Anatomic Pathology Technologist, UWMC – Montlake Histology Lab

University of Washington Medical Center • Seattle, WA

2d • $70,332 - $100,656

About The Position

The UW Medicine - Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology (DLMP) in Seattle, WA has a fantastic opportunity for an Anatomic Pathology (AP) Technologist with the Histology Team at the University of Washington Medical Center – Montlake. Under general supervision, an AP Technologist performs complex procedures in a specialty pathology service or in a combination of general histology and specialty pathology service(s). The AP Technologist performs routine and complex procedures for services such as histology and immunohistochemistry. Work includes processing, embedding, cutting and staining all types of tissue specimens received in the Histology department, quality assurance, equipment preventive maintenance, safety and regulatory compliance and following the department’s policies and procedures. Work schedule: 100% FTE Monday – Friday with rotating on-call weekend and holiday coverage Alternate work shift (final scheduled to be discussed with hiring manager) What you’ll contribute: Under general direction, perform routine and complex procedures for Histology and IHC lab to include processing, embedding, microtomy, H&E staining for special staining of all types of tissue specimen received in the Histology laboratory, muscle preparation, IHC and nerve teasing. Guide and instruct AP technician and Laboratory assistant. Monitor and perform quality control of specimens; verify that the staining shows adequate cellular distinction; assure accurate specimen labeling; and distribute to the pathologist responsible for reviewing the case. Determine disposition of improperly handled specimens; identify problems, notify supervisor, and monitor follow-up solutions. Train new employees in pathology procedures, preparation of reagents, and in the proper use and theory of laboratory instrumentation. Complete all instrument function verification, changing/rotating solutions, maintenance, and documents in accordance with lab procedures. Ensure that equipment defects and malfunctions are reported and repaired. Assess the impact of new procedures in the laboratory; evaluate the requirements to comply with CAP (College of American Pathologists) standards. Maintain a safe working environment by following all safety regulations. Participate and comply with CAP regulatory compliance. Maintain a neat, clean, and orderly work area. Responsible for the cleaning of his/her microtome, filing his/her blocks and cleaning any soiled glassware at the end of the shift. Able to work independently and with other team members. Monitor and assess the integrity of materials received in histology laboratory such as formalin fixed and fresh tissue, serum and other blood products to ensure that proper and correct testing and results are achieved. Implement and monitor procedures pertaining to handling and disposition of specimens, identify problems and take corrective actions, notify supervisor and follow through on resolutions. Perform high complexity testing, reagent preparation, titration and dilution applicable to testing associated with pathology services relating to general histology, Immunohistochemistry, Immunofluorescence, molecular studies, electron microscopy and autopsy and death services. Demonstrate ability and knowledge to recommend testing panels, formulate new procedures, validate new assay, work-up new antibodies to aid pathologists in diagnosing cases. Review and perform adequacy assessment of daily quality standards and quality assurance outputs applicable to testing results. Assess and formulate new procedures, job aides, update current SOPS and evaluate requirements to comply with College of American Pathologists (CAP) standards. Train new and current employees in pathology procedures and use of laboratory equipment. Monitor and evaluate equipment functionality and usage. Assign bench duties and create work schedules for anatomic pathology technician, trainees, lab helpers and students to ensure that workload TAT are met. Collect and record statistics, case volumes and metrics to demonstrate laboratory values. Perform the duties of Anatomic Pathology Technician. Perform other related duties as required.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree with coursework in chemistry, biology and other biological sciences, including microscopy AND
• Certification, or certified within two (2) years of date of hire, at the Technologist (MT, HTL, MLS) level by a nationally recognized certifying agency such as the American Society for Clinical Pathology, the American Society of Clinical Laboratory Scientists or the Microscopy Society of America AND
• One (1) year of clinical anatomic laboratory experience OR equivalent education/experience.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine and complex procedures for Histology and IHC lab to include processing, embedding, microtomy, H&E staining for special staining of all types of tissue specimen received in the Histology laboratory, muscle preparation, IHC and nerve teasing.
• Guide and instruct AP technician and Laboratory assistant.
• Monitor and perform quality control of specimens; verify that the staining shows adequate cellular distinction; assure accurate specimen labeling; and distribute to the pathologist responsible for reviewing the case.
• Determine disposition of improperly handled specimens; identify problems, notify supervisor, and monitor follow-up solutions.
• Train new employees in pathology procedures, preparation of reagents, and in the proper use and theory of laboratory instrumentation.
• Complete all instrument function verification, changing/rotating solutions, maintenance, and documents in accordance with lab procedures.
• Ensure that equipment defects and malfunctions are reported and repaired.
• Assess the impact of new procedures in the laboratory; evaluate the requirements to comply with CAP (College of American Pathologists) standards.
• Maintain a safe working environment by following all safety regulations.
• Participate and comply with CAP regulatory compliance.
• Maintain a neat, clean, and orderly work area.
• Responsible for the cleaning of his/her microtome, filing his/her blocks and cleaning any soiled glassware at the end of the shift.
• Able to work independently and with other team members.
• Monitor and assess the integrity of materials received in histology laboratory such as formalin fixed and fresh tissue, serum and other blood products to ensure that proper and correct testing and results are achieved.
• Implement and monitor procedures pertaining to handling and disposition of specimens, identify problems and take corrective actions, notify supervisor and follow through on resolutions.
• Perform high complexity testing, reagent preparation, titration and dilution applicable to testing associated with pathology services relating to general histology, Immunohistochemistry, Immunofluorescence, molecular studies, electron microscopy and autopsy and death services.
• Demonstrate ability and knowledge to recommend testing panels, formulate new procedures, validate new assay, work-up new antibodies to aid pathologists in diagnosing cases.
• Review and perform adequacy assessment of daily quality standards and quality assurance outputs applicable to testing results.
• Assess and formulate new procedures, job aides, update current SOPS and evaluate requirements to comply with College of American Pathologists (CAP) standards.
• Train new and current employees in pathology procedures and use of laboratory equipment.
• Monitor and evaluate equipment functionality and usage.
• Assign bench duties and create work schedules for anatomic pathology technician, trainees, lab helpers and students to ensure that workload TAT are met.
• Collect and record statistics, case volumes and metrics to demonstrate laboratory values.
• Perform the duties of Anatomic Pathology Technician.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Benefits

• Vacation time and sick time off that accrue monthly, including 12 paid holidays.
• State Employee Tuition Exemption Program covering up to 6 credits of qualifying coursework per quarter at the University of Washington or other participating colleges or universities.
• Fully subsidized public transit pass (U-PASS) that covers multiple forms of public transportation in the region.
• Excellent healthcare, dental, disability, retirement, and other plan options.
• Lots of free fantastic fitness, healthy eating, finance, and stress reduction classes offered through the Whole U.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees