Histology Technologist, Anatomic Pathology Lab - Full-Time, Day Shift

UChicago Medicine•Chicago, IL

1d•$36 - $42•Onsite

About The Position

Be a part of a world-class academic healthcare system, UChicago Medicine, as a Histology Technologist in the Anatomic Pathology Lab department. In this role, you will be responsible for preparing and processing surgical, autopsy, and outreach tissue specimens by routine histologic techniques to be examined under a microscope by a pathologist. This department is the Anatomic Pathology Laboratory. This position is a 100% onsite opportunity. You will need to be based in the greater Chicagoland area.

Requirements

Must satisfy CLIA ‘88 qualification requirements for testing personnel performing high complexity testing
At least one year of histology experience
Successful completion of a NAACLS accredited Histotechnician or Histotechnologist program; and/or
Bachelor’s degree in clinical laboratory science, life sciences or related field from an accredited college or university
At least one year of histology experience
Ability to write laboratory procedures and policies
Knowledge and ability to use automated and conventional laboratory instrumentation
Knowledge and proficiency in the use of word processing, spreadsheet, and laboratory/hospital information systems
Proven ability to use computers for data entry, retrieval, and statistical analysis
Ability to handle large volumes of work within narrow timeframes, outstanding organizational ability and attention to detail
Visual acuity; Good manual dexterity and fine motor skills and ability to maneuver/lift bulky containers
Ability to interact in a professional manner with individuals at all levels
Ability to maintain composure in stressful situations

Nice To Haves

Certification (or eligibility) for Histotechnician (HT) and/or Histotechnologist (HTL) through American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or equivalent

Responsibilities

Ensures that specimens meet acceptance criteria and utilizes LIS and specimen tracking/documentation software to assure patient, label, and block identification and record deficiencies/quality concerns
Performs daily and preventative maintenance of tissue processors, staining platforms, paraffin dispensers, embedding stations, water baths, microtomes, cryostats, freezers, refrigerators, microscopes, etc. as outlined in laboratory procedures and recommended by the manufacturer
Prepares all tissues for microscopic study, including but not limited to: specimen receiving and verification, processing, embedding, microtomy (cutting), staining (H&E, special stains and IHC as appropriate), and coverslipping
Performs processing/preparation techniques for muscle, sural nerve, and/or renal tissue. May assist in cutting/staining of frozen sections
Owns process for “recut” logs: additional levels/deepers, special stains, IHC, molecular, etc.
Prepares routine, special stain, and IHC solutions following laboratory and safety procedures
Reports all test results according to policies and procedures, within stated turn-around times, and follows appropriate backup procedures during computer downtimes
Practices the proficient and safe use of all equipment necessary for the completion of all duties and responsibilities by following all maintenance, operation, safety and quality controls policies and procedures
Assist in the development of new protocol, updated antibodies, and probes
Works with peers to identify and resolve problems. Reports equipment or instrument malfunctions and documents appropriately
Escalates serious or persistent issues to the supervisor
Maintains section’s inventory
Take a project lead responsibility as needed
May assist in the Gross Room as needed
Provides patient-focused care in a clinical setting through the accurate performance of routine and complex tests through the pre-analytic, analytic and post-analytic stages
Answers inquiries regarding specimen handling, results and other technical information
Appropriately assists clinicians with requests and seeks out resources necessary when information is not available to answer questions
Assist with research projects guided by the department, faculty, fellows and residents
Participates in peer interviews of other histotechnicians, histechnologists, and histology assistants
Assists in the training of peers and housestaff in the proficient and safe use of equipment in accordance with departmental policies and procedures
Ensures completion of quality control, maintenance, and quality assurance documentation
Participates in ongoing laboratory accreditation and inspection preparation
Participates in review of laboratory policies and procedures, training and competency activities, and proficiency testing program
Maintains pathology archives (pulling and filing blocks, slides, and frozen tissue samples)
Perform lot-to-lot verification for new antibodies and probes against old lots and documentation of the process
Performs microscopic quality controls on tissue slides for quality of processing, cutting, staining, and coverslipping, as needed and investigates all steps when staining in not optimal
Participates in educational and training activities to acquire new skills, maintain technical relevance and improve proficiency
Perform testing as necessary