Scientist I

Planet Pharma; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Planet Pharma seeks an Associate Scientist II to provide hands-on histology support for regenerative medicine research in Irvine. You will process tissues, perform embedding, microtomy, staining, and slide preparation, and assist with IHC and special stains under established protocols.

You will maintain records, coordinate materials with pathologists and CROs, and help drive timely study execution while adhering to safety and quality standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 2-4 years of relevant experience, or master's with 0-2 years, or equivalent.
• Hands-on histology procedures including trimming, embedding, microtomy, sectioning, staining, and slide prep.
• Experience operating histology equipment like tissue processors and automated staining systems.
• Experience packaging, shipping, receiving, and tracking histology specimens and materials.
• Ability to manage activities with minimal supervision while collaborating in a team.

Responsibilities

• Independently perform routine histology procedures: trimming, embedding, microtomy, slide prep, staining, and cover slipping.
• Assist with immunohistochemistry (IHC), special stains, and other pathology procedures.
• Prepare, label, organize, track, archive, package, ship, and receive tissue blocks, slides, and study materials.
• Operate histology equipment and coordinate maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Maintain accurate lab records and sample-tracking information.
• Support inventory management and arrange supplies and equipment service.
• Coordinate pathology materials with pathologists, scientists, CROs, and other sites.
• Follow SOPs and safety/compliance requirements.

Skills

Histology procedures

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree + 2–4 years relevant experience

Master's degree + 0–2 years relevant experience

Tools

Tissue processors

Automated staining systems

Leica Bond RX

Job description

Target PR Range: 29-39/hr DOE

Overview

The Regenerative Medicine group within Local Delivery Translational Sciences (LDTS)advances tissue-regeneration solutions for soft tissue repair across the product development life cycle. Leveraging expertise in tissue-regeneration and acellular tissue-matrix technologies, the group supports current and develops future regenerative medicine products to address unmet therapeutic and aesthetic needs in plastic and general surgery.

The Associate Scientist II is an experienced laboratory professional who provides hands-on histology support for regenerative medicine research, from preconcept activities through product development and product performance evaluations. Working with regenerative medicine scientists, pathologists, and cross-functional partners, the role plans and executes histology workflows that characterize product prototypes, including human and porcine derived acellular matrices and biomaterials, as well as tissue responses to those prototypes in non-clinical studies.

Key activities include processing, embedding, microtomy, routine and special staining, immunohistochemistry, slide quality review, imaging, and digital image analysis, as applicable.

As a member of a collaborative team, the successful candidate will apply strong histology expertise, experimental skills, attention to detail, and sound scientific judgment to generate reliable, reproducible histology slides / data and support timely study execution.

Responsibilities

• Independently perform routine histology procedures, including tissue trimming, embedding, microtomy, slide preparation, staining, and cover slipping.
• Perform or assist with immunohistochemistry (IHC), special stains, and other pathology laboratory procedures according to established protocols.
• Prepare, label, organize, track, archive, package, ship, and receive tissue blocks, slides, biological specimens, and other study-related materials.
• Operate histology equipment, including tissue processors and automated staining systems, and coordinate routine maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting activities.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records, sample-tracking information, equipment documentation, and study-related documentation.
• Support laboratory operations through inventory management, purchasing and stocking supplies, coordinating equipment service, and maintaining organized work areas.
• Coordinate pathology materials and work schedules with pathologists, scientists, external contract research organizations (CROs), and colleagues at other sites.
• Follow laboratory safety policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), quality procedures, and applicable compliance requirements.
• Maintain awareness of current histology technologies and contribute to laboratory efficiency and continuous-improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate effectively with pathologists, scientists, and laboratory staff to support study execution and departmental objectives.
• Provide technical guidance or hands-on support to less experienced colleagues as assigned.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree with 2-4 years of relevant experience, a master's degree with 0-2 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Hands-on experience with routine histology procedures, including tissue trimming, embedding, microtomy, sectioning, staining, and slide preparation.
• Experience operating and maintaining histology equipment, such as tissue processors and automated staining systems.
• Experience packaging, shipping, receiving, and tracking histology specimens and materials.
• Ability to independently manage assigned laboratory activities with minimal supervision while collaborating effectively in a team environment.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, communication skills, and commitment to producing high-quality work.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments, follow established procedures, trouble-shooting, and maintain accurate documentation.

Preferred

• Experience in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, contract research, or related life-sciences industry.
• Hands-on experience with acellular tissue matrix and animal explant histology.
• Experience with immunohistochemistry (IHC) method development and automated platforms such as the Leica Bond RX.
• Experience with special staining methods, such as Trichrome, PSR stains.
• Experience with digital pathology and whole-slide imaging systems.
• ASCP Histotechnician (HT) or Histotechnologist (HTL) certification.

Physical Requirements

This role requires the ability to perform hands-on laboratory work for extended periods, including standing, walking, repetitive tasks, careful handling of specimens, slides, tools, reagents, documentation, and laboratory equipment; lifting, moving, carrying, pushing, or pulling laboratory materials and supplies up to 40 pounds as needed; and working safely with biological specimens, laboratory chemicals, stains, fixatives, and other materials while using appropriate PPE.