Major Responsibilities:

• Ensures specimens are properly accessioned, labeled, and suitable for testing. Cuts quality tissue sections with proper thickness as determined by tissue type and places properly on glass slides.
• Embeds tissue into paraffin blocks. Maintains a filing system for paraffin tissue blocks, slides and wet tissue.
• Processes tissue using processors to ensure full preservation and infiltration by paraffin.
• Performs routine and special stains, immunohistochemistry, cover slipping, verification, and distribution of slides.
• Retrieves and prints computer logs. Manages daily workflow for recuts, special stains, immunohistochemistry, control slides, and send-outs according to established protocols.
• Performs, documents, and reviews quality control for accuracy and validity. Evaluates quality control results, resolves and documents discrepancies, and takes corrective action under the guidance of key operators, technical specialists or supervisor.
• Performs and documents cleaning, maintenance, troubleshooting and repair of instruments and equipment. Monitors the preventive maintenance program.
• Assists pathologists during frozen section procedures.
• Ensures compliance with all accrediting agency standards. Assists in writing new technical procedures and policies and revising current procedures. Assists in improving the quality and efficiency of laboratory procedures, policies, and processes.
• Acts as a resource and provides technical assistance to pathologists, externs, and other caregivers. Trains and educates externs and new staff; mentors and provides leadership to support staff and other caregivers. Works under minimal supervision, solves technical problems, and evaluates existing and potential laboratory techniques and procedures.

Licensure, Registration, and/or Certification Required:

• Histotechnologist (HTL) certification issued by the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP BOC) needs to be obtained within 1 year.

Education Required:

• Bachelor's Degree in Biology or related field.

Experience Required:

• No experience required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• Knowledge of human anatomy.
• Must be detail oriented and have good organizational and communication skills.
• Must know how to safely handle sharp instruments.
• Proficient computer skills.
• Must be able to problem solve.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Sits and stands the majority of the workday as well as walks, lifts, squats, bends and twists throughout.
• Frequently lifts up to 10 lbs. Will occasionally be required to lift up to 50 lbs.
• May be exposed to mechanical, electrical, chemical, explosive, radioactive and infectious agents.
• Will be exposed to human blood, body fluids and tissue.
• Must wear appropriate lab coat, gloves, gowns and eye and face protection as needed.
• Must be able to handle stressful situations in a calm and professional manner.
• May require travel, therefore may be exposed to inclement weather and adverse road conditions.
• Good manual dexterity.
• Operates all equipment necessary to perform the job.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.