Scientist – Histology

Job description

Life at BMS At RayzeBio, every day is an opportunity to ignite meaningful change. As a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bristol Myers Squibb, RayzeBio blends the nimble, pioneering spirit of an emergent biotech with the global expertise and resources of a leading innovator in oncology. Our mission is to develop transformative radiopharmaceutical therapies that offer new hope for patients living with cancer. Here, you’ll join a multidisciplinary team where your ideas are valued, your expertise is amplified, and collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. From day one, expect to make an immediate impact—on our science, on our teams, and most importantly, on patients. Learn more about RayzeBio: https://careers.bms.com/rayzebio/ Job Title: Scientist  – Histology Department: Translational Location: San Diego – on site FLSA Status: Exempt Background RayzeBio Inc. is a dynamic biotechnology company headquartered in San Diego, CA. Launched in late 2020 and recently acquired by Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) as a wholly owned subsidiary, the company is focused on improving survival of people with cancer by harnessing the power of targeted radioisotopes. RayzeBio will operate as a standalone entity within the BMS organization, maintaining its biotech culture with the opportunity to leverage the best-in-class oncology capabilities of BMS. RayzeBio is developing innovative drugs against targets of solid tumors. The lead asset, RYZ101, is in Phase 3 testing for patients with gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs), as well as earlier stage testing for patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Led by a successful and experienced entrepreneurial team, RayzeBio aims to be the global leader in radiopharmaceuticals. Job Description We are seeking a highly motivated, knowledgeable, and experienced Histology Scientist with a strong foundation in histological sciences and a proven track record of developing, optimizing, and executing tissue-based assays to join our Translational team. This is a laboratory-based role focused on supporting the advancement of novel radiopharmaceutical therapies from preclinical research through translational development and into clinical testing. The successful candidate will process, embed, and section formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) and frozen tissue specimens collected from radiopharmaceutical-treated preclinical models and human research tissues. The candidate will design, perform, troubleshoot, and interpret immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunofluorescence (IF) studies to support target validation, biodistribution, pharmacodynamic, and mechanism-of-action investigations across multiple pipeline programs. The ideal candidate is a meticulous, hands-on histology professional with strong technical skills, sound scientific judgment, and a collaborative mindset who enjoys working within interdisciplinary drug discovery teams and working with tissues derived from radioactive treatment studies. Job ResponsibilitiesPerform tissue processing, embedding, and microtome sectioning of FFPE tissue blocks. Prepare, process, embed, section, and stain cell pellets as FFPE blocks, in addition to tissue specimens. Prepare and section frozen tissue specimens using a cryostat. Conduct H&E staining and other routine histochemical stains for tissue morphology assessment and quality control. Design, perform, troubleshoot, and interpret IHC and IF staining studies on FFPE and frozen tissue sections to support target validation, pharmacodynamic, biodistribution, and mechanism-of-action studies. Operate and maintain automated tissue stainers to ensure consistent, high-quality, and reproducible IHC/H&E staining. Optimize antibody titration, antigen retrieval, and staining protocols for new and existing assays, including appropriate positive and negative controls. Acquire, analyze, and interpret histology and imaging data using image analysis and digital pathology software. Maintain rigorous documentation of tissue processing, staining protocols, and experimental results. Collaborate closely and prospectively with translational, in vivo, imaging, and biology teams to support study design, tissue collection and preservation, assay requirements, sampling strategy, assay selection, controls, histology endpoints, execution, and data interpretation. Maintain and troubleshoot histology equipment, including microtomes, cryostats, and automated stainers, coordinating service and calibration as needed. Prepare and maintain inventory and traceability of samples handled within the histology facility, including frozen and FFPE tissue blocks and slides, and cell samples. Work with external CROs on IHC research assay development, troubleshooting, data transfer, and knowledge transfer. Serve as the histology subject-matter expert for cross-functional project teams, providing scientific and technical guidance on study design, assay selection, execution, data interpretation, and follow-up studies. Safely handle laboratory reagents and, where applicable, tissue specimens containing radioactive material, in accordance with laboratory and regulatory guidelines. Independently interpret histology/IHC data and provide scientific recommendations to project teams, integrating findings with other preclinical/translational data where appropriate. Own the internal research histology capability, including development, implementation, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of histology/IHC workflows. Qualifications & Skills B.S. or M.S. degree in Histotechnology, Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field, with 8-10 years of hands-on histology experience. HT or HTL (ASCP) certification is preferred.Deep expertise in histology and tissue-based assay workflows, with extensive hands-on experience optimizing, troubleshooting, and ensuring the quality and reproducibility of tissue processing, staining, and biomarker evaluation methods. Prior experience performing tissue processing, embedding, and microtome sectioning of FFPE tissue. Experience preparing, processing, and sectioning cell pellets as FFPE blocks. Hands-on experience with frozen tissue preparation and cryosectioning. Demonstrated experience conducting H&E staining and other routine histochemical stains. Proven experience designing, conducting, troubleshooting, and interpreting IHC and IF studies on FFPE and frozen tissue sections. Prior experience operating automated tissue stainers, such as Leica systems. Solid understanding of antibody optimization, antigen retrieval methods, and appropriate staining controls. Ability to independently troubleshoot staining and technical issues and to interpret and communicate histology data clearly. Excellent attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to maintain accurate laboratory records. Ability to work effectively within interdisciplinary drug discovery teams. Experience managing and working with Contract Research Organizations (CROs), including study design, protocol review, data interpretation, vendor oversight, timeline management, and coordination of outsourced histology, pathology, and translational research activities.Ability to work with radioactive materials with strict adherence to radiation safety protocols, where applicable. Demonstrated ability to independently design and optimize histology/IHC studies, interpret complex results, and recommend scientifically appropriate next steps. Ability to provide technical and scientific guidance to cross-functional project teams and influence study design and experimental decisions within area of expertise.Demonstrated ability to manage multiple studies and priorities independently and drive work from study planning through data interpretation and reporting. Preferred SkillsExperience with image analysis or digital pathology software, such as HALO, QuPath, Visiopharm, or ImageJ/Fiji. Experience with multiplex IHC/IF staining platforms. Familiarity with whole slide scanning and digital