Microscopy/Histology Technician- Microscopy Core

The Scripps Research Institute; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 77,000 - 89,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employer Contributed Retirement Plan

Health and Welfare plans (medical/dent

Flexible Spending Accounts

Paid vacation and sick leave

Free on-site parking

Job summary

The Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, CA, is seeking a Microscopy/ Histology Technician to prepare and process tissue specimens for microscopic examination. You will embed samples, cut sections, stain tissues, and conduct image analysis as part of a collaborative, multi-disciplinary team.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in biology or biomedical science and at least 3 years of experience in histology and electron microscopy sample prep.

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor's degree in biology or biomedical science or an equivalent.
• Minimum 3 years of experience preparing samples for transmission electron microscopy and histology.
• Fundamental knowledge of laboratory safety.
• Experience with sample preparation for electron microscopy.
• Experience with immunohistochemistry (IHC) and related techniques.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and process tissue specimens for microscopic examination.
• Dissect and process tissue, including decalcification of bone.
• Embed samples in resin, plastic, or paraffin for sectioning.
• Perform fixation and sectioning using microtome, cryostat, or ultramicrotome.
• Prepare stains and stain tissue; perform digital imaging and image analysis.
• Maintenance of lab equipment and related tasks.

Skills

Self-reliance

Flexibility

Initiative

Education

Bachelor’s degree in biology or biomedical science

Tools

Microtome

Cryostat

Ultramicrotome

Electron microscopy prep

Job description

ABOUT US:

Scripps Research is a nonprofit biomedical institute ranked as one of the most influential in the world for its impact on innovation. We celebrated our 100-year legacy in 2024. This significant milestone marks a century of seminal discoveries in immunology, infectious diseases (such as COVID-19, flu, HIV), neuroscience, heart disease, cancer, and more. Located in La Jolla, California, the institute houses six research departments, multiple Nobel laureates, a top-ranked graduate school and a leading postdoctoral training program. Scripps Research encompasses two elite and highly innovative institutes, the Calibr-Skaggs Institute for Innovative Medicines and Scripps Research Translational Institute, which merge foundational studies in biology, chemistry and computer science with translational science to produce pioneering drugs and advances in digital and precision medicine. Together, we cultivate new scientific leaders and expand the frontiers of knowledge to deliver medical breakthroughs impacting human health around the globe. If you have a passion for making a difference, this could be your opportunity to join our transformative team.

POSITION TITLE:

Microscopy/ Histology Technician

The Microscopy / Histology Technician is responsible for the preparation and processing of tissue specimens for microscopic examination. Duties include embedding, cutting, and staining a wide variety of tissue specimens.

RESPONSIBLITIES AND DUTIES:

• Performs laboratory functions to include-but not limited to-solution preparation, record keeping, and operation of benchtop equipment.
• Dissects and processes tissue (including decalcification of bone).
• Embedding of biological samples in resin / plastic / paraffin
• Performs various fixation and sectioning techniques (microtome, cryostat, ultramicrotome).
• Prepares stains and stains tissue.
• Digital imaging / slide scanning and image analysis.
• May include some lab equipment maintenance.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Requires a Bachelor's degree in biology or biomedical science or an equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience from which comparable knowledge, skill and abilities have been attained.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in preparing samples for transmission electron microscopy and histology.
• Fundamental knowledge of laboratory safety.
• Experience with sample preparation for electron microscopy.
• Experience with ultramicrotomy for electron microscopy.
• Experience with a broad range of histological stains, such as H&E, PAS, Trichrome, Oil Red O, Giemsa, Nissl, and Weigert's.
• Experience preparing stains from component ingredients.
• Experience with immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunocytochemistry (ICC), antigen retrieval, in situ hybridization (ISH).
• Demonstrated ability to interact positively with and manage varied technical and non-technical personalities in a multi-disciplinary team environment.
• Must possess a high degree of self-reliance, flexibility, and initiative.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• With or without reasonable accommodation, employees in this position must be able to lift and handle equipment or materials up to 20 pounds; as well as perform repetitive motions with arms, wrists and hands. This position may also include utilizing personal protective equipment (PPE) and working in an environment that contains biohazardous materials. May also include stationary position for an extended period of time, traverse campus/facility as needed, operate machinery such as computer, phone, copy machine; exposure to cold or hot temperatures.
• Details of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• This is an on-campus position working onsite 5 days a week.

COMPENSATION:

The expected hiring range for this position is $76,960 -$89,400 per year commensurate with experience. Consideration will be given to experience that exceeds the listed requirements.

COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS INCLUDE:

• Employer Contributed Retirement Plan - Depending on eligibility, employees receive an employer contributed retirement plan (no employee contribution required) and the option to contribute to a 403(b) (which is similar to a 401(k) using your own pre or post-tax dollars)
• Full Suite of Health and Welfare plans including three medical plan options (including an HSA available option), dental, vision, life insurance, disability, EAP and more
• Access to Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical/Dependent Care)
• Competitive vacation and sick leave policies
• Free, on-site parking

The above statements describe the level of work performed and expected in general terms. The statements are not intended to list all the responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of employees so classified, and the content herein is subject to change due to the business needs of Scripps Research, with or without notice. Furthermore, nothing in this job description shall be interpreted to be in conflict with or to eliminate or modify in any way the employment-at-will status of Scripps Research staff.

EEO Statement:

The Scripps Research Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We promote diversity of thought, culture and background in the fields of science. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic or status.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.