Histotechnician/Histotechnologist

Altasciences Preclinical Columbia LLC; Columbia Township (MO); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) Match

Paid Vacation

Paid Sick Leave

Bereavement Leave

Employee Assistance

Telehealth

Telework

Training & Development

Referral Bonus

Performance Reviews

Job summary

Altasciences Preclinical Columbia LLC is seeking a Histotechnician/Histotechnologist to support scientific research by preparing high-quality tissue sections for histopathologic evaluation. The role covers tissue processing, embedding, microtomy, and H&E staining, with opportunities to learn bone decalcification and necropsy procedures.

You’ll work under SOPs and study protocols, troubleshoot issues, maintain accurate records, and participate in GLP training.

Qualifications

• High school diploma with laboratory experience or training.
• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Prepare tissue specimens for histopathologic evaluation per SOPs and study protocols.
• Identify and trim fixed tissues to preserve structures for evaluation.
• Process and embed paraffin tissues with correct orientation.
• Section tissues with microtomy to produce quality slides.
• Stain with H&E and cover-slip, ensuring slide quality.
• Troubleshoot preparation, equipment, and workflow issues.
• Review data and documentation to resolve SOP deviations.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment and records.
• Manage hazardous waste and inventory; perform lab-pack preparation.
• Expand skills through tissue trimming, decalcification, and necropsy training.
• Participate in GLP training and apply principles daily.

Skills

Histology

Microtomy

Tissue processing

H&E staining

SOP adherence

Documentation

Microsoft Office

Education

Associate or Bachelor’s degree in related field

Job description

About the Role

Put your histology skills to work supporting scientific research. As a Histotechnician/Histotechnologist, you’ll prepare high-quality tissue sections that enable accurate histopathologic evaluation and contribute to the success of research studies.

This hands-on role offers opportunities to apply and strengthen your expertise in tissue processing, embedding, microtomy, and staining while building additional skills in tissue trimming, bone decalcification, and specialized necropsy procedures. Whether you bring established laboratory experience or are developing your histology career, you’ll contribute to a team focused on technical quality, reliable results, and continuous learning.

What You’ll Do Here

• Prepare high-quality tissue specimens for histopathologic evaluation, following standard operating procedures (SOPs) and study protocols.
• Identify and trim fixed tissues, applying appropriate techniques to preserve the structures needed for evaluation.
• Perform paraffin tissue processing and embedding, selecting the correct tissue orientation to support optimal sectioning.
• Apply microtomy skills to produce consistent, high-quality sections from paraffin-embedded tissues.
• Perform routine hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and coverslipping, assessing slide quality throughout preparation.
• Troubleshoot specimen preparation, equipment, and workflow issues to maintain quality and minimize interruptions.
• Review raw data and laboratory documentation for accuracy; identify, document, and help resolve deviations from SOPs or study requirements.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment, documenting use and maintenance activities.
• Maintain a safe, organized laboratory and manage hazardous chemical disposal, lab-pack preparation, and associated records.
• Monitor and order supplies and maintain accurate laboratory inventory records.
• Expand your technical capabilities through additional training in tissue trimming, bone decalcification, and specialized necropsy procedures.
• Participate in ongoing Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) training and apply those principles to daily laboratory work.

What You Need to Succeed

• High school diploma with at least one year of laboratory experience and/or relevant training.
• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree preferred, but not required.
• Eligibility for HT(ASCP) certification within one year of employment.
• Practical skills in microtomy and routine H&E staining.
• Ability to identify tissue types and organs and understand their preparation requirements.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to specimen integrity, slide quality, and accurate documentation.
• Ability to troubleshoot basic laboratory equipment and recognize when additional technical support is needed.
• Basic math skills for reagent preparation.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and basic laboratory computer applications.
• English proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing.
• Willingness to continue developing technical skills and complete ongoing GLP training.

Work Authorization & Sponsorship

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Altasciences is unable to provide sponsorship, sponsorship transfers, or visa maintenance for this position. All applicants must possess valid work authorization that does not require employer sponsorship now or in the future

What We Offer

Altasciences offers a wide variety of benefits to help our employees live healthy and fulfilling lives both at and outside of work.

Altasciences' Benefits Package Includes

• Health/Dental/Vision Insurance Plans
• 401(k)/RRSP with Employer Match
• Paid Vacation and Holidays
• Paid Sick and Bereavement Leave
• Employee Assistance & Telehealth Programs
• Telework when applicable

Altasciences' Incentive Programs Include

• Training & Development Programs
• Employee Referral Bonus
• Annual Performance Reviews

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