Lead Histology Technician

Inotiv; Maryland Heights (MO); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and dental coverage

Paid time off

401K

Job summary

Inotiv is seeking a Lead Histology Technician on 2nd shift (12:00–10:00 PM, four days/week) in Maryland Heights, MO. You will oversee daily histology operations, technical workflows, and quality standards, acting as a senior specialist who prepares and processes tissue.

The role offers independence with strong discretion, ensuring study protocols, timelines, and regulatory requirements are met while maintaining high standards of accuracy and training the team in best practices.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma.
• Ten or more years of hands-on histology experience in non-clinical or research studies.
• Expert histology skills including tissue trimming, processing, embedding, block sectioning, grinding, slide generation, special staining, and QC.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and strong technical judgment.
• Strong SOP and GLP knowledge, including 21 CFR Part 58.
• Ability to train, mentor, and support competency development.

Responsibilities

• Independently perform advanced histology activities in support of non-clinical studies, including tissue processing, embedding, microtomy, staining, slide preparation, and quality assessment.
• Apply expert technical judgment to evaluate tissue blocks and slides, ensuring representation and adherence to study requirements.
• Serve as a subject matter expert in histology techniques, providing technical guidance, troubleshooting, and consultation to staff and cross-functional partners.
• Lead or contribute to method development, optimization, and workflow improvements to enhance efficiency, quality, and reproducibility.
• Lead the development and maintenance of training materials to enable cross-training and technical competency.
• Document and maintain study records and data in compliance with SOPs and GLP.
• Utilize Excel/Word/Outlook for documentation, data review, and communication.
• Perform additional duties to support operations and study objectives.

Skills

Independent work

Communication

Attention to detail

GLP knowledge

SOP adherence

Education

High School Diploma

Bachelor's in Histotechnology or Life Sciences

HT/HTL(ASCP) preferred

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

The Lead Histology Technician will work 2nd shift, 12:00-10:00 PM four days per week, and help oversee the daily operations, technical workflows, and quality standards of the histology laboratory while serving as a senior specialist who prepares and processes tissue.

This role functions with a high degree of independence and technical discretion. The Lead Histology Technician is accountable for maintaining high standards of quality, accuracy, and consistency while ensuring alignment with study protocols, timelines, and laboratory best practices.

Key Accountabilities

• Independently perform advanced histology activities in support of non-clinical studies, including tissue processing, embedding, microtomy, staining, slide preparation, and quality assessment.
• Apply expert technical judgment to evaluate tissue blocks and slides, ensuring appropriate representation and adherence to laboratory and study requirements.
• Serve as a subject matter expert in histology techniques, providing technical guidance, troubleshooting, and consultation to laboratory staff and cross-functional partners.
• Lead or contribute to method development, optimization, and workflow improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, quality, and reproducibility of histology operations.
• Lead the development and maintenance of training materials to enable effective cross-training and technical competency within the histology department.
• Accurately document and maintain study records and data in compliance with SOPs, Good Laboratory Practice (21 CFR Part 58), and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Utilize laboratory and business computer systems (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook) for documentation, data review, and communication.
• Perform additional duties as required to support laboratory operations, study objectives, and organizational goals.

Critical Success Factors

• Able to read and interpret test results and instrument specifications
• Follow SOPs and other applicable laboratory or company procedures
• Effective organizational, written, and oral communication skills
• Ability to adhere to all company policies, safety regulations and procedures
• Maintain confidential information
• Support and participate in other company initiatives as directed
• Demonstrate Inotiv Core Values and adhere to Code of Conduct

Minimum Requirements

• High School Diploma.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of hands-on histology experience, in support of non-clinical or research studies
• Demonstrated expertise in histology (tissue trimming, processing, embedding, block sectioning, grinding, slide generation, special staining, and quality control).
• Proven ability to work independently with minimal supervision, exercising sound technical judgment and attention to detail.
• Strong working knowledge of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), including 21 CFR Part 58.
• Ability to train, mentor, and support competency development of laboratory staff.

Preferences

• Certified Histology Technician HT or HTL(ASCP), ASCP board certified eligible,
• Bachelor's degree or higher in Histotechnology, Life Sciences, or a related field.
• Prior experience serving as a subject matter expert or technical lead within a histology or pathology laboratory.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Work is normally performed in a typical interior office or laboratory environment.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer or at a lab bench.
• The noise level is usually moderate.
• Requires moderate physical activity with frequent talking, standing, walking and repetitive movement of hands and fingers, reaching and lifting 10 -50 pounds.
• Use of PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) when required (i.e., able to wear latex or nitrile gloves, dust mask or respirator, and safety glasses as required).
• This position will frequently be involved with sharp, solvents, irritants, acids, bases, and other hazardous chemicals, flammable materials, and biohazards.

Salary will be commensurate with experience and responsibilities. Benefits include health and dental coverage, short- and long-term disability, paid time off, paid parental leave, 401K, and more!

*This position could be offered at different levels for candidates who qualify with a combination of advanced levels of education and/or years of experience. The salary range will adjust along with the level of the role to match the person's relevant experience and/or education level.

At Inotiv, our work helps advance the development of new medicines and therapies that can improve people's lives. As a leading global contract research organization (CRO), we partner with researchers to tackle complex scientific challenges, drive innovation, and help build a healthier, safer world. Bringing together scientists, researchers, technical experts, and business professionals, we provide the expertise and collaboration needed to move research forward. Our people make this work possible, and we value the knowledge, ideas, and contributions each person brings to the team. Whether you are starting your career or bringing years of experience, Inotiv offers opportunities to learn, grow, and play a meaningful role in advancing treatments for patients around the world.

Salary will be commensurate with experience and responsibilities. Benefits include health and dental coverage, short- and long-term disability, paid time off, paid parental leave, 401K, and more!

Inotiv is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to provide a fair and equal employment opportunity to all persons, regardless of age, race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination and access to benefits and training.