Histology Specialist — Impact-Driven Lab & Unlimited PTO

Retro; Redwood City (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with matching

Unlimited time off

Learning stipend

Free lunch

Job summary

Retro is building a mission-driven histology core and seeks a Histotechnologist to support multiple programs, performing FFPE and cryo-sectioning from embedding through staining and imaging.

You will work in a dedicated histology lab within the Scientific Operations team, handling SOP development, quality control, and coordination with scientists and CROs to ensure timely delivery of high-quality slides.

Qualifications

• You’re a skilled bench histologist who produces high-quality sections and stains.
• You’re able to work independently, juggling requests from multiple teams.
• You’re organized, detail-oriented, and proactive to keep a lab running smoothly.
• You communicate clearly with scientists and advise on fixation through imaging.

Responsibilities

• Execute histology workflows independently and manage priorities and timelines.
• Coordinate with histology lead and teams to schedule work and track throughput.
• Perform embedding, paraffin and frozen sectioning, vibratome sectioning, and slide prep.
• IHC and IF staining including antibody validation.
• H&E and special stains as needed.
• Develop and document SOPs for histology workflows.
• Operate and maintain equipment (embedding center, microtome, cryostat, vibratome).
• Coordinate with CROs for tissue processing and ensure tissue quality.
• Decalcify tissues when needed.
• Assist with imaging or coordinate imaging support.
• Manage histology supplies and lab organization.
• Provide guidance on tissue collection and fixation to scientists.

Skills

Histology expertise

FFPE & fresh-frozen workflows

Paraffin sectioning

Cryosectioning

IHC/IF staining

Lab management

Documentation / SOP development

Independent / multitask

Interfacing with scientists

Start-up environment

Tools

Embedding center

Microtome

Cryostat

Vibratome

Water bath

Fume hood

Job description

Retro is building a mission-driven histology core and seeks a Histotechnologist to support multiple programs, performing FFPE and cryo-sectioning from embedding through staining and imaging.

You will work in a dedicated histology lab within the Scientific Operations team, handling SOP development, quality control, and coordination with scientists and CROs to ensure timely delivery of high-quality slides.