Histology Associate Scientist II - Preclinical Tissue

Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent benefits package

Job summary

Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in San Diego is seeking an Associate Scientist II to join the Histotechnology team within the Toxicology Department.

You will design tissue-based study workflows and generate high-quality histology data from animal studies under supervision, contributing to preclinical drug development. The role requires performing routine and advanced histology methods with independence, ensuring reproducible results and alignment with program needs; onsite work five days a week,

Qualifications

• 3–5 years in histology or BS with 1–2 years histological work.
• Familiarized with ELN, IHC, microtomy, basic anatomy.
• Experience validating RNAscope/miRNAscope and multiplex IHC/IF across multiple tissues/species.
• Willingness to work onsite in San Diego and occasional overtime.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute end-to-end histotechnology workflows for preclinical studies (tissue receipt, grossing/trimming, processing, embedding, microtomy, staining, imaging, and data handoff).
• Perform paraffin microtomy and cryosectioning of small and large animal tissues at 5–7 µm with consistent quality across batches.
• Conduct routine automated tissue processing and paraffin embedding across species; recognize processing issues and implement fixes.
• Run routine and special stains on automated platforms with minimal supervision; complete instrument setup, QC, and maintenance logs.
• Execute immunohistochemistry and/or immunofluorescence, including antigen retrieval, controls, optimization, and troubleshooting; document conditions and outcomes.
• Perform high-precision sectioning to ensure maximum transcript preservation and morphological stability prior to in situ hybridization staining.
• Assess tissue morphology and state; document findings and recommend follow-up techniques or controls.
• Support necropsy activities for small and large animals; follow biosafety, animal welfare, and PPE requirements.
• Maintain meticulous records in lab notebooks/ELN and, when applicable, LIMS; draft or revise SOPs and checklists.
• Collaborate with pathologists, toxicologists, and study directors to deliver large studies on time; communicate progress and mitigation plans.
• Uphold lab safety, housekeeping, equipment calibration/preventive maintenance, and reagent inventory management.
• Provide schedule flexibility, including occasional weekend or overtime work.

Skills

Histology

IHC

IF

ELN

LIMS

Microtomy

Documentation

Collaborative

Education

BS in Science

Histotechnology program

ASCP HT/HTL certification

Tools

Leica Spectra

Ventana systems

RNAscope/miRNAscope validation

Digital pathology software

Job description

Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in San Diego is seeking an Associate Scientist II to join the Histotechnology team within the Toxicology Department.

You will design tissue-based study workflows and generate high-quality histology data from animal studies under supervision, contributing to preclinical drug development. The role requires performing routine and advanced histology methods with independence, ensuring reproducible results and alignment with program needs; onsite work five days a week,