Histotechnologist

FULL TIME. JOB DESCRIPTION

**Please note, we do not provide sponsorship at this time.**

We are a biotechnology pioneer, that discovers, develops and delivers innovative, award winning human biotherapies.  We are currently developing multiple vascular tissue engineered therapies and expanding our business model.  With a broad pipeline of potential new therapy applications, we continue to build our organization and scientific teams.  We are looking for additional biomedical research and development colleagues to continue to build our expanding team.

Position Background:

-The Histotechnologist, will perform histological methods on biological and engineered tissues.

-Position reports to Supervisor, QC Lab

Primary Responsibilities:

• Processing, embedding, microtome cutting and mounting of tissue samples
• Perform routine and specialty stains on mounted samples
• Preparing all equipment and reagents for histological processing and staining
• Maintain and ensure calibration of all histological equipment
• Design and establish methods for processing and staining tissues
• Develop and establish new immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence stains
• Dispose of used and/or old reagents (toxic and chemical waste) in a manner acceptable to OSHA, and Federal Standards and to keep records (where required) of the same
• Maintain inventory and order all equipment and supplies for the Histology laboratory
• Author and maintain equipment and procedure SOP’s
• Perform and keep records of quality control related to procedures, methods, reagents, equipment
• Prepare equipment and reagents for processing, embedding, microtome cutting and mounting of tissue; perform routine H&E’s and special staining techniques
• Set up equipment, instruments, reagents and apparatus for specific laboratory techniques
• Troubleshooting all the processes in the lab (processing, staining, embedding and cutting among others)
• Maintain logbooks, work records, slide files, and paraffin block files in a manner that will meet the needs of the medical and legal professions as to identity and chain of custody
• Other duties, as assigned

General Competencies:

• Possess a positive attitude and optimistic outlook
• Strong ability to work in a fast-paced team environment with fluctuating priorities, and collaborate effectively with others
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with ability to set own priorities in a timely manner
• High degree of flexibility and adaptability
• Strong communication (verbal and written) and organizational skills
• Basic computer skills required, such as knowledge of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Detail-oriented, self-motivated and scientifically driven
• Motivated and organized critical thinker with solid interpersonal and communication skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated ability to work in a cross functional team
• Routinely communicate findings and information to other team members; transparency and knowledge sharing is expected and practiced
• Must be able to work as needed to meet tight deadlines and at peak periods

Special Competencies:

• Knowledge and familiarity with manual special stains such as mason trichrome, stains for elastic tissue stains and other special stains as needed
• Knowledge and familiarity of equipment validation and histology processes
• Knowledge of techniques for developing and troubleshooting tissue processing and staining problems
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; stand for prolonged periods of time.  The employee may occasionally be required to pull, lift and/or move up to 20 pounds

QUALIFICATIONS:

• BS degree in Biology or an equivalent science and/or appropriate histologic training certification program is required
• Certification as a Histotechnologist by a recognized professional organization like the American Society of American Pathologists (ASCPcm) or equivalent is required
• 5+ years of Histology experience in a research environment
• Strong histological preparation expertise in both animal and human protocols including but not limited to: Routine paraffin samples preparation including fixation, dehydration, clearing, embedding, microtomy, mounting and staining of tissue sections, and labeling of glass slides
• Experience with specialty stains Immunohistochemistry and Immunoflourescence
• Experienced in executing and troubleshooting manual ImmunoFluorescence and Immunohistochemistry
• Background with GLP/GMP laboratory documentation

Perks:

• Stock Options
• 401k Plan with Matching
• Medical, Vision and Dental Plans
• Long Term/Short Term Disability
• Life Insurance
• 23 Days Paid Time Off (PTO)
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Paid Parental Leave Policies