Biology
Associate Scientist I, Histology
Office Location: Madison, Wisconsin, United States
Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq ARWR) is a commercial stage biopharmaceutical company that develops medicines that treat intractable diseases by silencing the genes that cause them. Using a broad portfolio of RNA chemistries and efficient modes of delivery, Arrowhead therapies trigger the RNA interference mechanism to induce rapid, deep, and durable knockdown of target genes. RNA interference, or RNAi, is a mechanism present in living cells that inhibits the expression of a specific gene, thereby affecting the production of a specific protein. Arrowhead’s RNAi-based therapeutics leverage this natural pathway of gene silencing.
Arrowhead is focused on developing innovative drugs for diseases with a genetic basis, typically characterized by the overproduction of one or more proteins that are involved with disease. The depth and versatility of our RNAi technologies enables us to potentially address conditions in virtually any therapeutic area and pursue disease targets that are not otherwise addressable by small molecules and biologics. Arrowhead is leading the field in bringing the promise of RNAi to address diseases outside of the liver, and our clinical pipeline includes disease targets in the liver and lung with a promising pipeline of preclinical candidates.
Arrowhead’s corporate headquarters is in Pasadena, CA with research and development teams in Madison, WI & San Diego, CA, and a state of the art manufacturing facility in Verona, WI. Our employees are nimble, science-driven innovators who are collaborating to bring new therapies to patients in need.
The Position
The Associate Scientist, Histology is a member of the Histotechnology team in the Biology Department. The Histotechnology team supports the Company’s preclinical drug development efforts by designing studies, collecting, preparing and analyzing samples generated by the Company’s animal studies. The Associate Scientist works under the direction of the team lead and employs a wide range routine and non-routine histological methods and analyses.
Responsibilities
- Preparing various tissue samples for automated and manual processing by cutting/trimming, documenting abnormalities, and putting into processing cassettes
- Maintaining lab organization of samples by filing completed tissue blocks and slides
- Microtome and cryosectioning of animal tissues including eye, liver, lung, kidney and adrenal gland, tumor, heart, muscle, gastrointestinal tract, brain at a thickness of 5-7uM
- Routine manual and automated tissue processing and paraffin embedding
- Immunohistochemical and/or immunofluorescence staining
- Assist in the live animal research team with animal necropsy
- Documentation of procedures and results in histology submission form
Requirements
- Bachelor’s in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry or a related discipline.
- 2 years of experience in a histology lab or research lab environment
- Ability to successfully process valuable/delicate samples
- Ability to apply theoretical knowledge and practical techniques to the preparation of tissue samples for microscopic examination by the pathologist
- Proficiency with necessary equipment, including tissue processors, tissue embedding equipment, microtome, cryostat, cassette and slide printers, and automated slide stainers
- Familiarity and proficiency with staining techniques
- Knowledge of tissue composition
- Advanced computer skills, including Excel and various imaging software
- Ability to take direction, follow protocols and produce and communicate results
- Prolonged periods sitting at a desk/lab workstation
- Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at a time
- Ability to navigate various locations and settings of the company
- Wear personal protective equipment in laboratories and other areas as required
Preferred
- Degree from an accredited Histotechnology Program
- Certification as a Histological Technician/Technologist with the American Society for Clinical Pathology (HT/HTL ASC)
Arrowhead provides competitive salaries and an excellent benefit package.
Candidates must have current, valid authorization to work in the country where this role is located.