Histology Core Services Technician

SLAC; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Stanford University seeks a Histology Core Services Technician to provide histology services and technical support across the department. You will prepare tissue samples, perform immunostaining, capture microscopic images, and operate histology equipment to support diverse research projects.

You will collaborate with investigators and staff to ensure high-quality, reproducible results while maintaining lab safety, compliance, and well‑organized workflows that enable efficient research progress.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience independently preparing histological slides from frozen and paraffin-embedded tissue samples, performing immunostaining, and capturing microscopic images.

Responsibilities

• Independently prepare and process frozen and paraffin-embedded tissue samples for histological analysis; perform immunostaining to label cellular structures and capture images.
• Evaluate tissue quality, staining specificity, and image clarity; troubleshoot issues and select representative images for analysis and publications.
• Maintain laboratory safety, compliance with regulations, and training requirements; ensure procedures and documentation meet institutional policies.
• Maintain histology equipment and manage inventory of reagents and supplies to ensure uninterrupted workflow.
• Coordinate use of the histology lab by researchers as needed for experiments.

Skills

Histology

Immunostaining

Microscopy

Tissue processing

Tools

Cryostat

Microtome

Brightfield Microscope

Fluorescence Microscope

TEM

Job description

The Histology Core Services Technician (Life Science Technician 2) will provide histology services and technical support to research groups across the Department of Ophthalmology. Responsibilities include managing incoming sample requests, preparing histological samples and slides, performing immunostaining, capturing microscopic images, and operating and maintaining histology equipment. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with investigators and research staff to support diverse research projects, ensure high-quality and reproducible results, and facilitate efficient histology workflows across the department. We are committed to building a diverse team and invite candidates from any background who bring practical technical skills, hands‑on experience, and a readiness to grow in a dynamic environment.

Specific duties include:

• Independently prepare and process frozen and paraffin-embedded tissue samples for histological analysis; perform immunostaining to label specific cellular structures, proteins, or markers; and use microscopy to capture and evaluate images. Assess tissue quality, staining specificity, and image clarity; troubleshoot technical issues; and select representative, high-quality images for quantitative analysis, interpretation of experimental results, and publication in scientific manuscripts
• Evaluate technical challenges, troubleshoot experimental issues, and adapt procedures based on tissue characteristics, staining performance, and desired outcomes. Document methods to support reproducibility and prepare detailed descriptions of research methodologies for inclusion in scientific publications. Makes procedural changes, such as when to modify a technique or alter the physical environment of a sample for improved results. May make procedural adjustments to achieve correct data and results.
• Maintain laboratory compliance with chemical safety, fire safety, and applicable institutional health and safety regulations. Monitor laboratory practices and safety requirements, identify potential compliance issues, and coordinate with the health and safety department to address deficiencies and implement corrective measures. Ensure required safety procedures and training requirements are communicated and followed in accordance with institutional policies
• Maintain and monitor the operational condition of histology laboratory equipment, identify maintenance needs or equipment malfunctions, and coordinate with the supervisor to arrange necessary repairs. Manage inventory of chemicals, consumables, and histology supplies by monitoring stock levels, anticipating research needs, and coordinating replenishment to ensure uninterrupted laboratory operations. Maintain an organized and functional laboratory environment to support ongoing research activities.
• Coordinates the use of the histology lab by other research personnel as needed for experiments

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Demonstrated experience independently preparing histological slides from frozen and paraffin-embedded tissue samples, performing immunostaining, and capturing microscopic images.
• Hands‑on experience operating histology equipment, including cryostats, microtomes, brightfield and fluorescence microscopes.
• Experience with TEM sample preparation (strongly preferred)
• Experience processing and preparing ophthalmic tissue samples for histological analysis.