Immunohistochemistry Specialist, Pathology Laboratory
About The Position
The Immunohistochemistry (IHC) Specialist performs immunohistochemistry tissue staining and evaluates, validates, implements, and maintains IHC instrumentation, antibodies, and related testing procedures. The specialist establishes, monitors, and reviews quality control and quality assurance parameters in compliance with CAP, CLIA, Joint Commission, and other applicable regulatory and accrediting requirements. The role requires current knowledge of antibodies, their diagnostic applications and staining characteristics, and appropriate control tissue use. It also oversees tissue-bank supplies for IHC control material and manages inventory of related reagents and laboratory supplies. The specialist identifies, troubleshoots, and resolves erroneous IHC staining reactions, technical issues, and instrument malfunctions, escalating concerns as appropriate. The role contributes to departmental SOPs, policies, competency assessments, and CAP regulatory documentation. It serves as a technical resource for pathologists, laboratory staff, and leadership on IHC procedures, troubleshooting, validations, quality concerns, and workflow improvements, and assists with staff training and competency assessment. The position also prepares surgical, cytological, and autopsy sections for microscopic examination, including microtomy, special stains, control preparation, and coverslipping as assigned. The specialist maintains a clean, organized, and safe work environment and performs additional duties supporting Histology and Pathology Department operations.
Requirements
- Minimum three years of experience as a Histotechnologist (HTL), including IHC implementation and troubleshooting IHC instruments, making antibodies used to process IHC stains, and processing, embedding, and sectioning formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) specimens.
- Completion of four years of college with a degree in biology, chemistry, or an equivalent science field.
- ASCP Certified Histotechnologist certification.
- ASCP Qualification in Immunohistochemistry (QIHC) certification, to be obtained within one year of hire.
- Ability to set goals and judge results in accordance with high standards and respect; advance care through new ideas and technology; promote teamwork; understand and exceed customer expectations; and effectively solve complex patient-care and organizational problems.
- Strong verbal and written communication, interpersonal relationship, and collaboration skills.
Nice To Haves
- Five or more years of experience as a Histotechnologist (HTL), including IHC implementation and troubleshooting and processing, embedding, and sectioning FFPE specimens.
Responsibilities
- Perform immunohistochemistry tissue staining and evaluate, validate, implement, and maintain IHC instrumentation, antibodies, and related testing procedures.
- Establish, monitor, and review quality control and quality assurance parameters in compliance with applicable regulatory and accrediting requirements.
- Maintain knowledge of antibodies, diagnostic applications, staining characteristics, and appropriate control tissue use.
- Oversee tissue-bank supplies for IHC control material and manage inventory of related reagents and laboratory supplies.
- Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve erroneous IHC staining reactions, technical issues, and instrument malfunctions, escalating concerns when necessary.
- Participate in developing, reviewing, revising, updating, and writing departmental SOPs, policies, competency assessments, and CAP regulatory documentation.
- Serve as a technical resource for pathologists, laboratory staff, and leadership regarding IHC procedures, troubleshooting, validations, quality concerns, and workflow improvements.
- Assist with training and competency assessment of staff performing IHC procedures and related histology functions.
- Prepare surgical, cytological, and autopsy sections for microscopic examination, including microtomy, special stains, control preparation, and coverslipping as assigned.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment that supports workflow, specimen integrity, patient safety, and compliance.
- Perform additional duties as assigned to support Histology and Pathology Department operations.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
