Histology Sr. Research Associate
Position Summary
We are seeking an experienced Histology Scientist to join our Histology team to both support and expand histopathology capabilities for our NAMkind™ Liver and NAMkind™ Intestine platforms. This hands-on role will be responsible for tissue processing, sectioning, staining, imaging, and pathology-support activities that enable drug discovery, toxicology, and disease modeling programs.
The successful candidate will initially assume primary responsibility for histology operations and subsequently serve as a key member of the histology team, helping increase throughput and advance tissue characterization capabilities across our 3D human tissue models.
Key Responsibilities
Histology Operations
- Independently process tissue samples from NAMkind™ Liver and NAMkind™ Intestine studies.
- Perform fixation, embedding, microtomy, cryosectioning, slide preparation, and tissue preservation.
- Maintain high-quality tissue processing workflows with strong attention to reproducibility and turnaround time.
- Troubleshoot tissue preparation and staining challenges associated with small, delicate, and 3D tissue models.
Histochemical Staining
- Execute routine and specialty staining procedures, including:
- Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E)
- Picrosirius Red (PSR)
- Masson's Trichrome
- PAS and related histochemical stains
- Additional special stains as required
- Optimize and validate staining protocols for novel tissue applications.
Immunohistochemistry & Imaging
- Perform immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF), and related tissue characterization workflows.
- Optimize antigen retrieval methods, antibody panels, and staining procedures.
- Acquire and manage digital images using microscopy and slide-scanning platforms.
- Support image analysis, quantification, and interpretation of histological endpoints.
Research & Development Support
- Collaborate with scientists investigating liver injury, fibrosis, inflammation, steatosis, intestinal injury, barrier function, and tissue remodeling.
- Support development and validation of new histology-based biomarkers and tissue characterization methods.
- Contribute to assay development and continuous improvement of tissue-analysis workflows.
Quality & Documentation
- Maintain detailed laboratory records and SOPs.
- Ensure compliance with internal quality standards and laboratory best practices.
- Assist with equipment maintenance, reagent inventory, and laboratory organization.
Qualifications
Required
- B.S. or M.S. in Histotechnology, Biology, Pathology, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field.
- Minimum 5 years of hands-on histology experience in industry, academia, CRO, or clinical pathology laboratories.
- Demonstrated expertise in:
- Tissue processing
- Paraffin embedding
- Microtomy
- Histochemical staining
- Immunohistochemistry
- Strong understanding of tissue morphology and pathology-assisted tissue evaluation.
- Ability to independently manage histology workflows with minimal supervision.
Preferred
- HT(ASCP) or HTL(ASCP) certification.
- Experience with liver, gastrointestinal, fibrosis, toxicology, or drug discovery research.
- Experience with Picrosirius Red staining and fibrosis quantification.
- Experience with immunofluorescence and multiplex staining methodologies.
- Experience with organoids, spheroids, microphysiological systems, engineered tissues, or other advanced in vitro models.
- Familiarity with digital pathology and image analysis software.
Desired Attributes
- Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to work independently in a fast-paced biotech environment.
- Collaborative mindset and willingness to support cross-functional research programs.
- Passion for advancing human-relevant New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) and reducing reliance on animal testing.