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Retro Verified
Biotechnology, Life Sciences, Drug Discovery, AI/ML

Histotechnologist

Redwood City, CAOnsiteFull TimePosted 15 days agoVisa sponsorship available

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Required skills

  • histology
  • FFPE
  • cryo-sectioning
  • embedding
  • staining
  • imaging
  • histology lab
  • Scientific Operations
  • tissue processing
  • organoid embedding

Nice to have

  • Multiplex staining techniques
  • Startup experience
  • resource-constrained environments
  • GLP
  • regulated laboratory environments

Role summary

Retro is seeking a Histotechnologist to join its growing histology core. This role will support multiple scientific programs by performing FFPE and cryo-sectioning workflows, from embedding through staining and imaging. The ideal candidate is a skilled bench histologist with 5+ years of experience in FFPE and fresh-frozen workflows, proficient in paraffin and cryosectioning, and experienced with IHC/IF staining. Responsibilities include managing day-to-day histology operations, collaborating with scientific teams, performing various tissue processing and staining techniques, developing SOPs, maintaining equipment, and managing inventory. Preferred experience includes multiplex staining, startup environments, and GLP.

Retro develops therapies for diseases driven by the biology of aging. We focus on cellular reprogramming and autophagy to rejuvenate cell and tissue function with the ultimate aim of adding 10 years to healthy human lifespan.

We’re building a mission-driven team of accomplished and kind individuals who embrace our startup culture of rapid iteration, transparency, and versatility.

We are hiring a Histotechnologist to join Retro’s growing histology core, supporting multiple scientific programs - including our Microglia, Tissue Reprogramming, and Autophagy teams - performing FFPE and cryo-sectioning workflows from embedding through staining and imaging. You will work in a dedicated histology lab space and be a part of the Scientific Operations team - a close-knit group of dedicated, resourceful humans, handling all things labs, facilities, and logistics.

About you:

You’re a skilled bench histologist who takes pride in producing high-quality sections and stains. You’re comfortable working independently, juggling requests from multiple teams, and building workflows from scratch. You’re organized, detail-oriented, and proactive - the kind of person who keeps a lab running smoothly without being asked. You communicate clearly with scientists, understand what they need from their tissue, and can advise on best practices from fixation through imaging.

What you'll do in this role:

  • Support day-to-day histology operations by independently executing workflows - managing work prioritization, quality control, and turnaround timelines 

  • Partner with the histology lead and scientific teams to triage and schedule work across programs, communicating realistic timelines, flagging conflicts early, tracking sample throughput, and maintaining organized records

  • Perform tissue and organoid embedding, paraffin and frozen sectioning, vibratome sectioning, and slide preparation for multiple scientific teams

  • Conduct IHC and IF staining, including protocol optimization and new antibody validation

  • Perform H&E staining and special stains as needed

  • Support the development and documentation of SOPs for histology workflows, continuing to build the institutional knowledge for Retro’s histology practice 

  • Operate and maintain standard histology equipment - embedding center, microtome, cryostat, vibratome, water baths, fume hood, and associated instruments

  • Coordinate with CROs for tissue processing and ensure quality of incoming processed tissues

  • Decalcify tissues as needed for bone or calcified samples

  • Assist with imaging of stained sections or coordinate with instrument engineers for imaging support

  • Manage histology supplies inventory, ordering, and lab organization

  • Provide guidance to scientists on tissue collection, fixation, and handling best practices to ensure downstream quality

    • You might thrive in this role if you:

  • Have 5+ years of hands-on histology experience with FFPE and fresh-frozen workflows - embedding, microtomy, and staining

  • Are proficient with both paraffin sectioning and cryosectioning

  • Have experience with IHC and/or IF staining, including antibody titration and protocol troubleshooting

  • Have demonstrated ability to work independently and manage multiple concurrent requests

  • Are naturally organized and detail-oriented - you keep clean records and a clean lab

  • Communicate clearly and effectively - whether discussing tissue orientation with a scientist or coordinating things

  • Are hands-on and proactive - you don’t wait to be told when something needs to be done

    • Bonus if you have experience with:

  • Multiplex staining techniques 

  • Start-up experience or more resource-constrained environments

  • GLP or regulated laboratory environments

    • We take pride in cultivating an environment that fosters collaboration, open communication, and authenticity. We believe that great results are best delivered by a highly creative team working in concert. We are an equal opportunity employer; we do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We are diverse in background and singular in mission.
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