Scientist, Histology

At Element Biosciences, we are passionate about our mission to empower the scientific community with more freedom and flexibility to accelerate our collective impact on humanity. We have built a highly efficient product-driven organization where employees can learn, grow, and thrive in a challenging but encouraging environment. We are committed to scientific integrity, collegiality, honesty, objectivity, and openness.

We are seeking a Scientist, Histology to join our R&D team supporting the development of a next-generation multi-omics product for tissue samples, including formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) and fresh frozen (FF)specimens. In this role, you will lead and execute tissue preparation workflows and contribute to the development and optimization of protocols that enable robust downstream molecular and imaging assays. 

The ideal candidate brings strong expertise in histology and tissue processing along with experience working in cross-functional R&D environments. This role will play a key part in enabling the development of innovative spatial and multi-omic technologies. This role will report to the VP, Biochemistry and will be a role at our San Diego headquarters.

If you possess the following and want to make a meaningful impact, we invite you to explore this role.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Lead the preparation and processing of tissue specimens, including FFPE and fresh frozen tissues, for assay development and research applications
• Design, develop, and optimize histology workflows to support multi-omics and spatial biology assays specific to Element’s platform
• Perform tissue fixation, embedding, microtomy, cryosectioning, and slide preparation to generate high-quality tissue sections
• Develop and execute routine and advanced staining protocols, including H&E, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and immunofluorescence (IF)
• Evaluate tissue morphology and section quality, identify artifacts, and troubleshoot issues related to fixation, processing, and sectioning
• Establish quality control assays for tissue sections and blocks
• Collaborate with molecular biology, assay development, imaging, and bioinformatics teams to integrate tissue workflows into broader product development efforts
• Design and execute experiments to evaluate new reagents, tissue preparation protocols, and assay formats
• Establish and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for histology and tissue handling workflows
• Operate and maintain histology instrumentation including microtomes, cryostats, automated tissue processors, and staining systems
• Analyze and communicate experimental results and present findings to cross-functional teams
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to research associates and junior scientists
• Support quality control and reproducibility efforts for tissue-based assays in product development

Education and Experience:

• PhD is preference OR MS with 4–6 years of relevant hands-on histology experience, OR BS with 5–7 years of relevant hands-on histology experience, preferably in a biotechnology, research, or clinical laboratory environment
• Strong expertise in: FFPE tissue processing and embedding; Fresh frozen tissue handling and cryosectioning; Microtomy and cryostat operation
• Experience performing routine histological staining (e.g., H&E) and immunostaining techniques with interpretation
• Demonstrated ability to produce high-quality, reproducible tissue sections suitable for microscopy and molecular assays
• Experience in preparation and quality control and integrity assessment of tissue samples for wide range of downstream workflows and assays
• Strong understanding of tissue morphology and common histological artifacts
• Experience troubleshooting histology workflows and optimizing protocols
• Strong documentation and communication skills
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary R&D environment
• HT or HTL certification (ASCP)
• Experience with multiplex immunofluorescence or spatial biology assays
• Familiarity with in situ hybridization techniques (e.g., RNAscope)
• Experience with spatial, single cell and bulk RNAseq and protein assays on tissue samples
• Experience with automated staining platforms (e.g., Leica, Ventana, Sakura)
• Experience working with human clinical tissue samples
• Prior experience contributing to biotech product or assay development
• Experience supporting spatial transcriptomics, proteomics, or other tissue-based multi-omics workflows

Physical Requirements:

• Frequently moves boxes weighing up to 20 pounds
• The position requires physical activity and the handling of chemicals; Candidates are required to follow the safety protocols and be familiar with personal protective equipment (PPE) while working in the laboratory environment

Location:

• San Diego - Headquarters

Travel: 

• Up to 10%

Job Type:

• Full-time/Exempt

Base Compensation Pay Range:

• $116,000 - $152,000

In addition to base compensation noted above, you will be eligible for stock options, discretionary annual bonus, no cost health insurance plans, 401k with company match, and flexible paid time off. 

Please note: Base compensation will depend on multiple factors, including geographic location, qualifications, and experience. 

We foster an environment such that all people are afforded the freedom to pursue their passions without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status or any other characteristics protected by law.