Histology Technical Specialist

Vanderbilt University Medical Center•Nashville, TN

About The Position

The Technical Specialist in the Histopathology laboratory independently performs a wide variety of duties within their specialty, collaborating closely with the team leader, manager, and laboratory section medical director. The role investigates and develops new or modified test procedures; verifies and validates testing; and technically reviews and monitors existing procedures. In collaboration with the laboratory quality coordinator, the specialist coordinates quality control, quality assurance, and proficiency testing activities. The role may also identify staff training needs, evaluate testing personnel competency, and serve as a technical consultant and resource for team members. The specialist verifies test procedures and establishes test performance characteristics, including precision and accuracy. They evaluate test kits and equipment, collect and analyze data, compare current and proposed methodologies, and work with the Medical Director to recommend and develop procedures for routine laboratory use. They develop, review, and update written protocols in the approved VUMC format. They also support department operations as needed by troubleshooting instruments, performing bench assignments, assisting the team, and ensuring quality control is performed and reviewed according to policy. This is a 3 p.m.–11 p.m. shift in a state-of-the-art laboratory described as having floor-to-ceiling windows and cutting-edge technology. The position requires a bachelor's degree and five years of relevant work experience. A comprehensive benefits package may include health, disability, retirement, and/or wellness offerings.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree required.
Five years of relevant work experience.
Advanced knowledge within a professional area and basic knowledge across related areas.
Ability to work independently on objectives and understand their impact on the team and related teams.
Ability to analyze and resolve complex problems using multiple sources of data.
Ability to serve as a resource for colleagues and support or coach others.
Ability to communicate effectively with different groups and audiences.
Ability to establish and maintain quality control and acceptable analytic performance throughout the testing process.

Responsibilities

Verify test procedures and establish test performance characteristics, including precision and accuracy for each test and test system.
Evaluate test kits and equipment for potential use in the routine laboratory.
Collect and analyze data and provide written information for protocol evaluation and test interpretation.
Compare current methodologies with new or modified methods to assess their suitability for routine testing.
Collaborate with the Medical Director to recommend and develop new test procedures or modify existing procedures for routine laboratory use.
Develop, review, and update written protocols using the approved VUMC laboratory procedure format.
Support department operations by troubleshooting instruments, performing bench assignments, and serving as a resource to the team.
Ensure quality control is performed and reviewed according to policy, and assist with troubleshooting out-of-range quality control results.
Coordinate quality control, quality assurance, and proficiency testing activities with the laboratory quality coordinator.
Investigate, develop, verify, validate, technically review, and monitor laboratory testing procedures.
Identify staff training needs and evaluate testing personnel competency as needed.
Ensure patient test results are not reported unless test systems are functioning properly.
Suggest, develop, and implement quality assurance projects and prepare reports as required.
Establish an appropriate quality control program in cooperation with the section quality coordinator, team leader, and medical director.
Establish acceptable analytic performance parameters and ensure they are maintained from specimen receipt through analysis and reporting.
Review quality control procedures and investigate problems and alternative methods when necessary.
Perform routine safety checks and address quality or safety issues promptly.