Research Technician, Automated Staining
Company
Molecular Instruments, Inc. (molecularinstruments.com) develops programmable molecular technologies for multiplexed quantitative bioimaging. Our products help researchers visualize RNA and protein targets in cells and tissues, supporting work across basic research, translational research, and drug development. We are a collaborative, product-oriented team focused on building reliable tools and workflows for the scientific community.
Job Overview
The Research Technician, Automated Staining operates automated slide-staining platforms in support of our research and assay development work. This hands-on role owns day-to-day run execution: instrument setup, reagent and slide preparation and loading, run monitoring, documentation, maintenance, and first-line troubleshooting. The position does not include tissue processing, embedding, or sectioning.
This role owns experimental execution rather than experimental strategy: project leads define the scientific objectives, experimental designs, and approved protocols, and the technician executes runs accurately and independently across multiple platforms. Training is provided on assigned instruments and Molecular Instruments workflows; prior HCR experience is not required.
Job Duties
Execute established automated staining experiments independently after training, following approved run plans.
Develop deep proficiency with the team’s primary automated slide-staining platform, including selecting approved protocols, preparing and loading reagents and slides, monitoring runs, performing routine cleanup, and completing instrument records.
Cross-train on additional platforms using platform-specific procedures.
Receive prepared slides and run materials; verify identifiers, controls, and readiness before loading; and resolve missing or inconsistent information.
Convert approved experiment plans into instrument worklists and run schedules. Obtain project lead approval before changing any experimental design, assay condition, or protocol.
Prepare, label, load, and store instrument reagents and consumables, tracking lot numbers, storage conditions, and expiration dates.
Maintain slide identities, control assignments, and traceability from loading through imaging handoff and storage, and record protocols, reagent lots, instrument settings, observations, deviations, and run outcomes promptly in approved laboratory records.
Review each run against defined quality-control criteria, identify failed controls or instrument errors, and perform first-line troubleshooting; escalate issues requiring protocol changes, scientific interpretation, or vendor service.
Perform routine cleaning and preventive maintenance on assigned platforms, maintain service logs, and coordinate vendor repairs or service visits when needed.
Communicate run status to scientists and project leads, support assay transfer and method improvement by executing planned comparison runs, and follow all laboratory safety and waste-disposal requirements.
Responsibilities may evolve as business needs change.
Qualifications: Required
Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in histotechnology, biology, biomedical science, or a related field, or equivalent technical training and laboratory experience.
One or more years of hands-on experience operating complex laboratory instruments or automation in a clinical, academic, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or contract research laboratory.
Ability to learn new platforms and operate them reliably after training.
Ability to coordinate multiple instruments, runs, and priorities while maintaining accuracy, traceability, and clear communication about status and delays.
Keen observational skills and strong attention to detail, with the ability to detect staining abnormalities or instrument issues early and take appropriate corrective action.
Strong laboratory documentation, slide tracking, pipetting, and reagent calculation skills, with close attention to labels, lots, controls, and instrument settings.
Clear written and verbal communication, reliable follow-through, a commitment to laboratory safety, and comfort collaborating with scientists while taking ownership of assigned run execution.
Qualifications: Preferred
Experience with an automated slide-staining platform or comparable laboratory automation; familiarity with multiple platforms is especially valuable.
Background in histotechnology, anatomic pathology, clinical laboratory automation, or instrument support.
HT or HTL certification through ASCP or an equivalent histotechnology credential.
Experience with in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, multiplex staining, or spatial biology assays.
Experience using electronic laboratory notebooks, LIMS, or structured batch records.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Successful candidates are precise, dependable automation operators who learn new instruments quickly and work with minimal supervision once protocols and run plans are established. They organize instrument time carefully, protect slide and run traceability, notice deviations, and communicate issues early. They take ownership of instrument setup, run execution, documentation, routine maintenance, and first-line troubleshooting, and know when a question requires scientific judgment or escalation. Curiosity, sound judgment, and a willingness to learn Molecular Instruments workflows are essential.
EEO Statement
Molecular Instruments is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $28.00 - $38.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
