Histology Technician

Histology Technician

Position Summary The candidate will work in the Surgical Pathology Department. Duties will include but are not limited to tissue processing, embedding, routine, manual and automated (to include H&E, Frozen section, special stains, IHC, IF, ISH) staining, micro sectioning of paraffin blocks. Demonstrate independent technical judgement. Maintains positive patient specimen identification throughout all phases of testing, utilizing the Laboratory Information System (LIS) and related protocols. Verifies specimen identity and reports discrepancies immediately following laboratory policy. Effectively resolve technical issues related to the histology laboratory. Perform special stains manual and automated, IHC stains manual and automated. Perform IHC reagents dilutions and titration. Analyze, resolves and troubleshoot various day to day histology tasks as needed. Maintains laboratory inventory and assists with ordering, stocking, and monitoring supplies and reagents. Assists with validation, verification, implementation, and documentation of new instruments, reagents, assays, and laboratory procedures Effective troubleshooting and maintenance of laboratory equipment, which includes all types of equipment: tissue processors, strainers, cover slippers, solvent recyclers and other related equipment. Successfully carrying out and maintaining QA/QC procedures as per policy and procedures. Performs all duties in accordance with CAP, CLIA, New York State Department of Health, OSHA, HIPAA, and institutional policies and procedures. Maintain statistical records and other related records pertaining to the laboratory. Prepare various chemical solutions and reagents. Maintains a safe laboratory environment by adhering to chemical hygiene, biological safety, and hazardous waste disposal policies. Participates in quality improvement initiatives, quality assurance activities, corrective actions, and process improvement projects. Assists in the training and competency assessment of new employees, students, residents, and other laboratory personnel as assigned. Prioritizes workload to meet established turnaround times while maintaining specimen quality and patient safety. Cross-trains in additional laboratory functions as assigned to support operational needs. Communicates effectively with pathologists, residents, clinicians, laboratory personnel, and other healthcare professionals regarding specimen status and technical issues. Maintains professional competency through continuing education and participation in departmental educational activities. Flexibility with work assignments and schedule as needed to accommodate workflow, staffing, and departmental needs. Other duties as assigned.

Responsibilities

• 50% - Tissue processing, embedding, routine and automated (to include H&E, Frozen sections, IHC, IF, ISH) staining, microtomy and cover slipping.

• 10% - Demonstrate independent technical judgement. Effectively resolve technical issues related to the histology laboratory.

• 10% - Perform special stains manual and automated, IHC stains manual and automated. Perform IHC reagents dilutions and titration.

• 10% - Analyze, resolves and troubleshoots various day to day histology tasks as needed. Assist in setting up, evaluating and troubleshooting new techniques. Effective troubleshooting and maintenance of laboratory equipment, which includes all types of equipment: tissue processors, strainers, cover slippers, solvent recyclers and other related equipment.

• 10% - Successfully carrying out and maintaining QA/QC procedures as per policy and procedures. Maintain statistical records and other related records pertaining to the laboratory.

• 5% - Prepare various chemical solutions and reagents.

• 5% - other duties as assigned.

• Minimum Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree in Medical Technology or related health science field; or equivalent in work experience and education.

• Must hold one of the following licenses: Clinical Laboratory Technologists, Clinical Laboratory Technicians or Certified Histological Technicians.

• Preferred Qualifications

• HT/HTL (ASCP) registered or registration eligible.

• The incumbent must demonstrate excellent microtomy both on paraffin and frozen section.

• Other Requirements

• Capable of micro-sectioning at 2 to 10.

• Must be able to successfully complete systems training requirements.

• Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

• Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.