Histology Research Technician III

General Position Summary

The Histology Research Technician III performs research studies, internal product evaluations (new or existing products), and other initiatives as required under the guidance of the Senior R&D Sciences Manager. As such, the successful candidate is expected to learn the function and operation of all Sakura instrument systems, tissue fixation, processing, embedding, sectioning, and staining, and be able to conduct studies with minimal supervision. The candidate must be able to understand and follow complex protocols, collect and collate data, and write up results in a clear and concise manner.

Essential Job Functions

Work Activities

• Understands and evaluates complex scenarios and makes recommendations to manager regarding project decisions.
• Works with manager to formulate project plans and timelines.
• Collaborates with other TBR members (and other departments) in new product development activities.
• Reads and understands complex study protocols and executes studies with limited oversight.
• Prioritizes tasks by distinguishing urgent from important tasks and assesses cost/benefit trade-offs.
• Documents results in a clear and concise manner.
• Individually or as part of a team, conducts relevant tests and evaluations.
• With help from others, maintains the histology wing of the TBR laboratory to support product development and other activities.
• Assists in investigating customer complaints.
• Performs histology procedures such as:
• Grossing, fixing, processing and embedding of tissue specimens
• Microtomy (FFPE and cryostat)
• Hematoxylin & Eosin and other cytochemical stains
• Immunohistochemical stains
• Evaluation of H&E- and IHC-stained slides
• Follows GLP and GMP Guidelines.
• Engages in design and testing of software, reagents and instrumentation.
• Works in compliance with all applicable environmental, health, and safety regulations.
• Provides clearly written documentation of experimental results.
• Performs other duties and projects as assigned.

Leadership, Communication, Responsibility

• Collaborates with cross-functional stakeholders throughout the development process.
• Builds and maintains effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Provides technical and professional mentoring and guidance to junior histology staff.

Other Activities

• Maintains good relations with coworkers, customers and vendors.
• Keeps abreast of current technical programs by participation in technical groups.

Quality/Business Systems Activities

• Participates in efforts associated with continuous improvement, regulatory compliance, and other organizational capability initiatives.
• Follows GLP and GMP guidelines.
• Ensures compliance with all applicable environmental, health, and safety regulations.
• Participates in audits.

Other Skills

• Interacts with manager and team members in a professional and proactive manner.

Essential Job Requirements

Education

• Associate of Science or Bachelor of Science degree in Histotechnology or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience & Minimum Qualifications

• Five to seven years of experience as a histology technician.
• Preference is given to candidates with, or actively pursuing, HT or HTL certification.
• Good verbal and written communication skills, with demonstrable competency in technical writing.
• Knowledge in the biological sciences and the scientific method; prior experience in a research setting is a plus.
• Ability to perform the methods and procedures of histologic techniques, including cytochemical and immunohistochemical staining, skillfully and accurately.
• Eagerness to learn and acquire new skills.
• Maintains laboratory equipment.
• Basic computer and clerical skills.
• Knowledge of disposal procedures of hazardous waste and other waste solutions.
• Maintains Q.A. and equipment records.
• Ability to get along well with diverse personalities. Must be tactful and flexible.
• Ability to use standard office, testing and inspection equipment.

Physical Requirements & Working Environment

• This position requires the employee to frequently stand.
• Must be able to occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to work safely and proficiently in a shop environment with a variety of instruments and tools.
• Ability to read and analyze hard written copy and information on a computer screen. In addition, requires vision abilities such as close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to listen, understand, interpret and solve problems.

"Sakura Finetek USA, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex including sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law."

The above description identifies the essential job functions and skills needed by the person or persons assigned to this position. These job functions and skills are not intended to be a complete and exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. The information contained herein is subject to change at the company's discretion.