Histology Sr. Research Associate

Organovo Holdings Inc; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Organovo Holdings Inc. is seeking a Histology Senior Research Associate to join our Histology team in San Diego.

This hands‑on role will lead tissue processing, sectioning, staining, imaging, and pathology‑support activities enabling NAM platform programs. You will independently manage histology workflows, perform fixation, embedding, microtomy, IHC and special stains, acquire digital images, and contribute to biomarker development and tissue characterization efforts within a fast-paced biotech

Qualifications

• B.S./M.S. in Histotechnology, Biology, Pathology, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of hands‑on histology experience in industry, academia, CRO, or clinical pathology laboratories.
• Demonstrated expertise in tissue processing, paraffin embedding, microtomy, histochemical staining, and immunohistochemistry.

Responsibilities

• Independently process tissue samples from NAMkind Liver and NAMkind Intestine studies.
• Perform fixation, embedding, microtomy, cryosectioning, slide preparation, and tissue preservation.
• Maintain high-quality tissue processing workflows with strong attention to reproducibility and turnaround time.
• Troubleshoot tissue preparation and staining challenges.
• Execute routine and specialty staining procedures including H&E, PSR, Masson's Trichrome, PAS.
• Perform IHC, IF, and related tissue characterization workflows.
• Acquire and manage digital images and support image analysis and interpretation of histological endpoints.
• Collaborate with scientists on liver and intestinal injury, fibrosis, and tissue remodeling studies.
• Maintain detailed lab records and SOPs; ensure compliance with quality standards.

Skills

Histology processing

Paraffin embedding

Microtomy

Histochemical staining

Immunohistochemistry

Image analysis

Education

B.S./M.S. in Histotechnology or related field

Tools

Digital pathology software

Job description

Histology Sr. Research Associate

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Histology Scientist to join our Histology team to both support and expand histopathology capabilities for our NAMkind™ Liver and NAMkind™ Intestine platforms. This hands‑on role will be responsible for tissue processing, sectioning, staining, imaging, and pathology‑support activities that enable drug discovery, toxicology, and disease modeling programs.

The successful candidate will initially assume primary responsibility for histology operations and subsequently serve as a key member of the histology team, helping increase throughput and advance tissue characterization capabilities across our 3D human tissue models.

Key Responsibilities

Histology Operations

• Independently process tissue samples from NAMkind™ Liver and NAMkind™ Intestine studies.
• Perform fixation, embedding, microtomy, cryosectioning, slide preparation, and tissue preservation.
• Maintain high-quality tissue processing workflows with strong attention to reproducibility and turnaround time.
• Troubleshoot tissue preparation and staining challenges associated with small, delicate, and 3D tissue models.

Histochemical Staining

• Execute routine and specialty staining procedures, including:
  • Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E)
  • Picrosirius Red (PSR)
  • Masson's Trichrome
  • PAS and related histochemical stains
  • Additional special stains as required
• Optimize and validate staining protocols for novel tissue applications.

Immunohistochemistry & Imaging

• Perform immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF), and related tissue characterization workflows.
• Optimize antigen retrieval methods, antibody panels, and staining procedures.
• Acquire and manage digital images using microscopy and slide-scanning platforms.
• Support image analysis, quantification, and interpretation of histological endpoints.

Research & Development Support

• Collaborate with scientists investigating liver injury, fibrosis, inflammation, steatosis, intestinal injury, barrier function, and tissue remodeling.
• Support development and validation of new histology-based biomarkers and tissue characterization methods.
• Contribute to assay development and continuous improvement of tissue‑analysis workflows.

Quality & Documentation

• Maintain detailed laboratory records and SOPs.
• Ensure compliance with internal quality standards and laboratory best practices.
• Assist with equipment maintenance, reagent inventory, and laboratory organization.

Qualifications

Required

• B.S. or M.S. in Histotechnology, Biology, Pathology, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of hands‑on histology experience in industry, academia, CRO, or clinical pathology laboratories.
• Demonstrated expertise in:
  • Tissue processing
  • Paraffin embedding
  • Microtomy
  • Histochemical staining
  • Immunohistochemistry
• Strong understanding of tissue morphology and pathology‑assisted tissue evaluation.
• Ability to independently manage histology workflows with minimal supervision.

Preferred

• HT(ASCP) or HTL(ASCP) certification.
• Experience with liver, gastrointestinal, fibrosis, toxicology, or drug discovery research.
• Experience with Picrosirius Red staining and fibrosis quantification.
• Experience with immunofluorescence and multiplex staining methodologies.
• Experience with organoids, spheroids, microphysiological systems, engineered tissues, or other advanced in vitro models.
• Familiarity with digital pathology and image analysis software.

Desired Attributes

• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem‑solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently in a fast‑paced biotech environment.
• Collaborative mindset and willingness to support cross‑functional research programs.
• Passion for advancing human‑relevant New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) and reducing reliance on animal testing.