Laboratory Services Research Associate/Histotechnologist

---

Job description

Laboratory Services - Research Associate/Histotechnologist
Akoya Biosciences, Inc.
Akoya Biosciences, Inc., The Spatial Biology Company, headquartered in Menlo Park, CA with offices in Marlborough, MA. and Bicester, Oxfordshire (UK) is a well-funded and growing company that is developing powerful imaging tools to enable scientists and clinical researchers gain a better understanding of complex diseases such as cancer and autoimmune disorders. Our CODEX platform enables the assessment of more than 40 protein markers in a sample and is ideally suited for biomarker discovery. Our Phenoptics platform, the industry standard for multiplex IF/IHC provides the assay robustness and throughput necessary for translational and clinical research required in clinical trials. Our partnerships with the academic community and our customers have resulted in a robust pipeline of future products.
Job Description
Akoya Biosciences is seeking an experienced and motivated Histotechnologist and Research Associate to join our Advanced Biopharma Solutions (ABS) and Tissue Imaging team in Marlborough, MA. The successful candidate will be a member of a dynamic group that provides laboratory services to academic, biotech and pharma clients in the translational and clinical workspace. The CRS team provides tissue analysis based on our ultra-high multiplexing approach utilizing Akoya's OPAL™ technology to provide unparalleled cellular/tissue imaging capabilities. Efforts focus on assay development, optimization, and standardization of multiplexed immunofluorescence, image analysis and high throughput processing of clients' samples in a GCP and CLIA regulated laboratory environment.

The successful candidate will be a certified histo-technologist and experienced in sectioning of FFPE tissue blocks and conventional immunohistochemistry (IHC). Knowledge of antibody validation methods, immunofluorescence (IF) and quantitative pathology approaches are a plus but not required.

He/she, has preferably worked in regulatory laboratories, including CAP/ CLIA or ISO certified institutions, is detailed oriented, has the ability to prioritize responsibilities and is client/patient oriented. The candidate should be used to working in a fast-paced environment, to meeting deadlines, multitasking, being a team player, and must have good interpersonal skills.
Key Responsibilities:

• Sectioning of paraffin-embedded, formalin-fixed tissues.
• Sample accessioning and tracking, inventory of biospecimens (blocks and slides) and documentation in appropriate software systems.
• Maintenance of a small Akoya internal biorepository and inventory of FFPE control tissue blocks which includes communication with biospecimen vendors, timely ordering of FFPE blocks.
• Perform, scan, and document H&Es for all incoming Akoya controls and client controls as needed.
• Acceptance testing and quality assurance of reagents and materials, both incoming and outgoing.
• Testing, optimization, and validation of antibodies for FFPE tissue staining.
• Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunofluorescence (IF) staining of tissue sections.
• Imaging and review of stained sections.
• Quantitative QC of run controls and control runs.
• Work with senior members of the team to design and carry out experiments for client projects. Presentation of findings to the team.
• General laboratory maintenance including maintenance of laboratory equipment, managing inventory and reagent preparation and documentation thereof in accordance with CLIA/CAP regulations.
• Ensuring that all equipment, instruments, and accessories are operational daily. Reporting any irregularities.
• Assuring compliance with Akoya's SOPs and local/federal regulations for clients' projects.
• Maintaining patient sample confidentiality according to HIPAA rules and regulations.
• Following all safety precautions for chemicals and reagents while working in the lab, demonstrating knowledge of OSHA standards and BSL2 laboratory safety standards.
• Maintaining professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops and reviewing professional publications.

Skills and Qualifications:

• BS/BA degree in a Life Science with 2-3 years of experience in a laboratory/pathology environment.
• Experience with IHC
• Experience with tissue sectioning; ASCP certified HT/HTL is preferred.
• Experience with image analysis software is preferred.
• Experience with quality control/quality assurance procedures and compliance with regulatory requirements pertaining to CLIA/CAP and GCLP.
• Must be detail-oriented and organized.
• Excellent computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; experience with tracking systems and pathology imaging software is a plus; experience with electronic notebook systems; familiarity with specialized and hardware-based systems in the laboratory such as barcode readers and zebra printers. Knowledge to install and integrate them into the laboratory workflow.
• Ability to organize, prioritize and manage workflows.
• Being a team player, communicative, collaborative.
• Ability to troubleshoot and work independently under pressure of deadlines and the desire to work in a fast paced, team environment.
• Passion for pathology and personalized medicine.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $1.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Supplemental Pay:

• Bonus pay

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• Molecular biology: 2 years (Preferred)
• IHC: 2 years (Preferred)
• CLIA/CAP: 3 years (Preferred)

Work Location: One location