Histotechnologist - Surgical Pathology, Full-time, Nights

Northwestern Memorial Healthcare • Chicago, IL

3d • $35 - $48

About The Position

The Histotechnologist performs routine histology procedures according to department-specific 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. It reflects Northwestern Medicine’s mission, vision, and values and complies with organizational policies, regulatory requirements, and accreditation standards.

The position carries out tissue processing, embedding, sectioning, staining, and related specimen and quality documentation. It uses conventional, microwave, automated, and manual methods as appropriate, including during instrument downtime, and may perform or assist with gross examination and frozen tissue work. The Histotechnologist uses independent judgment, prioritizes workload and STAT requests, maintains laboratory safety and inventory, and supports training, problem resolution, and process improvement. This is a full-time night-shift position, 40 hours per week (1.0 FTE). The listed hourly salary range is USD 35.31–47.67.

Requirements

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

• Reconcile cassette logs and operate conventional and microwave tissue processors; recognize, resolve, and document standard processor alarms.
• Embed biopsy, routine surgical, and applicable autopsy tissues according to SOP; assess processing adequacy, identify and orient tissues, and document tracking and quality issues.
• Perform and document routine paraffin block reconciliation and prioritize blocks according to established guidelines.
• Operate a microtome according to SOP, select appropriate block orientation, alignment, knife angles, and settings, and assess section quality, adapting procedures when 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 downtime and address and document unacceptable results or instrument failures.
• Perform special staining using automated and manual methods, identify appropriate controls, and microscopically evaluate stain results.
• 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 when applicable; resolve discrepancies before gross examination and escalate issues when necessary.
• 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 independent judgment and operate required equipment proficiently and safely within defined turnaround times.
• Fulfill 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 and perform minor spill cleanup according to SOP.
• 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 through 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

• Northwestern Medicine describes a range of benefits supporting employees’ physical, emotional, and financial well-being; eligibility depends on employment classification.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Loan forgiveness.
• 401(k) matching.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time