Technician 1 - Histology, 1st Shift

Charles River Laboratories; Mattawan (MI); On-site; USD 22,730 - 32,373; Full time

Job summary

A leading laboratory services provider in the United States is seeking a Technician 1 – Histology for the 1st Shift Pathology Services Team in Mattawan, MI. This entry-level position involves training in essential laboratory skills such as tissue handling and quality control, ensuring humane care for all animals worked with. Ideal candidates should have a high school diploma and good communication skills. Join us to contribute to important health advancements while building a fulfilling career.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or General Education Degree required.
• No previous experience required; equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted.
• Ability to ensure the integrity of studies and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Ensure good welfare and humane care for all animals.
• Train in onboarding skills related to tissue handling and laboratory procedures.
• Collect, document, and verify data accurately.

Skills

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities

Computer skills (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite)

Attention to safety procedures

Education

High school diploma or General Education Degree (G.E.D.)

Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) in a biological science

Job description

Join to apply for the Technician 1 - Histology, 1st Shift role at Charles River Laboratories

For 75 years, Charles River employees have worked together to assist in the discovery, development and safe manufacture of new drug therapies. When you join our family, you will have a significant impact on the health and well‑being of people across the globe. Whether your background is in life sciences, finance, IT, sales or another area, your skills will play an important role in the work we perform. In return, we’ll help you build a career that you can feel passionate about.

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Technician 1 – Histology for our 1st Shift Pathology Services Team in Mattawan MI. A Technician 1 – Histology is in training to perform and become proficient in onboarding skills, procedures, and cooperating in a team environment. The technician will learn basic skills required to conduct a study, including handling tissues and organs, trimming tissues, embedding, measuring organ weights, microtomy, slide preparation, staining, inventory and quality control, and shipping of tissues. The technician works under close supervision to gain proficiency. The pay for this position is $20/hr USD. Salaries vary within the range based on factors including experience, skills, education, certifications, and location.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Ensure good welfare and humane care for all animals worked with through gentle, positive human‑animal interactions.
• Train in onboarding skills which may include handling tissues and organs, trimming tissues, embedding, measuring organ weights, microtomy, slide preparation, staining, inventory and quality control, and shipping of tissues; specific skills will be based on each area’s training plan and business needs.
• Collect, document, review, and verify data on forms, or in electronic data capture systems.
• Review documentation of functions performed as part of quality control requirements.
• Use and maintain instrumentation and equipment.
• Learn and know anatomic terms.
• Receive, track, and prepare samples or materials, as required for the department.
• Perform all other related duties as assigned.

Job Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or General Education Degree (G.E.D.) required. Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) or equivalent in a biological science preferred.
• Experience: No previous experience required.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above.
• Certification/Licensure: None, unless required by local government.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities to achieve goals.
• Computer skills (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite), commensurate with essential functions, including the ability to learn a validated system.
• Ability to ensure that a safe working environment is maintained by observing all safety procedures and working methods by making proper use of protective clothing and equipment, and by reading, understanding, and following all safety documents issued or notified of.
• Ability to ensure the integrity of the studies and fulfill the regulatory agencies requirements by performing the activities according to the Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), Business Operating Procedures (BOP) and the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) rules.
• Ability to work extended hours beyond normal work schedule to include, but not limited to evenings, weekends, extended shifts, and/or extra shifts, sometimes on short notice.
• Ability to work under specific time constraints.

Competencies

• Lead - We lead when we advocate our purpose and model our values, when we deliver innovation, when we embrace change, and when we appreciate and celebrate the great work of others.
• Care - We show we care when we respect each other, our animals and the communities where we work and live, when we create a positive healthy workplace, when we are mindful of our compliance standards, and when we choose to do the right thing.
• Collaborate - We collaborate when we partner with each other and promote teamwork, when we communicate clearly and effectively across the around the globe, and when we welcome all forms of diversity and encourage inclusiveness.
• Own - We act like owners when we hold ourselves accountable for our actions, when we respond to internal and external client needs with speed and accuracy, when we set and achieve meaningful goals, and when we strive towards continuous improvement.

About Safety Assessment

Charles River is committed to helping our partners expedite their preclinical drug development with exceptional safety assessment services, state‑of‑the‑art facilities and expert regulatory guidance. From individual specialty toxicology and IND enabling studies to tailored packages and total laboratory support, our deeply experienced team can design and execute programs that anticipate challenges and avoid roadblocks for a smooth, efficient journey to market. Each year approximately 300 investigational new drug (IND) programs are conducted in our Safety Assessment facilities.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Charles River is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, mental or physical disability, family status, pregnancy, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. It is unlawful in some states (including Massachusetts) to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. If you are interested in applying to Charles River Laboratories and need special assistance or an accommodation due to a disability to complete any forms or to otherwise participate in the resume submission process, please contact a member of our Human Resources team by sending an e‑mail message to [e-mail]. This contact is for accommodation requests for individuals with disabilities only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.