Summary

The Human Tissue Acquisition & Pathology (HTAP) Core at Baylor College of Medicine is seeking an Senior Research Histology Specialist with advanced histology expertise and an understanding of the role of histology in research, particularly in advancing spatial transcriptomic and proteomic technologies. This position serves a key technical and operational role within the core laboratory and works directly with cutting-edge researchers who rely on high-quality histology services to support biomedical research.

Job Duties

Histology (50%)

• Performs all aspects of processing, embedding, sectioning, and staining of FFPE tissues and tissue microarrays (TMA).
• Applies advanced knowledge of how specimen processing impacts downstream research applications, including spatial transcriptomic and proteomic technologies.

Frozen Sections (10%)

• Performs frozen sectioning of tissue specimens from human and animal models in support of research activities.

Equipment Maintenance (10%)

• Performs routine cleaning and fluid changes for processors, stainers, and coverslippers.
• Coordinates with service providers for repairs and preventative maintenance and maintains sufficient operational knowledge of laboratory equipment to identify and escalate performance issues.

iLab Accessioning and Documentation (10%)

• Accurately documents laboratory services and activities within iLab, including job descriptions, applicable fees, customer communications, and changes to submitted work.
• Maintains complete and accurate records in support of core laboratory operations.

Customer/Client Interactions (10%)

• Communicates with researchers and other customers by email, telephone, virtual meetings, and in person.
• Provides technical consultation regarding specimen harvesting, fixation, preparation, and other pre-analytical considerations prior to submission to HTAP.

Technical Workflow Coordination and Staff Guidance (5%)

• Coordinates daily laboratory workflow and work assignments based on operational priorities.
• Provides technical guidance and training to laboratory personnel on established and new procedures and provides feedback to the LabDirector regarding staff technical competency and work quality.

Quality Checks and Documentation (2%)

• Performs and documents appropriate quality controls for laboratory processes and services.
• Reviews staining and other work products for quality and identifies or escalates issues requiring corrective action.

Laboratory Protocol Development and Maintenance (1%)

• Reviews and updates laboratory protocols as needed and assists with developing and implementing protocols for new procedures and techniques.

Other (2%)

• Participates in regular meetings with the Lab Director and maintains professional and technical development through relevant seminars, webinars, and other educational opportunities.
• Represents, conducts, and/or participates in meetings as directed by the Core Director.
• Participates in annual budgeting, operational reporting, and other core planning activities as directed by the Core Director.
• Provides the Core Director with feedback regarding staff technical competency, work quality, training needs, and laboratory workflow.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field. Four years of related experience may substitute for degree requirement.
• Four years of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD
• Experience with tissue sectioning, cryo sectioning, and tissue prep from animals to histology.
• Histology experience in a research or clinical setting with an interest in being involved in biomedical research.
• Must be technically skilled and results oriented--accurate, honest, reliable and creative.