Manager, Sr. Laboratory Technologist – Imaging and Molecular Biology

CNSide Diagnostics; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

A clinical diagnostics company in Houston is seeking a Senior Laboratory Technologist to oversee imaging and molecular biology processes. This role requires a Master’s degree and extensive experience in cytology or related laboratory fields. Responsibilities include tumor cell analysis, quality control, and team management. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong communication skills and the ability to lead in a high-complexity lab environment. The position offers competitive compensation and opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of relevant experience in cytology, histopathology, or diagnostic imaging.
• Experience in regulated laboratory environments (CLIA/CAP preferred).
• Ability to quickly learn and apply new imaging platforms.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and perform tumor cell enumeration and analysis.
• Maintain accurate, audit-ready documentation.
• Train and mentor laboratory personnel in imaging techniques.

Skills

Microscopy & Image Analysis

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Analytical problem-solving

Team management

Education

Master’s degree in Molecular Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or related discipline

PhD preferred

Tools

Multi-channel fluorescence imaging

Job description

Overview

Position Title: Manager, Sr. Laboratory Technologist – Imaging and Molecular Biology

Reports to: Sr. Director, Lab Operations and Systems Implementation

Company Background: CNSide Diagnostics, LLC, a subsidiary of Plus Therapeutics, Inc., develops and commercializes proprietary clinical diagnostic laboratory tests, such as CNSide, designed to identify tumor cells that have metastasized to the central nervous system in patients with carcinomas and melanomas. The CNSide Cerebrospinal Fluid Assay Platform enables quantitative analysis and molecular characterization of tumor cells and circulating tumor DNA in cerebrospinal fluid, informing and improving the clinical management of patients. The Company is in the early stages of commercializing CNSide in the U.S.

Role: This position collaborates with the Laboratory and Medical Directors to ensure high-quality laboratory testing in compliance with established policies, procedures, and CAP/COLA/CLIA standards. It also works closely with the Director of Operations to support and advance strategic business initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Microscopy & Image Analysis
• Oversee and perform tumor cell enumeration and analysis using multi-channel fluorescence imaging.
• Interpret fluorescent images across multiple channels, distinguishing true cellular signals from background, debris, or nonspecific staining.
• Apply standardized rules and reporting criteria for rare-event detection and maintain consistency across operators.

Quality & Documentation

• Maintain accurate, audit-ready documentation of test results, workflows, and quality control activities.
• Escalate unusual or borderline findings and collaborate with scientific teams on interpretation.
• Participate in inter-operator reproducibility assessments and QC investigations related to imaging performance.
• Ensure adherence to CLIA/CAP regulations and internal quality standards.

Workflow & Team Management

• Review images in accordance with batching schedules and laboratory throughput goals.
• Support testing operations by providing timely, accurate, and high-quality results.
• Train, mentor, and supervise laboratory personnel in imaging techniques, analysis workflows, and best practices.
• Manage operational priorities, workflow optimization, and process improvement initiatives for the imaging team.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Molecular Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Cytotechnology, or a related life science discipline required; PhD preferred
• 7+ years of relevant experience in cytology, histopathology, immunocytochemistry, diagnostic imaging, or related laboratory disciplines
• Experience working in regulated, clinical, or high-complexity laboratory environments (CLIA/CAP preferred)
• Ability to quickly learn and apply new imaging platforms, microscopy systems, and analytical workflows
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain attention to detail, and lead teams effectively in a fast-paced laboratory environment.

Requirements

• Understanding of clinical laboratory operations, high-complexity testing, and quality systems
• Working knowledge of good laboratory practices (GLP), documentation standards, and safety guidelines
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot technical and operational issues and implement workflow improvements
• Ability to learn and apply new imaging platforms, microscopy systems, and analytical workflows
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, written, and verbal communication skills
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain attention to detail, and lead teams effectively in a fast-paced laboratory environment
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across cross-functional teams
• Ability to stand, sit, walk, bend, reach, perform manual manipulation, and lift up to 10 pounds
• Ability to work in a laboratory and office environment and maintain a clean, orderly work area
• All laboratory personnel must pass a color vision test
• Adherence to department-specific safety and compliance requirements
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Plus Therapeutics, Inc. and CNSide Diagnostics, LLC are Equal Employment Opportunity employers and consider all qualified applicants without regard to protected status.