Lead Histology Technician

The Lead Histology Technician independently performs advanced plastic histology activities in support of non-clinical studies, including tissue trimming, processing, plastic infiltration and embedding, block trimming, block sectioning on band saw, block and slide grinding, plastic slide generation, staining, and comprehensive slide quality control assessment, as applicable. The histology laboratory supports both paraffin and plastic resin embedding workflows, and this role is expected to routinely perform and provide technical expertise across both areas with specialty knowledge in the advanced plastic histology techniques of methyl methacrylate (MMA) and Spurr resins. Other duties may include paraffin processing, embedding, microtomy, slide staining, and quality control. Additionally, the ability to troubleshoot plastic histology techniques and to modify procedures for advances in innovation and new techniques is essential to this role.

This role functions with a high degree of independence and technical discretion, executing assigned histology activities within their area of expertise with minimal oversight. The Lead Histology Technician is accountable for maintaining high standards of quality, accuracy, and consistency while ensuring alignment with study protocols, timelines, and laboratory best practices.

Beyond core laboratory responsibilities, this role serves as a subject matter expert in paraffin and plastic histology techniques. The specialist provides technical leadership through staff training and mentoring and contributes to method development, optimization, and workflow improvements. This role collaborates cross-functionally with internal departments and across multiple sites and maintains a dotted-line relationship with pathology and necropsy teams. When required, the specialist may engage directly with clients or internal stakeholders to address complex technical questions or provide expert consultation.

This description is intended to convey the general scope and level of responsibilities associated with the position and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or requirements.

• Independently perform advanced histology activities in support of non-clinical studies, including tissue processing, embedding (paraffin and plastic), microtomy, staining (special stains and immunohistochemistry, as applicable), slide preparation, and quality assessment.
• Apply expert technical judgment to evaluate tissue blocks and slides, ensuring appropriate anatomical representation and adherence to laboratory and study requirements.
• Serve as a subject matter expert in plastic histology techniques, providing technical guidance, troubleshooting, and consultation to laboratory staff and cross-functional partners.
• Train, mentor, and assess competency of staff in histology methods; document and maintain all required GLP and process training records, including current curriculum vitae and training files.
• Lead or contribute to method development, optimization, and workflow improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, quality, and reproducibility of histology operations.
• Lead the development and maintenance of training materials to enable effective cross-training and technical competency within the histology department.
• Accurately document and maintain study records and data in compliance with SOPs, Good Laboratory Practice (21 CFR Part 58), and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Utilize laboratory and business computer systems (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook) for documentation, data review, and communication.
• Perform additional duties as required to support laboratory operations, study objectives, and organizational goals.

• Follow SOPs and other applicable laboratory or company procedures
• Interact with clients, other employees, and the community in a professional manner
• Effective organizational, written, and oral communication skills
• Ability to adhere to all company policies, safetyregulationsand procedures
• Maintain confidential information
• Support andparticipatein other company initiatives as directed
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English
• Demonstrate Inotiv Core Values and adhere to Code of Conduct

• High School Diploma.
• Candidates must have a minimum of ten (10) years of hands-on histology experience, including plastic histology (methyl methacrylate and Spurr), in support of non-clinical or research studies within a regulated laboratory environment.
• Demonstrated expertise in plastic histology (tissue trimming, processing, infiltrating, embedding, block sectioning, grinding, slide generation, special staining, and quality control).
• Proven ability to work independently with minimal supervision, exercising sound technical judgment and attention to detail.
• Strong working knowledge of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), including 21 CFR Part 58.
• Ability to train, mentor, and support competency development of laboratory staff.

• Certified Histology Technician HT or HTL(ASCP), ASCP board certified eligible,
• Bachelor's degree or higher in Histotechnology, Life Sciences, or a related field.
• 10+ years of advanced histology experience, including plastic/resin embedding and complex staining techniques.
• Prior experience serving as a subject matter expert or technical lead within a histology or pathology laboratory.
• Experience with method development, validation, or optimization in a regulated research environment.
• Experience supporting necropsy activities and collaborating closely with pathology teams.
• Experience in client-facing or cross-site collaborative roles within CRO or industry settings.

The physical demands described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

(The phrases "occasionally," "regularly," and "frequently" correspond to the following definitions: "occasionally" means up to one-third of working time, "regularly" means between one-third and two-thirds of working time, and "frequently" means two-thirds and more of working time.)

• Work is normally performed in a typical interior office or laboratory environment.

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computeror standing at a lab bench.

• The noise level is usually moderate.

• Requires moderate physical activity with frequent talking, standing, walking and repetitive movement of hands and fingers, reaching and lifting 10 -50 pounds.

• Use of PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) when required (i.e., able to wear latex or nitrile gloves, dust mask or respirator, and safety glasses asrequired).

• This position willfrequentlybe involved with sharp, solvents, irritants, acids, bases, and other hazardous chemicals, flammable materials, and biohazards. Due to exposure to hazardous biological material (which may include HPB positive specimens), immunization to Hepatitis B and/or other diseases may be a requirement.
• Ability to travel to multiple sites within the United States, as required.

*The salary range is $33.50-$52/hr.Salary will be commensurate with experience and responsibilities. Benefits include health and dental coverage, short- and long-term disability, paid time off, paid parental leave, 401K, and more!

Posted until filled.

*This position could be offered at different levels for candidates who qualify with a combination of advanced levels of education and/or years of experience. The salary range will adjust along with the level of the role to match the person's relevant experience and/or education level.

Inotiv is a growing contemporary drug discovery and development company where we "Play to Win" in an industry rich with opportunity. Together, we face challenges and together we win in the delivery of world-class drug discovery and development solutions that impact the health and well-being of people all over the world. There's an opportunity for everyone at all phases of a career, each individual's unique skill set has an impact on the work we conduct. If you have the talent and desire to impact the quality of people's lives, we have the career opportunities to make it happen. Join us in embracing research and science to impact the health and well-being of people all over the world.

Salary will be commensurate with experience and responsibilities. Benefits include health and dental coverage, short- and long-term disability, paid time off, paid parental leave, 401K, and more!

Inotiv is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to provide a fair and equal employment opportunity to all persons, regardless of age, race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination and access to benefits and training.