Histotechnologist

Department Overview

The purpose of the Histotechnologist is to provide technical assistance for high quality patient care testing services that support the overall patient care activities of OHSU Hospitals and Clinics and the Department of Pathology. The Histotechnologist produces histologic slides by performing embedding, microtomy, routine and special stains, and performs quality control and improvement activities.

Function/Duties of Position

Preparation, processing, embedding and microtomy:

• Prepares specimens for embedding, microtomy, and staining following biohazard, chemical hygiene and departmental procedures.
• Embeds processed tissue in paraffin, orienting specimens correctly and insuring that cassettes are properly labeled by checking accuracy with histology work lists.
• Embeds and following protocols for proper orientation.
• Selects appropriate specimens and solutions for decalcification process, accurately determining decalcification endpoint to minimize histologic distortion.
• Scans paraffin block to print labeled slides and performs rapid check for conformity of slide and block label.
• Performs microtomy on paraffin embedded tissue per departmental procedures, evaluating tissue for completeness of processing and implementing immediate reprocessing procedures as required.
• Prioritizes specimens and seeks assistance when delays are incurred, to meet established deadlines.
• Follows established lab protocols concerning safety issues, demonstrating knowledge by using appropriate PPE and handling and storage of specimens accordingly. 
• Communicates effectively with all customers including physicians, nurses, coworkers, and outside clients.
• Communicates clearly promoting excellent customer service and teamwork.

Staining and slide preparation:

• Uses automated or manual methods to perform routine and special stains.
• Reviews slides for adequate staining following written procedures, comparing with positive and/or negative controls.
• Coverslips manually and using the automated equipment.
• Reconciles finished slides with the work lists and/or LIS following up on discrepancies, documenting unresolved discrepancies and reporting them to lead personnel.
• Organizes slides and ensures that they are delivered to the appropriate Pathology staff or faculty.
• Prepares reagents as needed, and evaluates suitability of reagents, stains and solutions, maintaining quality control records. Prepares buffers and fixatives.
• Maintains stains and solutions on the automated staining instrument.
• Maintains all required documentation in all aspects of laboratory function.

Other Duties as Assigned

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical or Biological science and one year of experience in a histology laboratory and HT/HTL (ASCP) certification within 90 days of hire; OR 

• 2 years of experience performing embedding, microtomy and histologic staining; preparing reagents, and stains, and performing other related tasks, and HT/HTL (ASCP) certification within 90 days; OR 

• Completion of a certified histotechnology training program and one year of training and experience in a clinical histology laboratory and HT/HTL (ASCP) certification within 90 days.

Job Related Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Competencies):

• General knowledge of laboratory terminology
• Skill in handling laboratory specimens, ensuring their completeness and documentation of same.
• Skill in using the hospital and laboratory computer systems.
• Ability and willingness to follow written and oral instructions accurately. 
• Ability to recognize and initiate procedures and policies to improve work flow and accuracy. 
• Ability to demonstrate performance of job duties to trainees
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with a variety of clients, including physicians, nurses, pathology employees, Material Transportation employees, outside customers, and maintain a customer service focus at all times.
• Ability to work independently within established guidelines, to adjust to rapidly changing priorities, to communicate and work effectively within a group.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in immunohistochemistry and neuromuscle processing preferred

Additional Details

Positions in the laboratory and environs may require working flexible schedules including nights weekends and holidays; working at multiple laboratory or hospital sites; traveling between laboratories and sites by stairs, elevator, tram, shuttle or other means; exposure to blood and body fluids, chemical hazards, radiation; working in a somewhat noisy and crowded environment; wearing gloves and other Personal Protective Equipment for long periods of time; experiencing occasional temperature fluctuations in building.

 

Benefits:

• Healthcare Options - Covered 100% for full-time employees and 88% for dependents, and $25K of term life insurance provided at no cost to the employee
• Two separate above market pension plans to choose from
• Vacation- up to 200 hours per year depending on length of service
• Sick Leave- up to 96 hours per year
• 8 paid holidays per year
• Substantial Tri-met and C-Tran discounts
• Additional Programs including: Tuition Reimbursement and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

All are welcome

Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or [email protected].