Histotechnologist

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 develops therapies for diseases driven by the biology of aging. We focus on cellular reprogramming and autophagy to rejuvenate cell and tissue function with the ultimate aim of adding 10 years to healthy human lifespan.

We’re building a mission-driven team of accomplished and kind individuals who embrace our startup culture of rapid iteration, transparency, and versatility.

We are hiring a Histotechnologist to join Retro’s growing histology core, supporting multiple scientific programs - including our Microglia, Tissue Reprogramming, and Autophagy teams - performing FFPE and cryo-sectioning workflows from embedding through staining and imaging. You will work in a dedicated histology lab space and be a part of the Scientific Operations team - a close-knit group of dedicated, resourceful humans, handling all things labs, facilities, and logistics.

About you:

You’re a skilled bench histologist who takes pride in producing high-quality sections and stains. You’re comfortable working independently, juggling requests from multiple teams, and building workflows from scratch. You’re organized, detail-oriented, and proactive - the kind of person who keeps a lab running smoothly without being asked. You communicate clearly with scientists, understand what they need from their tissue, and can advise on best practices from fixation through imaging.

What you'll do in this role:

• Support day-to-day histology operations by independently executing workflows - managing work prioritization, quality control, and turnaround timelines

• Partner with the histology lead and scientific teams to triage and schedule work across programs, communicating realistic timelines, flagging conflicts early, tracking sample throughput, and maintaining organized records

• Perform tissue and organoid embedding, paraffin and frozen sectioning, vibratome sectioning, and slide preparation for multiple scientific teams

• Conduct IHC and IF staining, including protocol optimization and new antibody validation

• Perform H&E staining and special stains as needed

• Support the development and documentation of SOPs for histology workflows, continuing to build the institutional knowledge for Retro’s histology practice

• Operate and maintain standard histology equipment - embedding center, microtome, cryostat, vibratome, water baths, fume hood, and associated instruments

• Coordinate with CROs for tissue processing and ensure quality of incoming processed tissues

• Decalcify tissues as needed for bone or calcified samples

• Assist with imaging of stained sections or coordinate with instrument engineers for imaging support

• Manage histology supplies inventory, ordering, and lab organization

• Provide guidance to scientists on tissue collection, fixation, and handling best practices to ensure downstream quality

You might thrive in this role if you:

• Have 5+ years of hands-on histology experience with FFPE and fresh-frozen workflows - embedding, microtomy, and staining

• Are proficient with both paraffin sectioning and cryosectioning

• Have experience with IHC and/or IF staining, including antibody titration and protocol troubleshooting

• Have demonstrated ability to work independently and manage multiple concurrent requests

• Are naturally organized and detail-oriented - you keep clean records and a clean lab

• Communicate clearly and effectively - whether discussing tissue orientation with a scientist or coordinating things

• Are hands-on and proactive - you don’t wait to be told when something needs to be done

Bonus if you have experience with:

• Multiplex staining techniques

• Start-up experience or more resource-constrained environments

• GLP or regulated laboratory environments

$100,000 - $115,000 a year

*At Retro, we don't use titles. New hires join as a "Member of X Team". The expectations for this role are generally aligned to the level of Histology Specialist.

Total compensation also includes generous equity and benefits including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your family

• 401(k) plan with 4% matching

• Unlimited time off and 10 company holidays per year

• Annual learning & development stipend

• Free lunch and snack

We take pride in cultivating an environment that fosters collaboration, open communication, and authenticity. We believe that great results are best delivered by a highly creative team working in concert. We are an equal opportunity employer; we do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We are diverse in background and singular in mission.