Histology Technical Specialist

Vanderbilt University Medical Center • Nashville, TN

5d

About The Position

The Technical Specialist independently performs a broad range of duties within a laboratory specialty, collaborating closely with the team leader, manager, and laboratory section medical director. The role includes investigating and developing new or modified test procedures; verifying and validating testing; and technically reviewing and monitoring existing procedures. The specialist coordinates quality control, quality assurance, and proficiency testing activities with the laboratory quality coordinator. The role may also involve identifying staff training needs, evaluating testing personnel competency, and serving as a technical consultant and resource for team members.

This position is in Anatomic Pathology on the second shift, with a stated shift of 3:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. The posting describes a cutting-edge technology lab with floor-to-ceiling windows. The specialist may support department operations by troubleshooting instruments, performing bench assignments, and helping ensure that testing systems function properly and quality requirements are met.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Five years of relevant work experience.
• Ability to independently perform duties within a laboratory specialty and collaborate with the team leader, manager, and laboratory section medical director.
• Experience or capability in laboratory test procedure verification and validation, technical review, and monitoring.
• Ability to develop or modify procedures, evaluate testing methods and equipment, analyze data, and prepare written protocols and reports.
• Ability to perform quality control and quality assurance activities and investigate testing or quality problems.

Responsibilities

• Verify test procedures and establish test performance characteristics, including the precision and accuracy of 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 methodology with new or modified methods to determine whether the newer methods are appropriate for routine testing.
• Work with the Medical Director to recommend and develop new test procedures or modify existing procedures for implementation in the routine laboratory.
• Develop, review, and update written protocols in the approved VUMC laboratory procedure format.
• Support department operations as needed 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.
• Identify staff training needs and evaluate the competency of testing personnel 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 and maintain quality control programs and acceptable analytic performance levels in cooperation with the section quality coordinator, team leader, and medical director.
• Review quality control procedures and investigate problems and alternative methods when necessary.

Benefits

• The posting states that a comprehensive benefits package may include health, disability, retirement, and/or wellness offerings to support well-being and professional growth.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior