Retro·Redwood City, California
Establish and manage the first in-house histology capability, performing FFPE and cryo-sectioning workflows from embedding to imaging. The role involves coordinating with CROs for tissue processing and providing technical guidance to scientific teams on tissue handling.
Retro develops therapies for diseases driven by the biology of aging. We focus on cellular reprogramming and autophagy to rejuvenate cell and tissue function with the ultimate aim of adding 10 years to healthy human lifespan.
We’re building a mission-driven team of accomplished and kind individuals who embrace our startup culture of rapid iteration, transparency, and versatility.
We are hiring a Lead Histotechnologist to build and run Retro’s first in-house histology capability. You’ll be the primary histologist supporting multiple scientific programs - including our Microglia, Tissue Reprogramming, and Autophagy teams - performing FFPE and cryo-sectioning workflows from embedding through staining and imaging. Tissue processing will continue to be outsourced to a CRO; everything else happens in-house with you. You will work in a dedicated histology lab space and be a part of the Scientific Operations team - a close-knit group of dedicated, resourceful humans, handling all things labs, facilities, and logistics.
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You’re a skilled bench histologist who takes pride in producing high-quality sections and stains. You’re comfortable working independently, juggling requests from multiple teams, and building workflows from scratch. You’re organized, detail-oriented, and proactive - the kind of person who keeps a lab running smoothly without being asked. You communicate clearly with scientists, understand what they need from their tissue, and can advise on best practices from fixation through imaging.
\n $110,000 - $135,000 a year
*At Retro, we don't use titles. New hires join as a "Member of X Team". The expectations for this role are generally aligned to the level of Histology Specialist.
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We take pride in cultivating an environment that fosters collaboration, open communication, and authenticity. We believe that great results are best delivered by a highly creative team working in concert. We are an equal opportunity employer; we do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We are diverse in background and singular in mission.
Requires 3-5 years of hands-on histology experience with proficiency in paraffin, cryo, and vibratome sectioning. Candidates must be skilled in IHC/IF staining and capable of working independently to manage multiple concurrent requests.
Market context
In California, physician openings are typically driven by ongoing demand across large health systems, outpatient groups, and specialty practices, with competition shaped by board eligibility, licensure, and specialty fit. For this role category, candidates are often compared on clinical experience, communication skills, and readiness to work within team-based care. The job requirements and benefits on this platform are AI-summarized from the original job description, saving candidates research time. Review the CPT and BLS requirements carefully and confirm your experience aligns with the listed laboratory and acute-care expectations before applying.
