Histology Associate

Team Description: 

The Pathology Department is responsible for the macroscopic and microscopic evaluation of tissue samples from our study participants. The Anatomic Pathology team is responsible for necropsy, tissue grossing, and macroscopic evaluation of tissue; the Histology team for tissue processing, embedding, sectioning, staining, and microscopic slide generation; the digital Pathology team for Micro-CT scanning, whole slide digital imaging, and analysis; and the Laboratory Operations team for study/data preparation and delivery, specimen tracking, and general maintenance and compliance. 

Job Responsibilities and Description: 

The Histology Associate will work as a member of the Histology team to validate a variety of materials and methods while performing high throughput processes for tissue preparation, detection methods, and data curation. They will also provide timely, constructive feedback to teams across multiple disciplines. 

Essential Functions: 

• Help drive the day to day operations of Neuralink’s Histology Laboratory(s)
• Operate and maintain high throughput histological equipment including, but not limited to, embedding stations, tissue processors, microtomes, slide stainers, slide/cassette printers, barcode scanners, and slide scanners 
• Prepare target and non-target tissue samples for histology processing including having a working knowledge of tissue fixation, embedding, processing, sectioning, and staining
• Perform novel immunohistochemical and special staining techniques
• Produce high quality specimens at embedding, sectioning, and staining timepoints
• Help generate, edit, and/or review reports, technical and equipment SOPs, logs, and forms
• Use a GLP compliant labeling system to record tissue specimens and reagents
• May assist with tissue procurement at necropsy and macroscopic tissue evaluations and documentation
• Be able to work while being audited by QA and regulatory agencies 
• Other duties as assigned or as needed to support the Pathology Department and Research Services

Key Qualifications: (MUST HAVE)

• BA/BS in Biology, Medical Laboratory Science, Neuroscience, or a related field, with 1+ (Associate) / 3+ (Specialist) years of relevant laboratory experience. Experience in lieu of formal education will be considered.

• Histology and Immunohistochemistry experience and knowledge of basic/fundamental histology and troubleshooting principles
• Experience with daily QA/QC within a diagnostic/research laboratory environment
• Ability to carry out and document experiments consistently and according to established standard operating procedures (SOPs) and Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs)
• Be able to assist with generating, editing, and/or reviewing reports, technical and equipment SOPs, logs, and forms
• Carry a working knowledge of basic anatomy and physiology

Preferred Qualifications: (NICE TO HAVE)

• Certification as a Histology Technician (HT) or Histotechnologist (HTL) (ASCP), or equivalent. Qualification in Immunohistochemistry (QIHC) is considered a plus.
• Ability to conduct each step of the histological pipeline either independently or under the direction of the Histology team lead.
• Ability to multitask 
• Strong organization and communication skills
• Ability to work as a team member in a fast moving/dynamic regulated environment

Physical Requirements:  Ability to travel to and from work in Fremont, CA and Austin, TX.  Ability to work safely with potentially hazardous chemicals and biological specimens. Ability to lift 50 lbs. 

Computer Skills: Basic computer skills including working knowledge of Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, Drive, Gmail), Slack, LIMS, and Imaging Softwares.

Work Environment: Laboratory, vivarium, and office.