Histopathology Technician I

Johns Hopkins University•Baltimore, MD

11d

About The Position

Prepares tissue samples for microscopic examination by a pathologist and performs assigned duties independently, using sound judgment and problem-solving skills under the general supervision of a supervisor, lead, or charge technician. The role includes maintaining and programming tissue processors; performing special stains and preparing staining solutions; decalcifying and staining bone specimens using a modified H&E technique; and operating automated slide and cassette printers. The technician performs routine histology work, including embedding, microtomy, H&E staining, coverslipping, slide organization, and preparation of slides for pathologist review. The role involves quality-control review and documentation, equipment maintenance, laboratory upkeep, inventory monitoring, and adherence to safety procedures and established protocols. The technician independently prepares and performs special stains and decalcification, performs microtomy and staining of bone tissue, and may work on special projects including special microtomy and immunohistochemistry. This position works in a high-volume clinical laboratory environment. It requires careful handling and microscopic examination of specimens, accurate documentation, effective collaboration with laboratory and clinical colleagues, and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision. The role may involve travel to other Johns Hopkins locations or laboratories to support patient or laboratory needs. Department laboratories and pathology roles may operate around the clock, with day, evening, or night shifts and rotating schedules that may include weekends and holidays.

Requirements

An associate degree in Histotechnology; or an associate or bachelor's degree with at least 60 semester hours of academic credit, including a combination of 12 semester hours in biology and chemistry with credit in both, plus successful completion of a NAACLS-accredited Histotechnology training program or a clinical histology rotation in a NAACLS-accredited laboratory granting HR (ASCP) eligibility; or an equivalent military certificate and relevant histopathology or hospital specialty training in biology, chemistry, and related subjects that qualifies the candidate to sit for the certification exam.
At least one year of related laboratory experience or healthcare-setting experience. A clinical internship completed as part of a NAACLS-accredited Histotechnology program counts as one year of clinical experience.
For candidates without a college degree and/or completion of a NAACLS-accredited Histotechnology program and certification, at least one year of clinical histology work experience, including at least six months in a JHH laboratory.
Knowledge of histochemistry, microscopy, processing techniques, specimen preparation, medical terminology, and chemistry at a level typically acquired through college coursework or a NAACLS program.
Understanding of the metric system.
Verbal and written interpersonal skills to interact with pathologists, clinicians, histology staff, and other staff regarding specimen descriptions and instructions.
Manual dexterity, good hand-eye coordination, and the ability to use small or sharp instruments and manual and automated equipment to prepare tissue specimens accurately.
Ability to load and program tissue processors and perform microtomy at appropriate thicknesses.
Ability to independently prepare and perform special stains, and to decalcify and stain bone tissue.
Ability to operate automated slide and cassette printing systems.
Basic knowledge of immunohistochemistry theory and concepts.
Critical-thinking and analytical skills to troubleshoot complex tasks.
Ability to work independently and efficiently, prioritize work according to standard operating procedures, and maintain cooperative working relationships in a confined work area.
Attention to detail and ability to complete required quality-assurance documentation.
Ability to maintain tissue processors and embed and organize paraffin blocks according to established procedures.
Computer competency of at least 30 words per minute and ability to use relevant computer systems and devices, including MS Office, email, phones, handheld devices, and pathology, JHM, and hospital data and patient systems.
Knowledge of good laboratory practices, academic medical center and research environments, general medical terminology, and regulatory standards.
Ability to read and interpret oral and written directions, organize and prioritize work, and follow through on assignments.
Ability to work successfully as part of a team in a high-volume, dynamic laboratory.
Visual acuity to examine specimens microscopically and distinguish fine color gradations, including red and green; clinical laboratory roles require color-blindness testing or visual color-acuity confirmation.
Ability to operate assigned equipment, troubleshoot, and follow standard operating procedures.
Ability to maintain accurate, organized, detailed, clear, and concise documentation, records, logs, and written communications.
Ability to share knowledge and teach others in assigned areas or tasks.
Ability to stand or walk for prolonged periods, perform repetitive activities, and use hands for fine-motor tasks; may need to reach, stoop, kneel, or crouch.
Ability to transport supplies or equipment, usually under 40 pounds, and lift or move up to 50 pounds with proper training or lifting aids and precautions.
Ability to follow safety and infection-control procedures when exposed to toxins, infectious agents, and other clinical laboratory hazards, and to use required personal protective equipment.
Ability to complete annual competency reviews and training and comply with hospital and laboratory policies and procedures.

Nice To Haves

Meeting the criteria to sit for HT (ASCP) certification is preferred; certification is not required.

Responsibilities

Embed routine specimens accurately using proper orientation and standard operating procedures, and document quality-assurance problems.
Perform microtomy on routine and medical biopsy tissue specimens at appropriate thicknesses using various microtome models.
Perform routine hematoxylin and eosin staining manually or by automated methods according to established protocols.
Manually or automatically coverslip slides, organize them, and prepare them for pathologist review while ensuring correct case correlation.
Review stain quality throughout the daily workflow and recommend corrective action when needed.
Load and unload tissue processors according to schedules and processing-time protocols, and document and report problems.
Perform slide/block matching for quality control, recognize discrepancies, and take corrective action.
Conduct microscopic quality-control review of routine and special-stain slides and complete required quality-control documentation.
Follow laboratory and hospital safety procedures, attend required training, and notify safety staff when waste pickup is required.
Use appropriate computer data applications and perform preventive maintenance on equipment according to established procedures.
Set up and maintain histology laboratory equipment, change solutions, and select appropriate tissue-processor times.
Retrieve and file slides and paraffin blocks to support daily workflow.
Receive and inventory supplies, reagents, and equipment; monitor stock levels and notify the supervisor or lead technician of ordering needs.
Independently prepare and perform special stains and decalcification.
Perform microtomy and staining of bone tissue.
Complete assigned special projects, including special microtomy and immunohistochemistry.
Assist in training and supporting others in the laboratory.
Maintain a clean and safe work environment and comply with applicable hospital, laboratory, privacy, confidentiality, health, safety, and environmental requirements.
Travel to other Johns Hopkins work sites or laboratories when requested to support patient or laboratory needs.