Scientist I, Histology

About the role

Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals is a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company developing medicines that treat intractable diseases by silencing the genes that cause them. Using a broad portfolio of RNA chemistries and efficient delivery modes, Arrowhead therapies trigger the RNA interference mechanism to induce rapid, deep, and durable knockdown of target genes. The company focuses on diseases with a genetic basis, typically characterized by overproduction of one or more proteins, and leverages RNAi technologies to address conditions across therapeutic areas, including targets outside the liver. Arrowhead’s pipeline spans liver and lung disease targets, with a preclinical pipeline in development. The company’s corporate headquarters is in Pasadena, CA; research and development teams are located in Madison, WI, San Diego, CA; and a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility is in Verona, WI.

Responsibilities

• Study Support & Communication: Translate study requirements into practical histology work plans (sampling schemes, section levels, stain menus, controls, timelines) and present interim results to program stakeholders.
• Sample Handling & Documentation: Coordinate specimen receipt, accessioning, labeling/barcoding, and chain-of-custody; maintain complete, accurate, audit-ready records in LIMS/ELN or designated systems.
• Processing, Embedding & Sectioning: Perform routine automated tissue processing and paraffin embedding; microtome and cryosection a range of animal tissues at 5–7 µm; complete re-cuts and serial levels as needed with minimal artifacts.
• Staining & Assay Execution: Execute H&E, special stains, and IHC/IF on manual and automated platforms, including antigen retrieval, antibody titration, protocol design, and troubleshooting; contribute to method validation (e.g., RNAscope/miRNAscope, multiplex IHC/IF).
• Microscopy, Imaging & Reporting: Perform microscopic QC, identify representative regions, and use imaging/slide scanning as available to support digital pathology; compile clear data summaries and presentations for study leads.
• Quality, Safety & Continuous Improvement: Adhere to SOPs and applicable quality expectations; follow biosafety and chemical-safety procedures; participate in deviations/CAPA as appropriate; contribute to team-based improvements (e.g., 5S/Lean).
• Instrumentation & Inventory: Operate and perform routine maintenance/calibration checks for microtomes, cryostats, stainers, printers, microscopes; track reagents/antibodies and coordinate ordering and lot qualification.

Requirements

• BS or MS degree in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or related discipline.
• BS with a minimum of seven (7) years relevant histology laboratory experience or an MS with 3+ years of academic/industry laboratory experience.
• Proficiency with microtomes, cryostats, cassette/slide printers, automated slide stainers, and microscopes; practical knowledge of tissue composition.
• Extensive experience in IHC/IF staining, protocol development, validation, and troubleshooting (including antibody titration and antigen retrieval).
• Strong project- and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple studies and deadlines; effective written and verbal communication.
• Advanced computer skills (e.g., Excel and imaging software).
• Ability to process valuable/delicate samples and to prepare tissue for pathologist interpretation.

Preferred

• Degree from an accredited Histotechnology program.
• HT or HTL(ASCP) certification.
• Experience validating RNAscope/miRNAscope and multiplex IHC/IF across multiple tissues/species.
• Familiarity with LIMS/ELN.
• Familiarity with digital pathology and whole-slide imaging.

Pay

California pay range: $115,000–$125,000 USD.