Research Associate/Sr. Research Associate, Histology

Initial Therapeutics, Inc.; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; Full time

Job summary

A leading biopharmaceutical company in South San Francisco is seeking a Research Associate/Sr. Research Associate to support gene therapy drug development. The role involves histology analysis, sample processing, and working collaboratively across teams. Ideal candidates will have a background in Biology or Neuroscience and exhibit strong problem-solving skills. This is a contract position with potential for extension.

Benefits

Equity and ownership in a fast-growing company

Access to a 24-hour gym

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision

Commuting stipend based on geographical location

401(k) Match

Flexible Paid Time Off

Qualifications

• 0-3 years of relevant experience, industry experience preferred.
• Experience in performing special stains (H&E, PAS, Trichrome).
• Comfortable using FFPE tissue processors and microtomes.

Responsibilities

• Establish and execute a tissue processing and histopathology pipeline.
• Process, embed, and section FFPE tissue samples.
• Perform special stains, imaging, and pathology analysis.

Skills

Creativity

Communication

Critical Thinking

Problem Solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Biology

Bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience

Tools

Digital Pathology Software

ELN platforms

FFPE Tissue Processors

Slide Scanner

Embedding Stations

Microtomes

Job description

Job Title: Research Associate/Sr. Research Associate, Histology

Location: 201 Haskins Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080

Status: Contract with an option for extension

Reports To: Scientist II

About SonoThera

SonoThera is a venture capital-backed early-stage biopharmaceutical company developing ultra-sound-guided non-viral targeted gene therapies to treat multiple diseases of high unmet need. The Gene Therapy group at SonoThera uses a collaborative, interdisciplinary, and forward-thinking approach to solving many of the current challenges facing genetic medicine discovery and drug development. SonoThera is headquartered in South San Francisco, CA.

Job Summary

The Gene Therapy group at SonoThera is seeking to hire a Research Associate/Senior Research Associate to become an integral part of the gene therapy drug development effort. We seek candidates who think critically and have the desire and ability to learn new techniques. This position requires adaptability and an ability to perform at a high level in a fast-paced environment. A qualified candidate will have broad technical experience in sample processing for histology.

What you will accomplish

In this position, you will play an integral role in the histology analysis by establishing and executing a tissue processing and histopathology pipeline on-site at SonoThera. You will work across teams to process, embed, and section FFPE tissue samples, as well as perform special stains, imaging, and a pathology analysis. This role is a 3-month contract with option for extension.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Neuroscience, or related field.

• 0-3 years of relevant experience.Industry experience preferred.

• Creativity and the ability to work within an interdisciplinary team to achieve technical and corporate milestones.

• Strong communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

Technical Requirements and Skills:

• Experience in performing special stains (H&E, PAS, Trichrome) using manual kits. Experience with autostainers is a plus.

• Expertise in imaging using slide scanner (VS200, Axioscan) for special stains.

• Previous experience annotating images, using digital pathology software, developing digital pathology analysis workflows.

• Commitment to organizational skills and record-keeping using ELN platforms such as Benchling.

• Comfortable using FFPE tissue processors, embedding stations, and microtomes for sample and slide preparation (Leica, Sakura, Epredia, etc.)

• Knowledgeable regarding preparing slides for IHC as well as nucleic acid analysis (RNAscope, Visium, etc.)

Compensation: The hourly range for this position is $46.00 - $50.00/hour. This hourly range is an estimate, and the actual salary may vary based on various factors, including, without limitation, individual education, experience, tenure, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data, including potential adjustments for geographic location.

Benefits

At SonoThera, we'll give you the tools to feel healthy, happy and secure.

Equity and ownership in a fast-growing company

Access to a 24-hour gym

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision

Commuting stipend based on your geographical location

401(k) Match: SonoThera offers a company match

All full-time employees are eligible for flexible Paid Time Off

Equal Opportunity for Diversity & Inclusion

SonoThera provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.