About Discovery Life Sciences:

Discovery Life Sciences (DLS) is a leading provider of highly characterized human biospecimens and cellular starting materials to advance cell and gene therapy and precision medicine programs for cancer, infectious disease, and other complex conditions. We routinely manage hundreds of studies and expertly test thousands of biospecimens simultaneously. Leading biopharma, diagnostic and academic institutions trust us to quickly deliver high-quality biospecimens and reliable, reproducible biomarker data, so they can outpace their competition and push the leading edge of innovation using our Science at your Service TM business model.

Position Summary:

The Laboratory Associate, Histology Technician contributes to our mission by assisting in the creation of our world class FFPE Biorepository by preparing histologic slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination by staff pathologist(s). The chosen candidate will work directly with our Histology laboratory manager and product management office to prepare quality-controlled samples for our inventory. This requires keen attention to detail and the ability to work efficiently in excel and learn reporting in our database. The use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including lab coats, safety glasses, and gloves, may be required when performing certain operations.

A Day in the Life of a Histologist at Discovery Life Sciences:

• Use a microtome to cut thin sections from the embedded tissue blocks.
• Perform staining procedures to enhance the visibility of tissue structures.
• Review your prepared slides for quality and consistency

Position Qualifications (Education, Skills, Experience):

• Bachelor’s Degree Required
• Board of Certification (BOC) by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Certification not required, but highly recommended.
• Minimum of one year experience as a Histology Technician
• Strong attention to detail with excellent organizational stills and the ability to prioritize multiple tasks
• Excellent computer stills to include Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint
• Experience using salesforce
• Excellent verbal, written and presentation skills
• Eagerness to learn
• Willingness to be a great teammate

Key Responsibilities:

• Ensure quality of all services, data and information being sent to customer and pathologists
• Ensure that all staff follow all HIPPA requirements
• Prepare sections of human tissue for microscopic evaluation using routine histology procedures including: embedding, microtomy, and hematoxylin and eosin staining and subsequent coverslipping of slides
• Prepare sections for immunohistochemistry evaluation
• Sectioning of RNAse free microscopic slides and paraffin curls for nucleic acid isolation downstream applications
• Perform special stains upon request
• Perform microscopic review/microanatomy (in conjunction with staff pathologist(s)) of blocks for projects
• Cleaning and maintenance of histology instruments
• Proper disposal of hazardous chemical wastes per regulatory guidelines
• Pseudonymization of samples
• Key attention to detail while handling samples
• The ability to see and handle objects on a repetitive basis
• Work may involve exposure to hazardous chemicals including formalin and xylene and may rarely involve contact with infectious diseases
• Creation and management of cases and review batches in image viewing platform
• Filing inventory samples in alphanumerical order
• Develop, coordinate and enforce systems, policies, procedures, and productivity standards within the FFPE Department
• Collaborate with pathologists, laboratory services, IT and project managers, logistics department, and product management to identify, prevent and resolve problems
• Collaborate with company departments, clients, and vendors through email and video meetings in a professional manner
• Edit, create, and manage excel spreadsheets and generated system reports
• Ensure compliance with all laws and regulations applicable to the Company and its operations
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor. These may, on occasion, be unrelated to the position described here.
• Consistent and predictable attendance is an essential function of the position.

Compensation and Benefits:

Discovery Life Sciences is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices, and we strive to provide employees with total compensation packages that are market competitive. The exact base pay offered for this role will depend on various factors, including but not limited to the candidate's qualifications, skills, and experience.

Your annual salary is only one part of your total compensation package. Other benefits:

• Competitive salary and benefits package options including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability which start on your first day of employment.
• 401(k) match program which starts on your first day of employment
• Flexible work hours
• Time away from work (Generous vacation and paid time off, paid parental leave, paid family leave, etc.).
• Professional development opportunities and reimbursement for relevant certifications.
• Collaborative and inclusive work environment that values diversity.
• Team-building activities and social events.
• Employee Referral Program and Colleague Recognition Program

Location and work hours:

• Located in Huntsville, Al or surrounding areas with a 5- day (M-F) work schedule, typically starting at 8AM local time.

We are actively seeking motivated, dedicated individuals like you to join our thriving organization. As a leader in our industry, we offer unparalleled opportunities for professional growth and success.

The Discovery Life Sciences Talent Acquisition team proudly manages and represents all Discovery recruitment activities. We respectfully request that third party staffing agencies refrain from submitting candidates or soliciting meetings to discuss recruiting services.

We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorships of any applicant work visas at this time.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.