Histology Associate

R&D – Research – Research Services           ·         Austin, TX         ·          Full time

Company Description:

We are creating the future of brain-computer interfaces: building devices now that have the potential to help people with paralysis regain mobility and independence and invent new technologies that could expand our abilities, our community, and our world.

Team Description: 

The Pathology Department is responsible for the macroscopic and microscopic evaluation of tissue samples from our study participants. The Anatomic Pathology team is responsible for necropsy, tissue grossing, and macroscopic evaluation of tissue; the Histology team for tissue processing, embedding, sectioning, staining, and microscopic slide generation; the digital Pathology team for Micro-CT scanning, whole slide digital imaging, and analysis; and the Laboratory Operations team for study/data preparation and delivery, specimen tracking, and general maintenance and compliance. 

Job Responsibilities and Description: 

The Histology Associate will work as a member of the Histology team to validate a variety of materials and methods while performing high throughput processes for tissue preparation, detection methods, and data curation. They will also provide timely, constructive feedback to teams across multiple disciplines. 

Essential Functions: 

• Help drive the day to day operations of Neuralink’s Histology Laboratory(s)
• Operate and maintain high throughput histological equipment including, but not limited to, embedding stations, tissue processors, microtomes, slide stainers, slide/cassette printers, barcode scanners, and slide scanners 
• Prepare target and non-target tissue samples for histology processing including having a working knowledge of tissue fixation, embedding, processing, sectioning, and staining
• Perform novel immunohistochemical and special staining techniques
• Produce high quality specimens at embedding, sectioning, and staining timepoints
• Help generate, edit, and/or review reports, technical and equipment SOPs, logs, and forms
• Use a GLP compliant labeling system to record tissue specimens and reagents
• May assist with tissue procurement at necropsy and macroscopic tissue evaluations and documentation
• Be able to work while being audited by QA and regulatory agencies 
• Other duties as assigned or as needed to support the Pathology Department and Research Services

Key Qualifications: (MUST HAVE)

• BA/BS in Biology, Medical Laboratory Science, Neuroscience, or a related field, with 1+ (Associate) / 3+ (Specialist) years of relevant laboratory experience. Experience in lieu of formal education will be considered.
• Histology and Immunohistochemistry experience and knowledge of basic/fundamental histology and troubleshooting principles
• Experience with daily QA/QC within a diagnostic/research laboratory environment
• Ability to carry out and document experiments consistently and according to established standard operating procedures (SOPs) and Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs)
• Be able to assist with generating, editing, and/or reviewing reports, technical and equipment SOPs, logs, and forms
• Carry a working knowledge of basic anatomy and physiology

Preferred Qualifications: (NICE TO HAVE)

• Certification as a Histology Technician (HT) or Histotechnologist (HTL) (ASCP), or equivalent. Qualification in Immunohistochemistry (QIHC) is considered a plus.
• Ability to conduct each step of the histological pipeline either independently or under the direction of the Histology team lead.
• Ability to multitask 
• Strong organization and communication skills
• Ability to work as a team member in a fast moving/dynamic regulated environment

Physical Requirements:  Ability to travel to and from work in Fremont, CA and Austin, TX.  Ability to work safely with potentially hazardous chemicals and biological specimens. Ability to lift 50 lbs. 

Computer Skills: Basic computer skills including working knowledge of Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, Drive, Gmail), Slack, LIMS, and Imaging Softwares.

Work Environment: Laboratory, vivarium, and office.

Pay Transparency:

The following details are for Texas individuals only:

Texas Pay Transparency

$79,200—$101,000 USD

For full-time employees, your compensation package will include two major components: salary and equity. Guidance on salary for this role will be determined according to the level you enter the organization (with the ability to gain more through time as you contribute). 

Full-Time Employees are eligible for equity and benefits listed below in addition.

What we offer:

• An opportunity to change the world and work with some of the smartest and most talented experts from different fields. 
• Growth potential. We rapidly advance team members who have an outsized impact. 
• Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance through a PPO plan; parental leave.
• Flexible time off + paid holidays.
• Equity + 401(k) plan.
• Commuter Benefits.
• Meals provided.

Multiple studies have found that a higher percentage of women and BIPOC candidates won’t apply if they don’t meet every listed qualification. Neuralink values candidates of all backgrounds. If you find yourself excited by our mission but you don’t check every box in the description, we encourage you to apply anyway!

Neuralink provides equal opportunity in all of our employment practices to all qualified employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital status, military status, genetic information or any other category protected by federal, state and local laws.  This policy applies to all aspects of the employment relationship, including recruitment, hiring, compensation, promotion, transfer, disciplinary action, layoff, return from layoff, training and social, and recreational programs. All such employment decisions will be made without unlawfully discriminating on any prohibited basis.

Please click here to apply.