Histology Lab Assistant

Medical University of South Carolina•Columbia, SC

22h

About The Position

The Histology Lab Assistant supports the Anatomic Pathology service by performing pre‑analytic specimen handling and the full range of histology bench tasks—excluding gross examination and tissue grossing. Core duties include specimen receipt and accessioning, tissue processing support, embedding, microtomy, slide preparation, routine and special staining (H&E, special stains), basic immunohistochemistry (IHC) setup under direction, quality control (QC), instrument maintenance, and LIS documentation. The role ensures accurate, timely, and compliant production of high‑quality slides for pathologist interpretation.

Requirements

Education: High school diploma or equivalent required.
Experience: Required: 6–12 months of hands‑on histology or anatomic pathology experience (internship, externship, or on‑the‑job training).
Technical Skills: Microtomy proficiency; knowledge of fixation, processing, embedding, H&E and special stains; basic IHC workflow; LIS/barcoding; routine instrument maintenance.
Regulatory: Working knowledge of CAP/CLIA requirements for anatomic pathology, specimen identification, QC, and documentation.
Ability to perform job functions while standing. (Continuous)
Ability to perform job functions while sitting. (Continuous)
Ability to perform job functions while walking. (Continuous)
Ability to climb stairs. (Infrequent)
Ability to work indoors. (Continuous)
Ability to work outside in temperature extremes. (Infrequent)
Ability to work from elevated areas. (Frequent)
Ability to work in confined/cramped spaces. (Frequent)
Ability to perform job functions from kneeling positions. (Infrequent)
Ability to bend at the waist. (Continuous)
Ability to twist at the waist. (Frequent)
Ability to squat and perform job functions. (Frequent)
Ability to perform "pinching" operations. (Frequent)
Ability to perform gross motor activities with fingers and hands. (Continuous)
Ability to perform firm grasping with fingers and hands. (Continuous)
Ability to perform fine manipulation with fingers and hands. (Continuous)
Ability to reach overhead. (Frequent)
Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders. (Continuous)
Ability to fully use both legs. (Continuous)
Ability to use lower extremities for balance and coordination. (Frequent)
Ability to reach in all directions. (Continuous)
Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs. unassisted. (Infrequent)
Ability to lift/lower objects 50 lbs. from/to floor from/to 36 inches unassisted. (Infrequent)
Ability to lift from 36" to overhead 25 lbs. (Infrequent)
Ability to exert up to 50 lbs. of force. (Frequent)
Ability to maintain 20/40 vision, corrected, in one eye or with both eyes. (Continuous)
Ability to see and recognize objects close at hand or at a distance. (Continuous)
Ability to match or discriminate between colors. (Continuous)
Ability to determine distance/relationship between objects; depth perception. (Continuous)
Good peripheral vision capabilities. (Continuous)
Ability to maintain hearing acuity, with correction. (Continuous)
Ability to perform gross motor functions with frequent fine motor movements. (Continuous)
Ability to deal effectively with stressful situations. (Continuous)
Ability to work rotating shifts. (Frequent)
Ability to work overtime as required. (Frequent)
Ability to work in a latex safe environment. (Continuous)
Ability to maintain tactile sensory functions. (Continuous)
Ability to maintain good olfactory sensory function. (Continuous)
Ability to be qualified physically for respirator use, initially and as required. (Continuous)

Nice To Haves

Associate’s degree in a laboratory or life‑science field preferred.
Preferred: 1–2 years in a CAP/CLIA‑regulated histology lab; exposure to automated stainers/IHC platforms.
Certification (preferred but not required): HT(ASCP) or HTL(ASCP) eligibility or credential.