Histotechnologist - Immunohistochemistry, Full-time, Evenings

Northwestern Memorial Healthcare•Chicago, IL

About The Position

The Histotechnologist reflects Northwestern Medicine’s mission, vision, and values, follows the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with relevant policies, procedures, and regulatory and accreditation standards. The role performs routine histology procedures according to department SOPs and guidelines to produce stained slides for microscopic review and diagnosis by a pathologist. It also communicates with pathologists, residents, and coordinators about specimen problems and participates in the laboratory occurrence management program. The position performs specimen processing, embedding, sectioning, staining, and quality checks; maintains accurate documentation and specimen identification throughout technical and clerical processes; and supports gross examination and frozen tissue procedures where applicable. The Histotechnologist prioritizes work in response to assigned priorities, STAT requests, and workflow changes, exercises independent judgment, and uses equipment safely within required turnaround times. The role also supports quality investigations, laboratory safety and cleanliness, inventory monitoring, training, and process improvement.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in biological, physical, chemical, or life sciences; medical laboratory technology; or histology.
HTL (ASCP) certification or eligibility for HTL (ASCP) certification.
If eligible for certification, take and pass the national certifying exam within one year of employment.

Nice To Haves

Prior work experience in a CAP-accredited histology laboratory.

Responsibilities

Perform cassette-log reconciliation and initiate appropriate programs on conventional and microwave tissue processors.
Recognize, resolve, and document standard processor alarms.
Embed biopsy, routine surgical, and autopsy tissues when applicable; assess processing adequacy, identify and orient tissues correctly, document tracking and quality issues, and reconcile paraffin blocks.
Prioritize blocks according to established guidelines and operate a microtome to obtain representative sections, selecting appropriate block orientation, alignment, knife angles, and settings.
Assess section quality and determine when tissue-specific deviations from standard procedures are needed to produce diagnostic sections.
Maintain appropriate specimen identification and documentation throughout technical and clerical processes, including in the laboratory information system and on cassettes, slides, and logs.
Operate automated instrumentation to stain and coverslip slides, perform manual methods during instrument downtime, and resolve and document unacceptable results or instrument failures.
Perform special staining using automated and manual methods, identify appropriate controls, and evaluate stains microscopically.
Section and stain frozen tissue, identify and correct staining deficiencies, and document stains and quality issues.
Perform or assist with gross examination, dissection, and selection of representative tissue for designated specimens when applicable.
Resolve discrepancies before gross examination and escalate issues to a supervisor or pathologist when necessary; use dictation equipment to document descriptions when applicable.
Investigate, escalate, and document discrepancies or unresolved issues, including patient specimen problems and root-cause analysis.
Prioritize technical workload, respond to workflow changes, and adjust work for STAT requests and fluctuations in volume.
Use laboratory equipment proficiently and safely while meeting defined turnaround times.
Perform Quality System responsibilities, including initiating Quality Investigation Reports, and report equipment or instrument malfunctions.
Maintain a clean and safe work environment, clean and disinfect laboratory areas, and perform minor spill cleanup according to SOPs.
Monitor laboratory inventory and promptly notify the coordinator of supply issues.
Participate in Safety and Infection Control activities and follow required safety procedures.
Attend teleconferences, educational sessions, and required meetings for personal development.
Participate in training and teaching students and new staff members.
Assist with specific process improvement projects and perform other duties as assigned.