Histology Technical Specialist

Vanderbilt University Medical Center • Nashville, TN

5d

About The Position

The Technical Specialist independently performs a wide variety of duties within a laboratory specialty, collaborating closely with the team leader, manager, laboratory section medical director, and quality coordinator. The role investigates and develops new or modified test procedures; verifies and validates testing; technically reviews and monitors existing procedures; and coordinates quality control, quality assurance, and proficiency testing activities. It may also include identifying staff training needs, evaluating testing personnel competency, and serving as a technical consultant and resource for colleagues.

The specialist verifies 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, compares methodologies, and works with the Medical Director to recommend and develop procedures for routine laboratory use. It also develops and updates written protocols, troubleshoots instruments, performs bench assignments as needed, supports the team, and ensures quality control is performed and reviewed according to policy.

This is a Histopathology position on the 3rd shift, with a listed schedule of 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. The posting describes a state-of-the-art laboratory with floor-to-ceiling windows and cutting-edge technology.

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 independently perform duties within the area of specialty and analyze and resolve complex problems using multiple sources of data.
• Ability to establish and maintain laboratory quality control and acceptable analytic performance.
• Ability to communicate effectively, support colleagues, and provide constructive advice and coaching.

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 use in the routine laboratory.
• Collect and analyze data and provide written information for protocol evaluation and test interpretation.
• Compare current methods with new or modified methods to determine 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.
• 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 QC.
• Coordinate quality control, quality assurance, and proficiency testing activities in collaboration with the laboratory quality coordinator.
• Monitor existing procedures and participate in technical review, testing verification, and validation.
• Identify staff training needs and evaluate the competency of testing personnel, as applicable.
• Establish and maintain acceptable analytic performance parameters across specimen receipt, analysis, and reporting.
• Investigate quality control problems and alternative methods when necessary.
• Suggest, develop, and implement quality assurance projects and prepare reports as required.
• Serve as a technical consultant and resource for other team members.

Benefits

• The posting describes a comprehensive benefits package that may include health, disability, retirement, and/or wellness offerings.
• Professional growth support is mentioned.

What This Job Offers

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