Altasciences is a forward-thinking, mid-size contract research organization offering pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies a proven, flexible approach to preclinical and clinical pharmacology studies, including formulation, manufacturing and analytical services. For over 25 years, Altasciences has been partnering with sponsors to help support educated, faster, and more complete early drug development decisions. Altasciences’ integrated, full-service solutions include preclinical safety testing, clinical pharmacology and proof of concept, bioanalysis, program management, medical writing, biostatistics, and data management, all customizable to specific sponsor requirements. Altasciences helps sponsors get better drugs to the people who need them, faster.

The Pathology Associate will perform necropsies, cross train in tissue trimming and processing on all pathology related study materials as specified in company protocols and SOPs.

Responsibilities:

• Prepares necropsy room for all necropsies.
• Performs necropsy procedures on, but not limited to, mice, rats, rabbits, canines and nonhuman primates.
• Organ-weighing.
• Performs trimming procedures (procurement of tissue samples from specified organ systems for processing).
• Maintains necropsy and trim room equipment: saws, vacuums, bandsaw, sterilizer, balances and other related equipment and instruments. Performs instrument maintenance (clean, sterilize, inventory, replacement, identification).
• Maintains stock and working solutions for required fixatives and other chemicals necessary for necropsy and tissue processing.
• Records pertinent data, written or electronic.
• Keeps necropsy rooms and trim labs cleaned and well organized.
• Maintains wet tissue storage room: frozen storage records, cataloging, vacuum packing, archiving studies.
• Attends pre-necropsy meetings, reviews, and other pertinent training sessions.
• Attends weekly departmental meetings.
• Other duties as assigned such as bone marrow smear preparations.
• May cross train in histology.
• May conduct specialized necropsy and trimming procedures per protocol and SOP.
• Handles and disposes biological and/or chemical substances and wastes in accordance with applicable policies and procedures
• Wears appropriate PPE in accordance with policies and procedures. PPE may include, but is not limited to: N-95 respirator, face mask, safety glasses, goggles, face shield, gloves, lab coat, scrubs, shoe covers, hair bouffant, and arm protectors.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) preferred; Associates degree or additional work experience acceptable
• Sixth months to one year of biological science or laboratory related work if B.S. or B.A. degree requirement not met.
• ALAT certification preferred.
• Basic computer software skills (MS Office Suite) required.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, software manuals, study documents, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of the organization.
• Ability to understand and utilize appropriate mathematical concepts for calculating and interpreting scientific data.
• Basic bench chemistry skills required. Aptitude to learn new pathology and histology techniques.
• General reading, writing, and verbal communication skills; strong interpersonal skills to include effective communication with supervisors, co-workers, clients, visitors, etc.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables should possess the ability to deal with problems arising in a variety of research situations.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Working knowledge of anatomic biology preferred.

Altasciences is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, and protected veteran status, or disability status. Altasciences uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.E-Verify.gov.