Job Description
Position Summary
We are seeking an experienced, Histology Technician to perform hands-on procedures supporting fast-paced CRO research and project execution. Working under the direction of the Histology Lead, you will independently drive core histology workflows including tissue grossing, specimen preparation, embedding, microtomy, H&E staining, and quality control.
The ideal candidate brings strong bench-level capability, easily balances rapid throughput with exceptional slide quality, recognizes and troubleshoots technical issues, and excels in a fast-turnaround environment.
About The Company:
We are a rapidly growing, high-growth life science platform backed by premium private equity. Operating a specialized Contract Research Organization (CRO) facility in the Bay Area, we deliver advanced histopathology services, tissue-based research, and preclinical solutions to global biotech and pharmaceutical innovators. We combine the high-impact, collaborative energy of a scaling startup with the operational stability of established, proven laboratory pipelines.
Key Responsibilities
Histology Processing & Technical Execution
- High-Throughput Microtomy: Meet and maintain an established productivity standard of sectioning at least 20+ FFPE blocks per hour while maintaining strict quality and accuracy.
- Core Bench Work: Perform routine and complex specimen handling, tissue processing, embedding, and microtomy/sectioning from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue blocks.
- Grossing & Staining: Independently perform tissue grossing and specimen preparation. Execute manual H&E staining according to approved protocols; support special stains, cryosectioning, and IHC/IF workflows when assigned.
- Equipment Operations: Safely operate, clean, and maintain microtomes, tissue processors, staining equipment, and cryostats.
- Technical Troubleshooting: Resolve routine technical issues involving tissue handling, embedding, sectioning, or staining artifacts, and escalate complex concerns to the Histology Lead.
Quality Control & Documentation
- Slide Inspection: Rigorously inspect tissue sections for correct orientation, section integrity, staining consistency, and strict conformance with project requirements.
- Traceability: Maintain flawless sample identification, laboratory records, and chain-of-custody documentation across the workflow.
- Regulatory Compliance: Follow approved SOPs, work instructions, and quality-control protocols. Document all work promptly in accordance with internal quality metrics and applicable GLP or regulated-laboratory practices.
- Deviation Reporting: Promptly report deviations, specimen issues, or process failures to leadership and assist with corrective actions.
Laboratory Operations & Team Support
- Workflow Coordination: Coordinate daily priorities with the Histology Lead and proactively communicate sample status, technical delays, and timeline updates.
- Reagent & Inventory Management: Prepare reagents, staining solutions, and lab materials. Monitor inventory and communicate supply needs early.
- Collaborative Environment: Partner closely with histology, scientific, and project management teams to ensure timely project execution and cross-functional success.
Qualifications
Required:
- Education: Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Histotechnology, Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Pathology, or a related scientific discipline (equivalent relevant bench experience will be considered).
- Experience: Minimum of 5+ years of hands-on histology/histopathology laboratory experience.
- CRO Background: Prior hands-on histology experience working within a fast-paced CRO environment is strictly required.
- Speed & Quality: Demonstrated "Day 1" mastery in embedding and sectioning, with a proven ability to process at least 20 FFPE blocks per hour without compromising slide quality.
- Technical Proficiency: Deep working knowledge of end-to-end histology workflows, manual H&E staining, tissue handling, and standard troubleshooting practices.
- Soft Skills: High attention to detail, strong time-management skills, and the communication clarity needed to thrive in a team-oriented, deadline-driven environment.
Preferred:
- HT (ASCP) or HTL (ASCP) certification.
- Hands-on experience with frozen tissues and cryosectioning.
- Experience performing manual special stains, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and/or immunofluorescence (IF).
- Familiarity operating under GLP or equivalent strict laboratory quality systems.
- Prior experience in broader pharmaceutical or biotechnology research environments.
Numbers & Facts
| Location | Fremont, CA |
| Industry | Staffing/Employment Agencies |
| Company Size | 10 to 19 employees |
| Year Founded | 2008 |
| Website | http://www.ka-recruiting.com/ |
About Company
Overview
K.A. Recruiting is a Healthcare Recruiting company that was established in order to serve the growing need for allied healthcare professionals, doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, physician assistants and physical therapists. We help to find top notch candidates for hospitals, reference labs, long-term care facilities, home health agencies, rehabilitation centers, non profit organizations, etc. CHECK OUT OUR CURRENT JOB OPPORTUNITIES: JOBS.KA-RECRUITING.COM Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/KA-Recruiting-Inc/210685185178
- Website
- http://www.ka-recruiting.com
- Industry
- Staffing and Recruiting
Skills
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