Histology Core Specialist Senior

The primary function of the Histology Core Specialist Senior is to supervise laboratory process streams by providing oversight of daily operations, quality management, staffing, and strategic direction in partnership with the Laboratory Director.

The Histology Core Specialist Senior performs independent complex histology techniques for diagnostics and research studies and testing.  Bench duties are in a Histology Core Laboratory and include acquiring and logging in samples and performing resulting testing. They are responsible for maintaining instrumentation, software, and databases that are laboratory specific and necessary to remain compliant with federal guidelines. The associate must be able to perform tissue processing, paraffin embedding, cryostat sectioning, microtomy, routine histology stains, advanced staining methods and perform tissue microarray studies. 

The position includes automated and manual immunohistochemistry skills. Experience with multiplex antigen retrieval is necessary. Ability to prepare DNA/RNA preparation for in situ hybridization automated and manual methods as needed. Use of both light and fluorescent microscopes are needed. Able to perform CLIA “High Complexity” muscle enzyme histochemistry staining. Experience with photomicrography is required. Candidate must have 5 plus years’ research and/or clinical experience. The Histology Core Specialist Senior must have the ability to perform gross descriptions and dissections on clinical samples. Performs dissections and eviscerations on animal models when necessary. Other duties include training and mentoring new technologists, maintaining inventory, equipment, and assisting the lab director to ensure compliance with CLIA requirements. This position is also responsible for providing progress reports to the laboratory director. American Society for Clinical Pathology HT or HTL certification is required.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Follows all aspects of SOPs in the conduct of research and patient diagnostic testing.

• Prepares microscopic slides on human/animal tissue for clinical/research purposes, including processing, embedding, microtomy, cryosectioning and mounting, to include both paraffin processed and frozen tissues.

• Provides on-call coverage for “off hours” necessary for patient care

• Experience with CLIA or CAP accreditation requirements, compliance methods, and inspection preparedness

• Performs standard record keeping and maintenance of samples, logs, and data banks 

• Perform specimen accessioning including all manual and computerized data entry (confident/proficient with Word, Excel, SharePoint)

• Performs Core Lab billing, patient orders and billing. Maintains reagent inventory and equipment
• Ability to learn new functions and techniques as it applies to the core laboratory
• Provides additional support, as required by the Director, to ensure LEAN Laboratory operation
• Additional miscellaneous duties and responsibilities, as may be assigned by employee’s supervisor

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred
• American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) HT or HTL certification is required.
• A minimum of 5 years of related experience required