Histotechnologist - Immunohistochemistry, Full-time, Evenings

Northwestern Memorial Healthcare • Chicago, IL

3d

About The Position

The Histotechnologist performs routine histology procedures in accordance with department-specific SOPs and guidelines, producing stained slides for microscopic review and diagnosis by a pathologist. The role communicates with pathologists, residents, and coordinators about specimen problems and participates in the laboratory occurrence management program. The position reflects Northwestern Medicine’s mission, vision, and values and follows its Code of Ethics, Corporate Compliance Program, policies, procedures, and applicable regulatory and accreditation standards.

The Histotechnologist performs and documents tissue processing, embedding, sectioning, staining, coverslipping, quality checks, and related laboratory work. The role may also assist with gross examination and specimen dissection when applicable. It manages workload priorities, including STAT requests and volume changes, maintains required specimen and quality documentation, and helps ensure equipment is used safely and work is completed within established turnaround times.

The position supports laboratory quality, safety, and operations by investigating and escalating discrepancies, reporting equipment malfunctions, maintaining inventory, cleaning and disinfecting work areas, participating in safety and infection-control activities, and contributing to process-improvement projects. The Histotechnologist may train students and new staff and assist with patient-specimen problem resolution and root-cause analysis.

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.
• Candidates eligible for certification must 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, in accordance with SOPs; assess processing adequacy; and correctly identify and orient tissues.
• Document tracking and quality issues on embedding logs and perform and document routine paraffin-block reconciliation.
• Prioritize blocks according to established guidelines.
• Operate a microtome in accordance with SOPs; determine block orientation and alignment, knife angles, and settings to obtain representative sections.
• Assess section acceptability 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, on cassettes and slides, and in required logs.
• Operate automated instrumentation to stain and coverslip slides; perform manual methods during instrument downtime; and address and document unacceptable results or instrument failures.
• Perform special staining using automated instrumentation and manual methods; identify appropriate positive and/or negative controls; and microscopically evaluate stains.
• 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 as needed.
• Use dictation equipment to document descriptions when applicable.
• Investigate, escalate, and document discrepancies and unresolved issues.
• Prioritize technical workload, respond to workflow changes, and adjust work to accommodate STAT requests and fluctuations in volume.
• Use laboratory equipment proficiently and safely and complete duties within defined turnaround times.
• Complete Quality System responsibilities, including initiating Quality Investigation Reports, and report equipment or instrument malfunctions appropriately.
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment, clean and disinfect laboratory areas per SOP, and perform minor spill cleanup per SOP when necessary.
• Monitor laboratory inventory and promptly notify the coordinator of supply issues.
• Participate in safety and infection-control activities and follow required safety procedures.
• Pursue personal development by attending teleconferences, educational sessions, and required meetings.
• Participate in training and teaching students and new staff members.
• Assist with process-improvement projects and patient-specimen problem resolution, including root-cause analysis.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits, including tuition reimbursement, loan forgiveness, 401(k) matching, and lifecycle benefits.
• A wide range of benefits intended to support employees’ physical, emotional, and financial well-being and provide protection for unexpected life events.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time