Research Associate Histology

Orion Pharma; Turku; On-site; EUR 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Orion Pharma, Turku, Finland, seeks a Histology Research Associate to join the VivoScience unit in R&D. This permanent, full-time role focuses on routine histology, embedding, microtomy, IHC/ISH staining, tissue processing and digital slide prep.

You will collaborate with scientists, help develop staining methods, maintain equipment, and ensure quality documentation while supporting multidisciplinary projects across Orion’s therapy areas.

Qualifications

• Degree in Biomedical Laboratory Science (Bioanalyst) or equivalent education and practical experience.
• Strong hands-on histotechnology laboratory work.
• Experience in tissue embedding, paraffin block preparation and microtome sectioning.
• Experience performing histological and immunohistochemical staining.
• Good understanding of laboratory quality requirements and documentation.
• Attention to detail and commitment to high-quality results.
• Ability to work independently and in multidisciplinary teams.
• Good organisational and communication skills.
• Positive, proactive and solution-oriented attitude.
• Ability to work effectively in English, written and spoken.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine histology procedures: tissue processing, embedding, microtomy and slide prep.
• Produce paraffin sections from preclinical tissues.
• Perform histological, IHC and ISH staining per protocols.
• Assist development and validation of new staining methods and workflows.
• Operate and maintain histology laboratory equipment.
• Document samples and activities per quality standards.
• Prepare digital slides and support sample management.
• Collaborate with scientists and project teams across Orion's therapy areas.
• Support safe, compliant and efficient lab operations.

Skills

Histology laboratory work

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Independent work

English proficiency

Education

Biomedical Laboratory Science (Bioanalyst) or equivalent

Tools

Automated staining platforms

Tissue processing equipment

Cryostat sectioning equipment

Job description

Your role

We are looking for a skilled and motivated Histology Research Associate to join the VivoScience unit within Orion Pharma's R&D organization in Turku, Finland. This is a permanent, full-time position.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine histology laboratory procedures, including tissue processing, embedding, microtomy and slide preparation.
• Produce high-quality paraffin sections from a variety of tissue types originating from preclinical studies.
• Perform histological, immunohistochemical (IHC) and in situ hybridisation (ISH) staining procedures according to established protocols.
• Support the development, optimization and validation of new staining methods and laboratory workflows.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment used in histological sample preparation and staining.
• Prepare and document samples and laboratory activities in accordance with established quality standards.
• Perform digital slide preparation and support sample management activities.
• Collaborate with scientists and project teams to support research activities across Orion's therapy areas.
• Support safe, compliant and efficient laboratory operations.

What You Can Expect From Us

At Orion Pharma, you'll have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful research that supports the development of future therapies.

We Offer

• A chance to work in a modern preclinical research environment with state-of-the-art laboratory technologies.
• Opportunities to develop your expertise in histology, immunohistochemistry, digital pathology and biomarker research.
• An enthusiastic workplace with a supportive and collaborative team culture that values continuous learning and professional growth.
• Career development opportunities tailored to your skills and interests.

At Orion, your work creates true impact and well-being for our customers, patients and society at large. Our culture of friendliness, respect, mutual appreciation and diversity creates a safe working environment where you can strive for excellence. We offer a wealth of career paths and development opportunities that support the development of innovative solutions and improving the quality of life.

Please visit our website to find further information about our values and Orion as an employer https://www.orion.fi/en/careers/orion-as-an-employer/ .

What are we looking for?

• Degree in Biomedical Laboratory Science (Bioanalyst) or equivalent education and practical experience.
• Strong hands-on experience in histotechnology laboratory work.
• Experience in tissue embedding, paraffin block preparation and microtome sectioning.
• Experience performing histological and immunohistochemical staining procedures.
• Good understanding of laboratory quality requirements and documentation practices.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality results.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Good organisational and communication skills.
• Positive, proactive and solution-oriented attitude.
• Ability to work effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.

Considered an Advantage

• Experience with automated staining platforms and tissue processing equipment.
• Experience with cryostat sectioning and handling frozen tissue samples.
• Familiarity with animal tissues and preclinical research samples.
• Experience with in situ hybridisation (ISH) techniques.
• Knowledge of digital pathology workflows and slide scanning.
• Experience working in a pharmaceutical, biotechnology or research laboratory environment.
• Ability to work in Finnish.

Your new team

Orion’s pharmaceutical innovations are created within its R&D organization. We employ over 400 top professionals in the field of drug discovery and development. We work globally: in Espoo and Turku in Finland, in Nottingham and Cambridge in the UK, and in Cambridge, MA, USA. Orion R&D and the Innovative Medicines business division are dedicated to making a transformation to become a global player in the pain and oncology therapy areas.

The VivoScience unit, located in Turku and part of the Integrated DMPK & Safety department, plays a key role in this mission. Our team provides expertise in pharmacokinetics, histology, digital pathology and toxicologic pathology, supporting drug discovery and development across Orion’s strategic therapy areas, including oncology and pain. Through close collaboration with multidisciplinary project teams, we help generate the scientific insights that drive candidate selection, development decisions and future medicines.

About Us

Orion Pharma is a globally operating Nordic pharmaceutical company – a builder of well-being for over a hundred years.

We’re home to more than 4,000 Orionees around the world, and we’re proud to be known as a responsible employer and a great place to work. At Orion Pharma, people are truly valued and trusted, encouraged to grow, and supported by a culture where every voice is heard. We appreciate each other, strive for excellence, and build the future.

Together we develop, manufacture, and market human and veterinary pharmaceuticals and active pharmaceutical ingredients. Our extensive portfolio includes proprietary and generic medicines as well as consumer health products. The core therapy areas of our pharmaceutical R&D are oncology and pain. Proprietary products developed by Orion Pharma are used to treat cancer, neurological diseases, respiratory diseases, and more.

We offer careers with a clear purpose: empowering people to live their lives to the fullest.