Immunohistochemistry Specialist, Pathology Laboratory

CHOC•Orange, CA

2d•$38 - $62•Onsite

About The Position

The Immunohistochemistry (IHC) Specialist performs immunohistochemistry tissue staining and is responsible for evaluating, validating, implementing, and maintaining IHC instrumentation, antibodies, and related testing procedures. The role 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 specialist maintains current knowledge of individual antibodies, their diagnostic applications, staining characteristics, and appropriate control tissues. The role oversees the maintenance and organization of tissue bank supplies for IHC control material and manages inventory of reagents and laboratory supplies related to IHC operations. The specialist identifies, troubleshoots, and resolves erroneous IHC staining reactions, technical issues, and instrument malfunctions, escalating concerns when necessary. The role participates in developing, reviewing, revising, updating, and writing departmental SOPs, policies, competency assessments, and CAP regulatory documentation. It also serves as a technical resource for pathologists, laboratory staff, and leadership, and assists with staff training and competency assessment. The position performs routine preparation of surgical, cytological, and autopsy sections for microscopic examination by the Pathologist, including microtomy, special stains, control preparation, and coverslipping as assigned. It maintains a clean, organized, and safe work environment and performs additional duties to support the Histology and Pathology Department.

Requirements

At least three years of experience as a Histotechnologist (HTL), including IHC implementation and troubleshooting IHC instruments.
Experience making antibodies used to process IHC stains.
Experience processing, embedding, and sectioning formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) specimens.
Completion of four years of college and 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.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Interpersonal relationship and collaboration skills.
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.

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.
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 tissues.
Maintain and organize tissue bank supplies for IHC control material and manage reagent and laboratory supply inventories.
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 to pathologists, laboratory staff, and leadership on 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.
Perform additional duties as assigned to support the operational needs of the Histology and Pathology Department.