Associate Scientist I

The Fountain Group is currently seeking a Associate Scientist I for a prominent client of ours. This position is located at Irvine, CA. Details for the position are as follows:
 
Title: Associate Scientist I
Location: Irvine, CA
Duration: 08 months (With Possible Extension/Hire)
Pay : $35 - $38/ hours

Job Details

We are seeking an experienced Histotechnician for an 8-month contract position supporting routine histology and immunohistochemistry (IHC) operations within a Histology Laboratory supporting Skincare R&D and Clinical Development.

This is a hands-on, onsite laboratory role focused on the processing, sectioning, and staining of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues, along with routine and special stains, IHC assays, slide imaging, and documentation. The ideal candidate will have strong foundational histology bench skills, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to work independently while maintaining consistent quality and following established SOPs.

Key Responsibilities

• Process FFPE tissue specimens, including trimming, embedding, and block preparation.
• Perform microtome sectioning of FFPE tissue blocks to produce high-quality slides.
• Perform routine histology staining, including H&E, as well as special stains.
• Perform manual and/or automated IHC staining, including antigen retrieval and detection.
• Operate and maintain histology laboratory equipment, including microtomes, tissue processors, embedding stations, autostainers, and coverslippers.
• Perform slide imaging/scanning and organize digital images for study team review.
• Maintain accurate records of samples, staining runs, QC checks, and laboratory activities.
• Troubleshoot tissue quality and staining issues and escalate as appropriate.
• Maintain proper labeling, tracking, and chain-of-custody of tissue specimens and slides.
• Support reagent and laboratory supply inventory, equipment maintenance, and general laboratory organization.
• Follow all applicable laboratory safety procedures when handling chemicals, biological specimens, and laboratory materials.
• Collaborate with scientists and laboratory management to support study timelines and quality expectations.

Required Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Biology, Histotechnology, Medical Laboratory Science, or a related scientific field.
• 1–3+ years of hands-on histology laboratory experience.
• Experience with FFPE tissue processing, paraffin embedding, and microtome sectioning.
• Experience performing routine histology staining, particularly H&E.
• Strong attention to detail and consistency in a high-throughput laboratory environment.
• Ability to work independently while following established SOPs and laboratory procedures.
• Strong documentation and record-keeping skills.
• Ability to safely handle laboratory chemicals and biological tissue specimens.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on IHC / immunohistochemistry experience.
• Experience with special stains.
• Experience with automated IHC or staining platforms such as Leica Bond, Ventana/Roche, or Dako.
• Experience with slide imaging, digital pathology, or whole-slide scanning.
• HT or HTL ASCP certification or eligibility.
• Experience in a pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or CRO research environment.
• Familiarity with GLP/GxP laboratory documentation practices.
• Experience supporting skincare, dermatology, or clinical development research.

Work Environment

• Onsite, full-time laboratory position with standard business hours.
• Requires extended periods of standing or sitting at a laboratory bench.
• PPE is required and the role involves handling laboratory chemicals and biological tissue specimens.

Required Skills

• FFPE Tissue Processing
• Microtome Sectioning
• Histology / H&E Staining
• IHC / Immunohistochemistry 
• Paraffin Embedding

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