Histology Technician

University of California, Davis; Davis (CA); On-site; USD 4,517,000 - 7,267,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California, Davis is seeking a qualified histology technician to process and stain tissue samples for microscopic examination in a diagnostic lab. The role requires meticulous adherence to SOPs and strong attention to quality control.

The position involves histology and IHC procedures, routine lab maintenance, and ensuring accurate record-keeping. Applicants should demonstrate experience with staining techniques, tissue handling, and safety protocols in a clinical setting.

Qualifications

• B.S. degree in a scientific discipline or equivalent histology experience.
• Experience in histology and basic histochemistry sufficient to understand SOPs for histology slides and to operate equipment (microtome, stainer, processor).
• Familiarity with fixed animal tissues and knowledge to grossly identify processed tissue types to aid trimming and embedding.
• Skills to judge staining quality and troubleshoot assay failures and document corrective actions.
• Skills to operate biosafety cabinets, fume hoods, centrifuges, pipettes, and basic lab equipment.
• Knowledge to handle and dispose of waste solvents and biohazardous materials.
• Skills in record management and filing paraffin-embedded tissue blocks and slides.

Responsibilities

• 50% - Histochemistry tasks including staining and interpretation.
• 30% - Immunohistochemistry staining and analysis.
• 10% - Laboratory maintenance and quality program responsibilities.

Skills

Histology

Immunohistochemistry

Quality Control

Record Keeping

Biosafety

Pipetting

Tissue Handling

Education

B.S. degree in scientific field

Job description

Salary or Pay Range: $32.79 - $52.75 (budgeted department salary: Step 1, $32.79 hourly – Step 13, $41.58 hourly, commensurate with educational background and relevant working experience)

PLEASE NOTE: CAHFS DEPARTMENT IS RECRUITING FOR ONE (1) SRA 1 NEX POSITION OR ONE (1) SRA 2 NEX POSITION BASED ON LICENSURE (EXPERIENCE). PLEASE SUBMIT APPLICATION FOR THE APPROPRIATE POSITION BASED ON LICENSURE (EXPERIENCE). IF YOU ARE ALSO INTERESTED IN THE SRA 1 LEVEL POSITION - APPLY TO JOB OPENING # 89149 BY 10/12/2026 TO BE CONSIDERED.

Under general supervision, process, section and stain animal tissues for microscopic examination. Perform routine H&E, special and immunohistochemical (IHC) stains according to SOPs. Develop and/or evaluate stains with known measures and standards. Prepare histological samples for shipping. This is not a research position. The position is located in a diagnostic laboratory where quality control and assurance as well as meticulous working habits are essential.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• B.S. degree in a scientific discipline or equivalent work experience in histology including theory and application as it specifically pertains to diagnostic testing.
• Experience in histology and basic histochemistry sufficient to understand written SOP protocols associated with the preparation of histology slides and the skills to operate the required equipment (microtome, stainer, processor).
• Knowledge of histology and basic histochemistry sufficient to understand written SOP protocols associated with the preparation of histology slides and the skills to operate the required equipment (microtome, stainer, processor).
• Familiarity with fixed animal tissues, including bone, eyes, skin, brain, etc. and knowledge to grossly identify processed tissue type to aid in the trimming and embedding processes.
• Skills to judge the quality of staining procedures and determine the reasons for differences between a good quality slide vs. a poor-quality slide; investigate, troubleshoot, resolve and document actions related to assay failures and improvement of existing techniques.
• Skills to operate biosafety cabinets, fume hoods, ultracentrifuge, centrifuges, ultrasonicator, auto and manual pipettes, calculators, balances, and pH meter.
• Knowledge to handle and dispose of waste solvents and biohazardous materials.
• Skills in record management to perform computer data entry of workload and/or other information and to accurately file paraffin-embedded tissue blocks and microscope slides in alphanumeric order.

Preferred Qualifications

• ASCP certified Histotechnician or Histotechnologist.
• Knowledge of laboratory/University safety protocols and safe working practices, to include disposal of waste solvents and biohazardous materials.
• Organizational skills to prioritize workload.
• Excellent written, oral, interpersonal and customer service skills.

Key Responsibilities

• 50% - Histochemistry
• 30% - Immunohistochemistry
• 10% - Laboratory Maintenance & Quality Program

Special Requirements – Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment