Senior Research Associate, Histology & Microscopy

Dyne Therapeutics; Waltham (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

Dyne Therapeutics, Inc. is seeking a Senior Research Associate, Histology & Microscopy to lead tissue-based studies for preclinical programs in Waltham, MA. The role focuses on planning and executing histology workflows, optimizing staining and imaging, and ensuring high-quality data for project teams.

The candidate will troubleshoot methods, maintain equipment, and share expertise while collaborating with cross-functional scientists to meet research objectives within established timelines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in histology, biology, or related field with at least 4 years of relevant experience, or a master's with at least 2 years.
• Expertise in tissue grossing, paraffin & frozen embedding, microtomy, cryosectioning, staining, microscopy, and quality assessment.
• Hands-on experience handling rodent and NHP tissues; plastic embedding a plus.
• Ability to plan, prioritize, troubleshoot, and make recommendations within research objectives.
• Strong data analysis, rigorous documentation, and clear communication to stakeholders.
• Collaborative and independent work style with teaching/training capability.
• Experience with laboratory information systems, PRIMA is a plus.
• HTL/HT certification is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Independently plan and perform tissue grossing, processing, embedding, sectioning, and staining for rodent and NHP samples.
• Develop, optimize, and execute histology and microscopy methods based on study needs.
• Troubleshoot technical issues and improve specimen quality, throughput, and workflows.
• Perform microscopic evaluation and quality assessment of stained specimens and communicate findings.
• Maintain histology equipment and coordinate maintenance and vendor support.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records, protocols, and sample tracking per data integrity standards.
• Apply safety and quality control standards and support corrective actions.
• Collaborate with scientists to coordinate study activities and meet timelines.
• Share expertise, train colleagues, and contribute to SOPs and best practices.

Skills

Histology methods

Tissue grossing

Paraffin embedding

Microtomy

Cryosectioning

Staining

Microscopy

Quality assessment

Data documentation

Team collaboration

LIMS PRIMA

Education

Bachelor's in histology/biology

Master's with 2+ years experience

HTL/HT certification (plus)

Tools

PRIMA

Job description

Senior Research Associate, Histology & Microscopy

Waltham, MA

Company Overview:

Dyne Therapeutics is focused on delivering functional improvement for people living with genetically driven neuromuscular diseases. We are developing therapeutics that target muscle and the central nervous system (CNS) to address the root cause of disease. The company is advancing clinical programs for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) as well as preclinical programs for facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD), Pompe disease and multiple DMD mutations. At Dyne, we are on a mission to deliver functional improvement for individuals, families and communities. Learn more at https://www.dyne-tx.com/ , and follow us on X , LinkedIn and Facebook .

Role Summary:

We are seeking a Senior Research Associate, Histology & Microscopy to independently execute and advance histology and microscopy activities that support preclinical research programs. This individual will apply strong technical expertise to plan and perform tissue-based studies, optimize and troubleshoot methods, evaluate data quality, and communicate findings to project teams. The ideal candidate will collaborate closely with scientists across functions, contribute to defined research objectives , and serve as a technical resource for histology workflows, instrumentation, and best practices.

This role is based in Waltham, MA without the possibility of being fully remote.

Primary Responsibilities Include:

• Independently plan and perform tissue grossing, processing, embedding, sectioning, and staining for paraffin- and OCT-embedded rodent and NHP samples to support preclinical research objectives ; experience with plastic embedding is a plus.


• Develop, optimize , and execute routine and specialized histology and microscopy methods, selecting and adapting approaches based on study needs, tissue type, and scientific objectives .


• Troubleshoot technical issues, investigate unexpected results, and recommend improvements that strengthen specimen quality, reproducibility, throughput, and laboratory workflows.


• Perform microscopic evaluation and quality assessment of stained specimens, compile results, identify relevant observations, and communicate findings and limitations to scientists and project team leaders.


• Maintain histology and microscopy equipment, including processors, microtomes, embedding centers, and automated stainers; coordinate preventive maintenance, calibration, and vendor support as needed.


• Maintain complete, accurate , and timely laboratory records, protocols, sample tracking, and results in accordance with departmental practices and data integrity standards.


• Apply laboratory safety and quality control standards, proactively identify risks or deviations, and support corrective actions and continuous improvement activities.


• Collaborate effectively with scientists and cross-functional partners to coordinate study activities, manage priorities, and deliver high-quality results within established timelines.


• Share technical expertise , train colleagues on histology methods and instrumentation, and contribute to protocols, standard operating procedures, and best practices.

Education and Skills Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in histology, biology, or a related scientific field with at least 4 years of relevant experience, or a master’s degree with at least 2 years of relevant experience; an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.


• Demonstrated expertise in tissue grossing, processing, paraffin and frozen embedding, microtomy, cryosectioning , staining, microscopy, and histologic quality assessment.


• Hands‑on experience handling and grossing rodent and NHP tissues is required ; experience with plastic embedding is a plus.


• Ability to independently plan and prioritize work, apply scientific and technical judgment, troubleshoot methods, and make recommendations within defined research objectives .


• Strong analytical skills and the ability to evaluate data quality, synthesize observations, maintain rigorous documentation, and communicate results clearly to scientific stakeholders.


• Effective collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to work independently, contribute to team goals, and provide technical guidance or training to colleagues.


• Proficiency with laboratory information systems, including PRIMA, is a plus.


• Certification as a Histotechnologist (HTL) or Histotechnician (HT) is a plus.

#LI-Onsite

MA Pay Range

$120,000 - $145,000 USD

The pay range reflects the base pay range Dyne reasonably expects to pay for this role at the time of posting. Individual compensation depends on factors such as education, experience, job-related knowledge, and demonstrated skills.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principles functions for this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance workload.

Dyne Therapeutics is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any classification protected by federal, state, or local law.

Voluntary Self-Identification

For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self-identification survey.Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiringprocess or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in aconfidential file.

As set forth in Dyne Therapeutics’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy,we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.

If you believe you belong to any of the categories of protected veterans listed below, please indicate by making the appropriate selection.As a government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), we request this information in order to measurethe effectiveness of the outreach and positive recruitment efforts we undertake pursuant to VEVRAA. Classification of protected categoriesis as follows:

A "disabled veteran" is one of the following: a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.

A "recently separated veteran" means any veteran during the three-year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service.

An "active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran" means a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized under the laws administered by the Department of Defense.

An "Armed forces service medal veteran" means a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985.