Histology Technician II

MSU Careers Details•East Lansing, MI

About The Position

The Histology Technician II prepares fixed and frozen tissues for microscopic slide production using established protocols and automated or manual methods. Duties include trimming, processing, embedding, microtoming, staining, and cover slipping tissues while meeting established turnaround times. The technician performs specialized histochemical and molecular procedures, including special stains, immunohistochemistry, and in-situ hybridization, on tissue and other samples, and prepares samples for other DCPAH sections. The position supports accurate test ordering, billing, daily data entry in Cerner, PTOE, and Transcription, block archive management, and communication with clients, pathologists, residents, students, researchers, and other staff to resolve technical and submission issues. Additional work includes tissue fixation and decalcification as needed, tissue and chemical handling, equipment maintenance and calibration, supply management, reagent preparation, quality and safety records, and maintaining a clean and safe laboratory. The technician follows and drafts SOPs, may serve as a team leader and participate in audits, and contributes to meetings, DCPAH activities, and process-improvement efforts. The role requires professional conduct, effective independent and team work, sound time management, and attendance consistent with university standards. Work hours fall between 8:30 a.m. and 8:30 p.m., may vary to include rotational weekends and holidays, require scheduling flexibility, and are subject to callback for laboratory needs. The position involves exposure to unfixed animal tissue.

Requirements

Knowledge normally acquired through the first two or three years of college, technical, or vocational school in Histology or Chemistry, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
One to three years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience performing histochemical procedures, preparing slides, and training others.
Certification by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists.

Responsibilities

Prepare fixed and frozen tissues by trimming, processing, and embedding according to established protocols for microscopic slide production.
Prepare microscopic slides by microtoming, staining, and cover slipping tissue samples while meeting turnaround times.
Perform specialized histochemical and molecular procedures, including special stains, immunohistochemistry, and in-situ hybridization, using automated or manual methods.
Prepare samples for other DCPAH sections.
Perform daily data entry in Cerner, PTOE, and Transcription; ensure accurate test ordering and billing for routine and research cases.
Manage block archives.
Work with clients, pathologists, residents, students, researchers, and other DCPAH staff to troubleshoot technical and submission problems.
Decalcify fixed samples and fix tissues in formic acid or formalin as needed.
Store and dispose of wet tissues according to EHS guidelines.
Transport and load trimmed tissues onto tissue processors in the Histolab.
Take and annotate photographs of fixed tissues using Spot Software and a digital camera.
Maintain QA/QC records and EHS and DCPAH Quality Manual records.
Perform preventative maintenance and minor repairs on complex laboratory equipment and calibrate instruments.
Maintain appropriate PPE and ensure personnel in laboratory sections follow PPE protocols.
Order, inventory, and stock laboratory supplies; mix reagents and stock solutions; dispose of toxic and hazardous solutions and chemicals according to EHS guidelines.
Maintain a safe and clean work environment.
Follow and draft Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
May work as a team leader and participate in audits.
Participate in DCPAH activities, staff meetings, and process-improvement efforts.
Work effectively independently and in teams, maintain good time management, and meet university attendance standards.
Conduct oneself professionally and courteously toward clients and employees.