Histology Technician I

Our Commitment

Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experiences. Core values include Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.

Who We Are

The Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (VMBS) is a major veterinary educational, medical, and research center, training nearly 600 Doctor of Veterinary Medicine students each year. The college supports collaboration and teamwork to turn discoveries into proactive solutions for animals, humans, and the environment.

What We Want

The IHC/IFC Technician will focus mainly on advanced immunohistochemistry, optimizing complex protocols, validating antibodies, and staining slides for diagnostic and research cases. The role also includes cross‑training in the diagnostic histology lab to handle routine tasks such as receiving, processing, and preparing tissue specimens for Pathologist review. Core histology processes (embedding, microtomy, routine staining) are combined with specialized automated and manual IHC and IFC techniques. The technician will assist with quality control, equipment maintenance, and support of student workers and other technicians.

Pay & Schedule

Salary: $18 per hour

Full‑time position located in College Station, TX.

Qualifications

• Required: High school diploma and two years of experience in laboratory work or related areas.
• Preferred:
  • Two years of related laboratory experience including microtomy, tissue processing, and basic IHC/IFC staining techniques.
  • HT (ASCP), HTL (ASCP), or equivalent certification.
  • Experience with antibody optimization, image analysis/fluorescence microscopy, automated IHC stainers, and digital scanning software.
  • Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences or a related scientific field.
  • Working knowledge of histology‑related equipment and procedures.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong understanding of tissue processing, antigen retrieval, sectioning, and staining techniques.
• Ability to troubleshoot routine equipment and staining artifacts.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to prioritize daily workflows under deadlines.
• Customer‑service orientation with strong verbal and written communication skills for interacting with pathologists, residents, and lab personnel.

Responsibilities

• IHC / IFC & Protocol Optimization: Perform manual and automated immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining; test, validate, and optimize new antibodies; maintain procedural logs and SOPs.
• Histology Operations & Specimen Processing: Receive, sort, and prioritize tissue specimens; operate tissue processors; embed specimens; perform microtomy and routine staining; prepare solutions for special stains.
• Quality Control, Equipment, & Inventory: QC‑check slides before delivery; perform routine maintenance and basic troubleshooting on microtomes, processors, embedder, auto‑stainers, and solvent recyclers; record calibration logs; monitor and reorder reagents and supplies.
• Digital Slide Scanning & Imaging: Operate and maintain digital slide scanners; ensure proper file naming, quality assessment, and upload to image repositories.
• Communication & Collaborative Support: Communicate with pathologists and residents regarding slide/block status; assist in training student workers on lab techniques and safety protocols.

Equipment Used

• Microtome
• Tissue embedder
• Tissue stainers (IHC/IFC)
• Tissue processor
• Slide coverslipper
• Tissue water bath
• Solvent recycler
• Computer (desktop and tablet)
• Telephone
• Paraffin block trimmer
• Decalcification tissue rocker

Physical Requirements

• Spatial ability to perceive three‑dimensional relationships when embedding tissue and cutting paraffin blocks.
• Finger dexterity for manipulating micro‑thin sections and mounting slides.
• Color discrimination to verify diagnostic quality of staining.
• Medium lifting/moving requirements; generally light weights, occasional medium weights.
• Comfort working with hazardous chemicals, including known carcinogens, in accordance with lab safety policies.

Other Requirements and Factors

• Rotating holiday coverage is required; position is security‑sensitive.
• Compliance with state, federal, and Texas A&M University System policies and safety regulations.
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling chemicals and making solutions.
• May direct and/or evaluate the work of others.
• Potential work on university holidays, normal office hours, and weekends.

Benefits

• Medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life and AD&D insurance with Texas A&M contributions.
• Flexible spending accounts and long‑term disability insurance.
• 12‑15 days of annual paid holidays.
• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month.
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.
• Health and wellness programs, including free exercise programs and release time.
• Professional development opportunities: free LinkedIn Learning, webinars, limited financial support for conferences and workshops.
• Educational release time and tuition assistance for degree completion.
• Access to university amenities such as sporting and cultural events, recreation facilities, and the Bush Library and Museum.