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 area of 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. Responsibilities may also include identifying staff training needs and evaluating testing personnel competency. The specialist serves as a technical consultant and resource for other team members. The position verifies test procedures and establishes laboratory test performance characteristics, including precision and accuracy. It evaluates test kits and equipment, collects and analyzes data, and provides written information for protocol evaluation and test interpretation. In collaboration with the Medical Director, the specialist recommends and develops new procedures or modifies existing ones for routine laboratory use, and develops, reviews, and updates written protocols in the approved VUMC format. The role also supports department operations by troubleshooting instruments, performing bench assignments, assisting the team, and ensuring quality control is performed and reviewed according to policy. This is a first-shift position in a laboratory described as having cutting-edge technology and floor-to-ceiling windows.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree required.
Five years of relevant work experience.

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 possible routine laboratory use.
Collect and analyze data and provide written information for protocol evaluation and test interpretation.
Compare current methodology with new or modified methods to determine suitability for routine testing.
Work with the Medical Director to recommend and develop new test procedures or modify existing procedures for routine implementation.
Develop, review, and update written protocols using the approved VUMC laboratory procedure format.
Troubleshoot instruments, perform bench assignments, and support department operations as needed.
Ensure quality control is performed and reviewed according to policy, and assist with troubleshooting out-of-range QC.
Coordinate quality control, quality assurance, and proficiency testing activities with the laboratory quality coordinator.
Investigate and develop new or modified testing procedures; verify and validate testing; and technically review and monitor existing procedures.
Identify staff training needs and evaluate the competency of testing personnel, as applicable.
Serve as a technical consultant and resource for team members.
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 with the section quality coordinator, team leader, and medical director.
Establish acceptable analytic performance levels and ensure they are maintained throughout the testing process, from specimen receipt through analysis and reporting.
Review quality control procedures and investigate problems and alternative methods when necessary.