Histology Technical Specialist

Vanderbilt University Medical Center•Nashville, TN

About The Position

The Histology Technical Specialist works in Anatomic Pathology on the 3:00 p.m.–11:30 p.m. shift. The role independently performs a wide variety of duties in the area of specialty, collaborating closely with the team leader, manager, and laboratory section medical director. Work includes developing or modifying 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, may identify staff training needs and evaluate testing personnel competency, and serves as a technical consultant and resource for the team. The specialist verifies laboratory test procedures and establishes test performance characteristics, including precision and accuracy. The role evaluates test kits and equipment, collects and analyzes data for protocol evaluation and test interpretation, and compares current methods with new or modified methods. In collaboration with the Medical Director, the specialist recommends and develops procedures for routine use, and develops, reviews, and updates written protocols in the approved laboratory format. The specialist also supports department operations by troubleshooting instruments, performing bench assignments, assisting with out-of-range quality control, and ensuring quality control is performed and reviewed according to policy. The position requires advanced knowledge within the professional area and basic knowledge across related areas. The specialist independently delivers objectives, analyzes complex problems using multiple sources of data, acts as a resource for less-experienced colleagues, and may lead small project teams. Vanderbilt Health describes a collaborative, supportive environment and offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include health, disability, retirement, and wellness offerings.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree required.
Five years of relevant work experience.
Advanced knowledge within the professional area and basic knowledge across related areas.
Ability to independently perform specialty-area laboratory duties and analyze and resolve complex problems using multiple data sources.
Ability to verify test systems, establish analytic performance characteristics, and ensure systems function properly before patient results are reported.

Responsibilities

Verify test procedures and establish test-system performance characteristics, including precision and accuracy.
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 test methods to assess their suitability for routine testing.
Work 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 in the approved VUMC laboratory procedure format.
Assist 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; assist with troubleshooting out-of-range QC.
Coordinate quality control, quality assurance, and proficiency testing activities with the laboratory quality coordinator.
Review quality control procedures and investigate problems and alternative methods when necessary.
Establish and maintain acceptable analytic performance parameters throughout specimen receipt, analysis, and result reporting.
Suggest, develop, and implement quality assurance projects and prepare reports as required.
Collaborate with the team leader, manager, and laboratory section medical director on specialty-area duties.
Identify staff training needs and evaluate testing personnel competency when applicable.
Provide technical consultation and support to team members.