Histologist

Primary Duties:

This individual will be responsible for processing animal tissue samples tissues for digital histopathology and contributing towards the daily operations in the histology core at Spark Therapeutics. They will work with senior staff and colleagues to acquire and analyze histological images, supporting all of Spark’s therapeutic areas. Candidates that have previous experience in grossing and processing ocular and central nervous system tissues from a variety of animal models are preferred.

Responsibilities:

• All phases of tissue preparation, including fresh or in-process specimens (paraffin and frozen)
• Routine paraffin and cryo embedding and sectioning, H&E (Hematoxylin & Eosin) staining, special stains technique (histochemistry), immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and in situ hybridization are required.
• Intake and examineof tissues, applying understanding of gross anatomy and study purpose to determine and dissect appropriate representative samples for histology testing and pathology analysis.
• Specimen preparation that requires a basic understanding of tissue structure, as well as an understanding of chemistry and physics; and how tissues react under process conditions, including decalcification, rehydration, grossing, fixation, embedding, microtomy, routine staining, special stains (histochemistry), and immunohistochemistry.
• Maintainenance of reagent and consumable stocks and contributes to their curation
• Summarize findings (PowerPoint presentation, research reports etc.) and communicate to peers and management and other business groups as projects evolve

This individual will also be responsible for maintenance, operation, qualification/validation of histology equipment and reagents. They should be prepared to function in a team environment.

Responsibilities:

• Hands-on Tissue processing, staining and image acquisition

• Participate in study investigations develop histology-based biomarker assays
• Review and revise SOPs and/or work instructions

• Communicate findings and provide presentations

• Maintain equipment and records

• Maintain laboratory safety procedures and compliance records

• Prepare laboratory reagents/materials

Education and Experience Requirements:

• B.S./M.S. in relevant field with 3+ years pre-clinical histology experience; having HT/HTL (ASCP) certification would be preferred
• Has expertise in histology-based biomarker assays
• Skilled in performing and troubleshooting singleplex and multiplex IHC, IF, and ISH assays.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills as well as the ability to work effectively as part of a cross-functional team

Key Skills, Abilities, and Competencies:

• Strong organizational skills.
• Excellent writing and verbal communication skills.
• Independently motivated, detail oriented and good problem solving ability.
• Ability to multitask.
• Ability to analyze and troubleshoot experiments.

Complexity and Problem Solving:

• Demonstrate problem solving skills of technical issues; develop solutions to a variety of simple to moderately complex problems; Discuss with supervisor and refer to policies/practices for guidance.
• Must be comfortable in the fast-paced, biotech start-up environment and interact with multi-disciplinary research teams at Spark.
• Exercise judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action.

Please be aware that Spark mandates COVID-19 vaccination of all employees regardless of work location. Accommodations may be made in accordance with applicable law.

Join the Spark Team

We were born of innovation, springing from the curiosity, imagination and dedication of remarkable scientists and healthcare visionaries. Our shared mission is to challenge the inevitability of genetic disease by discovering, developing, and delivering treatments in ways unimaginable - until now.

We don't follow footsteps. We create the path.