The Histology Technologist is responsible for preparing and processing surgical, autopsy, and outreach tissue specimens using routine histologic techniques for microscopic examination. They also perform equipment maintenance, manage laboratory inventory, and assist with research projects and quality control documentation.
Requirements summary
Candidates must have at least five years of experience in a histology laboratory setting and hold a Bachelor’s degree in a laboratory science or completion of an accredited Histotechnician/Histotechnologist program. Proficiency in laboratory instrumentation, computer systems, and the ability to handle large volumes of work with high attention to detail are required.
bachelor degreeprofessional certificateMicroscopyQuality controlStainingInventory managementData entryEmbeddingMicrotomyHistologyIHCSafety protocolsEquipment maintenanceRoot cause analysisSpecimen processingClinical laboratory proceduresLaboratory information systems
Job description
Be a part of a world-class academic healthcare system, UChicago Medicine, as a Histology Technologist in the Anatomic Pathology Lab department.
In this role, you will be responsible for preparing and processing surgical, autopsy, and outreach tissue specimens by routine histologic techniques to be examined under a microscope by a pathologist.
This is the Anatomic Pathology Lab department.
This position is a 100% onsite opportunity.
You will need to be based in the greater Chicagoland area.
Essential Job Functions
Ensures that specimens meet acceptance criteria and utilizes LIS and specimen tracking/documentation software to assure patient, label, and block identification and record deficiencies/quality concerns.
Performs daily and preventative maintenance of tissue processors, staining platforms, paraffin dispensers, embedding stations, water baths, microtomes, cryostats, freezers, refrigerators, microscopes, etc. as outlined in laboratory procedures and recommended by the manufacturer.
Prepares all tissues for microscopic study, including but not limited to: specimen receiving and verification, processing, embedding, microtomy (cutting), staining (H&E, special stains and IHC as appropriate), and coverslipping.
Performs processing/preparation techniques for muscle, sural nerve, and/or renal tissue. May assist in cutting/staining of frozen sections.
Owns process for “recut” logs: additional levels/deepers, special stains, IHC, molecular, etc.
Prepares routine, special stain, and IHC solutions following laboratory and safety procedures.
Reports all test results according to policies and procedures, within stated turn-around times, and follows appropriate backup procedures during computer downtimes.
Practices the proficient and safe use of all equipment necessary for the completion of all duties and responsibilities by following all maintenance, operation, safety and quality controls policies and procedures.
Assist in the development of new protocol, updated antibodies, and probes.
Works with peers to identify and resolve problems. Reports equipment or instrument malfunctions and documents appropriately.
Escalates serious or persistent issues to the supervisor.
Benefits
Paid Time Off
Health Insurance
Professional Development
Retirement Plan
Maintains section’s inventory.
Take a project lead responsibilities as needed.
May assist in the Gross Room as needed.
Provides patient-focused care in a clinical setting through the accurate performance of routine and complex tests through the pre-analytic, analytic and post-analytic stages.
Answers inquiries regarding specimen handling, results and other technical information.
Appropriately assists clinicians with requests and seeks out resources necessary when information is not available to answer questions.
Assist with research projects guided by the department, faculty, fellows and residents.
Participates in peer interviews of other histotechnicians, histechnologists, and histology assistants.
Assists in the training of peers and housestaff in the proficient and safe use of equipment in accordance with departmental policies and procedures.
Ensures completion of quality control, maintenance, and quality assurance documentation.
Participates in ongoing laboratory accreditation and inspection preparation.
Participates in review of laboratory policies and procedures, training and competency activities, and proficiency testing program.
Maintains pathology archives (pulling and filing blocks, slides, and frozen tissue samples
Perform lot-to-lot verification for new antibodies and probes against old lots and documentation of the process.
Performs microscopic quality controls on tissue slides for quality of processing, cutting, staining, and coverslipping, as needed and investigates all steps when staining in not optimal.
Participates in educational and training activities to acquire new skills, maintain technical relevance and improve proficiency.
Assist with root cause analysis (RCA) investigations and providing solutions.
Perform testing as necessary.
Required Qualifications
Five years’ experience in a histology laboratory setting
Successful completion of a NAACLS accredited Histotechnician or Histotechnologist program; and/or Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in biology or other laboratory science.
Ability to write laboratory procedures and policies.
Knowledge and ability to use automated and conventional laboratory instrumentation.
Knowledge and proficiency in the use of word processing, spreadsheet, and laboratory/hospital information systems. Proven ability to use computers for data entry, retrieval, and statistical analysis.
Ability to handle large volumes of work within narrow timeframes, outstanding organizational ability and attention to detail.
Visual acuity; Good manual dexterity and fine motor skills and ability to maneuver/lift bulky containers.
Ability to interact in a professional manner with individuals at all levels.
Ability to maintain composure in stressful situations.
Preferred Qualifications
• Certification (or eligibility) for Histotechnician (HT) and/or Histotechnologist (HTL) through American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or equivalent is preferred.
Position Details
Job Type/FTE: Registry/(0.1 FTE)
Shift: Day Shift - 6:00am – 2:30pm, Saturdays only
Unit/Department: Anatomic Pathology Lab
CBA Code: Non-Union
5815 S Maryland Ave
UChicago Medicine Mitchell Hospital - Hyde Park is a six-story hospital at the heart of our historic Hyde Park campus.
An integral part of our academic medical center, the Bernard A. Mitchell Hospital is home to a variety of specialty care, including our post-natal mother-baby unit, advanced imaging services, physical therapy services, dialysis access center and in-patient units. Other amenities include wireless internet, a chapel, an on-site restaurant and a gift shop.
We’ve been at the forefront of medicine since 1899.
We provide superior healthcare with compassion, always mindful that each patient is a person, an individual.
To accomplish this, we need employees with passion, talent and commitment… with patients and with each other.
We’re in this together: working to advance medical innovation, serve the health needs of the community, and move our collective knowledge forward.
If you’d like to add enriching human life to your profile, UChicago Medicine is for you.
Here at the forefront, we’re doing work that really matters.
UChicago Medicine is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, civil union status, parental status, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status and other legally protected characteristics.
As a condition of employment, all employees are required to complete a pre-employment physical, background check, drug screening, and comply with the flu vaccination requirements prior to hire. Medical and religious exemptions will be considered for flu vaccination consistent with applicable law.
Compensation & Benefits Overview
UChicago Medicine is committed to transparency in compensation and benefits. The pay range provided reflects the anticipated wage or salary reasonably expected to be offered for the position.
The pay range is based on a full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) and is reflective of current market data, reviewed on an annual basis. Compensation offered at the time of hire will vary based on candidate qualifications and experience and organizational considerations, such as internal equity. Pay ranges for employees subject to Collective Bargaining Agreements are negotiated by the medical center and their respective union.
