Histology Specialist / Histologist

About the role

Retro develops therapies for diseases driven by the biology of aging. We focus on cellular reprogramming and autophagy to rejuvenate cell and tissue function with the ultimate aim of adding 10 years to healthy human lifespan. We're building a mission-driven team of accomplished and kind individuals who embrace our startup culture of rapid iteration, transparency, and versatility. We are hiring a Histology Specialist to build and run Retro's first in-house histology capability.

Responsibilities

• Own the day-to-day operation of Retro's histology workflows — managing work prioritization, quality control, and turnaround timelines
• Independently triage and schedule work across programs, communicating realistic timelines, flagging conflicts early, tracking sample throughput, and maintaining organized records
• Perform tissue and organoid embedding, paraffin and frozen sectioning, vibratome sectioning, and slide preparation for multiple scientific teams
• Conduct IHC and IF staining, including protocol optimization and new antibody validation
• Perform H&E staining and special stains as needed
• Develop and document SOPs for all histology workflows, building up the institutional knowledge for Retro’s histology practice
• Operate and maintain standard histology equipment - embedding center, microtome, cryostat, vibratome, water baths, fume hood, and associated instruments
• Cook decalcify tissues as needed for bone or calcified samples
• Coordinate with CROs for tissue processing and ensure quality of incoming processed tissues
• Manage histology supplies inventory, ordering, and lab organization
• Provide guidance to scientists on tissue collection, fixation, and handling best practices to ensure downstream quality

Requirements

You’re a skilled bench histologist who takes pride in producing high-quality sections and stains. You’re comfortable working independently, juggling requests from multiple teams, and building workflows from scratch. You’re organized, detail-oriented, and proactive - the kind of person who keeps a lab running smoothly without being asked. You communicate clearly with scientists, understand what they need from their tissue, and can advise on best practices from fixation through imaging.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands-on histology experience with FFPE workflows - embedding, microtomy, and staining
• Proficient with both paraffin sectioning, cryosectioning, and vibrating sectioning
• Experience with IHC and/or IF staining, including antibody titration and protocol troubleshooting
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage multiple concurrent requests — you've been the go-to histologist that teams rely on
• Naturally organized and detail-oriented - you keep clean records and a clean lab
• Communicate clearly and effectively - whether discussing tissue orientation with a scientist or coordinating things
• Hands-on and proactive - you don’t wait to be told when something needs to be done

Bonus

• Experience with: Biotech, pharmaceutical, or academic research histology core environments
• Image analysis or digital pathology tools
• Training others on histology techniques
• GLP or regulated laboratory environments

Pay

$100,000 - $125,000 a year

Schedule

At Retro, we don't use titles. New hires join as a "Member of X Team". The expectations for this role are generally aligned to the level of Histology Specialist. Total compensation also includes generous equity and benefits including: Medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your family, 401(k) plan with 4% matching, unlimited time off and 10 company holidays per year, and an annual learning & development stipend. Free lunch and snack are also provided.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your family
• 401(k) plan with 4% matching
• Unlimited time off and 10 company holidays per year
• An annual learning & development stipend
• Free lunch and snack

Company Culture

We take pride in cultivating an environment that fosters collaboration, open communication, and authenticity. We believe that great results are best delivered by a highly creative team working in concert. We are an equal opportunity employer; we do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We are diverse in background and singular in mission.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are committed to fostering a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We are an equal opportunity employer.