and best practices.
• Contribute to process improvement initiatives that enhance laboratory performance and client satisfaction.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Immunology, Biomedical Sciences, Biotechnology, or a related life sciences discipline.
• 2+ years of laboratory experience performing immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, histology, or related tissue-based assays.
• Experience working with FFPE tissue specimens.
• Strong understanding of antibody-based staining techniques and tissue preparation.
• Excellent laboratory documentation and organizational skills.
• Ability to independently manage multiple projects while meeting deadlines.
• Strong scientific communication and problem-solving abilities.

Preferred

• Experience developing or optimizing IHC, IF, ISH, or multiplex IF assays.
• Experience with automated staining platforms (Leica Bond, Ventana, Dako, Akoya, or equivalent).
• Experience working in a CAP, CLIA, GLP, or GCLP laboratory.
• Experience collaborating with pathologists on assay validation and quality review.
• Experience writing scientific validation reports and technical documentation.
• Familiarity with digital pathology and whole-slide imaging.