Scientist – Histology

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 Responsibilities

Perform 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 Skills Experience 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 slide management systems.

Prior experience supporting drug discovery, target validation, or biodistribution studies in a pharmaceutical or biotechnology setting.

Experience handling radioactive materials.

Experience establishing or expanding histology/IHC capabilities, workflows, or assay platforms.

Physical Demands:While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and distance vision. This is a position that requires working in a laboratory environment; protective clothing, gloves, and safety glasses are required while working in a laboratory environment with radioactive materials, chemical fixatives, and solvents . Work Environment: The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Why Join UsThis position offers the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge radiopharmaceutical research and to make a tangible impact on the translation of novel therapies into clinical development. You will work alongside a collaborative, interdisciplinary team in an environment that values innovation and scientific excellence.

We hire for skills and capabilities, not just credentials – if this role excites you, but doesn’t perfectly match your resume, we encourage you to apply anyway.

Compensation Overview:

San Diego - CA - US: $118,259 - $143,302


The starting pay range(s) listed above is for full-time employees (FTE). You may also be eligible for additional discretionary incentive cash and stock opportunities. We determine starting pay thoughtfully – carefully considering the nature of the role, required skills, work location, schedule and the knowledge and experience you bring. Final compensation is guided by pay equity principles and applicable employment laws. Compensation programs are reviewed on an ongoing basis and may be adjusted over time to reflect evolving market factors, and individual, team or Company performance.

Benefits:

Subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans then in effect, you may be eligible to participate in our comprehensive benefit plans – including wellbeing support, retirement and financial protection benefits, and insurance offerings (medical, dental, vision, life and disability).

U.S.-based exempt employees are eligible for Flexible Time Off (FTO), which provides paid time off without a set accrual limit, subject to manager approval, along with 11 paid company holidays each year.

Non-exempt employees, RayzeBio employees, and employees located in Puerto Rico receive 160 hours of paid vacation annually for new hires (subject to manager approval), 11 paid company holidays, and 3 optional holidays.

Depending on eligibility, employees may also have access to additional time-off benefits, including paid sick leave, up to two paid volunteer days per year, summer hours flexibility, and leaves of absence for medical, personal, parental, caregiver, bereavement, or military needs. Eligible employees also enjoy an annual Global Shutdown between Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

U.S.-based job seekers can explore full benefit offerings at https://careers.bms.com/benefits

RayzeBio and Bristol Myers Squibb

RayzeBio was acquired by Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) in 2024 and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BMS; however, RayzeBio will continue to operate as a standalone organization.

Supporting People with Disabilities

BMS and RayzeBio are dedicated to ensuring that people with disabilities can excel through a transparent recruitment process, reasonable workplace accommodations/adjustments and ongoing support in their roles. Applicants can request a reasonable workplace accommodation/adjustment prior to accepting a job offer. If you require reasonable accommodations/adjustments in completing this application, or in any part of the recruitment process, direct your inquiries to  adastaffingsupport@bms.com . Visit  careers.bms.com/eeo-accessibility  to access our complete Equal Employment Opportunity statement.

Candidate Rights

BMS and RayzeBio will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records, pursuant to applicable laws in your area.

For roles based in Los Angeles County only:  If you live in or expect to work from Los Angeles County if hired for this position, please visit this page for important additional information:  https://careers.bms.com/california-residents/

For roles based in Washington State only: If you live in or expect to work from Washington State if hired for this position, please visit this page for important information about the Washington Fair Chance Act.

Data Protection

We will never request payments, financial information, or social security numbers during our application or recruitment process. Learn more about protecting yourself at  https://careers.bms.com/fraud-protection .

Any data processed in connection with role applications will be treated in accordance with applicable data privacy policies and regulations.

If this posting is missing required information required by local law or incorrect, contact BMS at  TAEnablement@bms.com with the Job Title and Requisition number. Do not send application-related inquiries to this email. To check your application status, please login to your Candidate Home Account.

R1607907 : Scientist – Histology