Histology Technnician

POSITION SUMMARY 

Histology Technicians prepare tissues for microscopic examination by a pathologist.  Histology Technicians work with equipment and chemicals and play a key role in the diagnosis of tissue disease.   

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

• Recognition of gross organs
• Interpretation and application of medical terminology
• Operation and maintenance of laboratory instruments
• Preparation of study materials, solutions  and stains as needed
• Maintain and organize forms and supplies
• Perform histologic procedures pertaining to preparation of tissue specimens for microscopic analysis/evaluation
• Trimming tissue specimens 
• Embedding and proper orientation of tissue specimens
• Microtomy of tissue blocks and possible frozen sections
• Routine Hematoxylin & Eosin staining procedures
• Special procedures and staining as directed by protocol
• Coverslipping
• Quality control check of slides and documentation
• Submission of slides to pathologist
• Cross train and assist in necropsy operations
• Inventory, packaging, storage and shipping of study specimens
• Perform related duties as required or assigned by the Histology Manager
• Participate in in-house training programs for the technical staff

REQUIREMENTS

Educaton/Experience:  Certification in Histology

Skills and Abilities:

• Work well independently, with minimal supervision, as well as in a team like fashion
• Skill to routinely trim a variety of tissue specimens in consistent and efficient manner
• Demonstrate the ability to grasp and follow procedures according to SOP’s and protocol
• Operate, routine maintenance, and troubleshoot laboratory instrumentation
• Document and organize study material in an orderly fashion
• Exhibit attention to detail, and the ability to work with a large array of numbers within a study
• Comprehension and correlation of gross terminology. Application of laboratory math, scientific calculation, and calibration
• Skills in necropsy to include the following: room preparation, organ weighing, tissue checking, preparation of bone marrow smears, prosection, and collection and  harvesting of tissue samples for electron microscopy or special fixation
• Safety awareness, precautions and guidelines for usage of chemicals and instruments in  necropsy and laboratory

PERFORMANCE DEMANDS

Characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

General

• Ability to read, write, speak and understand English
• Ability to read, write and understand oral and/or written instructions

Physical Activity

• This position will require frequent walking, sitting and/or standing for extended periods of time, carrying, bending and lifting reagents, etc. up to 50lbs to a height of 5 feet,  reaching while standing, gripping and twisting hand movements, finger control and other general repetitive motions.
• Manual dexterity to operate laboratory equipment and calculator/computer as well as grossing/embedding of small specimens, operation of microtome, and techniques required for quality slide preparation
• Perform bending and lifting required for stocking laboratory materials, disposing/reclaiming of chemical solutions, and archiving/shipping specimens
• Ability to read and transcribe identification and study numbers
• Toleration of odors and chemical fumes
• Ability to read and understand applicable material

Working Conditions

• Frequent involvement with solvents, grease, oil, irritants, acids, bases, and other hazardous chemicals, flammable materials and bio-hazards. Due to exposure to hazardous biological materials, immunization  to diseases may be a required
• Mantoux TB test with negative result is required
• Able to wear latex or nitrile gloves, dust mask and/or respirator, and safety glasses as required.
• May be exposed to dander 
• The noise level is usually moderate

Interested Applicants should send resume to Shelley Nance at snance@basinc.com