Histotechnologist - Immunohistochemistry, Full-time, Evenings

Northwestern Memorial Healthcare • Chicago, IL

3d • $35 - $48

About The Position

The Histotechnologist performs routine histology procedures in accordance with department SOPs and guidelines to produce 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 performs tissue processing, embedding, block reconciliation, microtomy, routine and special staining, coverslipping, and frozen-tissue sectioning. It documents specimen identification and quality information throughout technical and clerical processes, evaluates staining and section quality, troubleshoots standard equipment and process issues, and escalates discrepancies when needed. The Histotechnologist also supports gross examination when applicable, manages workflow and STAT requests, maintains laboratory safety and supplies, participates in quality and process-improvement activities, and helps train students and new staff.

This is a full-time evening position scheduled Monday through Friday, 3:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., for 40 hours per week.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in biological, physical, chemical, or life sciences; medical laboratory technology; or histology.
• HTL (ASCP) certification or eligibility. Candidates who are eligible 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

• Performs cassette-log reconciliation and operates conventional and microwave tissue processors; recognizes, resolves, and documents standard processor alarms.
• Embeds biopsy, routine surgical, and autopsy tissues when applicable, recognizes processing adequacy, and documents tracking and quality issues.
• Identifies and orients tissues correctly; performs and documents paraffin block reconciliation and prioritizes blocks according to established guidelines.
• Operates a microtome and selects appropriate block orientation, alignment, knife angles, and settings to obtain representative sections.
• Evaluates section quality and determines when tissue requires a deviation from standard procedures to produce diagnostic sections.
• Documents specimen identification throughout technical and clerical processes, including in the laboratory information system, cassettes, slides, and logs as required.
• Operates automated instrumentation to stain and coverslip slides, performs manual methods during downtime, and troubleshoots unacceptable results or instrument failures.
• Performs special staining using automated instrumentation and manual methods; identifies appropriate controls and evaluates stains microscopically.
• Sections and stains frozen tissue; identifies and corrects staining deficiencies and documents stains and quality issues.
• Performs or assists with gross examination, dissection, and selection of representative tissue when applicable; resolves discrepancies and escalates issues as necessary.
• Uses dictation equipment to document descriptions when applicable.
• Investigates, escalates, and documents discrepancies or unresolved issues.
• Prioritizes technical workload, adapts to workflow changes, and incorporates STAT requests or fluctuations in volume.
• Uses independent judgment and operates required equipment safely within defined turnaround times.
• Performs quality-system responsibilities, including initiating Quality Investigation Reports, and reports equipment or instrument malfunctions.
• Maintains a clean and safe work environment, cleans and disinfects laboratory areas, and performs minor spill cleanup according to SOPs.
• Monitors laboratory inventory and promptly notifies the coordinator of supply issues.
• Participates in safety and infection-control activities and follows required safety procedures.
• Pursues personal development by attending teleconferences, educational sessions, and required meetings.
• Participates in training and teaching students and new staff members.
• Performs other assigned duties, assists with process-improvement projects, and supports patient-specimen problem resolution, including root cause analysis.

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time