The Pathology Department is seeking a casual Histotechnologist who under the direct supervision of the Laboratory Supervisor/Manager, performs a variety of both routine and complex laboratory tests in accordance with established standards and procedures. This individual will perform a variety of technical procedures on clinical and research specimens in the histology laboratory, performing high complexity procedures including but not limited to: grossing formalin fixed tissues, loading and unloading and maintaining automatic tissue processors, programming tissue processors, embedding tissue into paraffin blocks, printing slides using equipment and software, printing tissue cassettes, printing slide labels using software and equipment, operating microtome, hand staining as well as automated staining of slides, and QC'ing of completed projects. Using knowledge and judgment completes description and tissue preparation for histological examination in accordance with individual project instructions.
Specific Duties & Responsibilities
- The qualified individual will be responsible for performing the day-to-day technical procedures on clinical and research specimens including the following activities:
- Prepares tissue samples for microscopic examination by a pathologist or investigator.
- Performs grossing/dissection of small specimens using skills and knowledge of animal and human anatomy and morphology.
- Accessions and bills projects.
- Maintains laboratory equipment.
- Programs tissue processors and slide stainer.
- Performs routine histology on human and animal specimens, special stain techniques; embeds specimens; prepares various staining solutions; decalcification and staining of bone specimens, operating automated slide and cassette printer, loads tissue processors, and automated slide cover slipper. Handles wet tissue and frozen tissue sectioning.
- Performs quality assurance procedures evaluating sections as they are being sectioned as well as assessing stain and tissue quality after staining. Reports discrepancies and initiates remediation per standard operating procedure.
- Maintains and troubleshoots equipment, does routine repairs or notifies service personnel when more complex problems occur. Performs related general duties changing solutions on slide stainer and tissue processors.
- Maintain accurate and detailed records.
- Provide accurate information on work completed to ensure proper billing.
Special Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Work produced is subject to precise measure of quantity and quality; Attention to detail is critical to the successful performance of this job as it directly affects research outcomes.
- Knowledge of normal human and animal tissue morphology is essential. Able to perform paraffin as well as frozen sectioning, H&E staining, and to recognize discrepancies and take corrective action.
- Individual should have strong written communication and interpersonal skills.
- Must have the ability to read and interpret direction, both oral and written, organize and prioritize work and follow through on assignments.
- Must be able to work successfully as part of a team in a high volume, dynamic laboratory.
Specific Physical Requirements
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee may remain in a stationary position (sitting) up to 60% of the time and standing/walking at 40%. Occasionally required to traverse throughout the laboratory or to retrieve equipment, supplies, or specimens from other locations on campus. The employee is required to operate computer keyboard, laboratory instruments, and small laboratory tools such as pipettes, cutting instruments, glass tubes, dishes, and/or slides. Constantly repositions self to perform duties at laboratory workstations, gathering specimens, and loading equipment.
- The employee is required to use hands/fingers to touch, type and/or feel. Will operate computer keyboard, and/or laboratory instruments, small laboratory tools such as pipettes, cutting instruments, glass tubes, dishes, and/or slides.
- Prolonged vision requirements including viewing computer screen, paper reports/documents charts and results. Visual acuity is required to distinguish fine gradation of color or structure and closely examine specimens (including via a microscope) for laboratory positions.
- Position is primarily in a laboratory environment where exposure to toxins and infectious agents exist, but potential for personal injury or harm is minimized if established safety and health precautions are followed for assigned work areas. Must refer to and are expected to comply with procedure manuals, follow proper laboratory protocols and safety policy/procedures, and be familiar with material data safety sheets in assigned work areas. Working in laboratory where there may be discomforts due to odors, noise, temperature fluctuations, and working around lab equipment. Research areas may include animal, human, human products, and DNA protocols. Use of personal protective equipment may be advised or required.
- May transport equipment and supplies usually less than 40 pounds from one area to another including laboratory supplies. May be required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds with proper training.
- This position is on-site and cannot be performed remotely.
- Staff may be required to complete annual competency review, and must ensure compliance with Johns Hopkins Policy, Laboratory Policy & Procedure, Health, Safety & Environment regulations, and all applicable privacy & confidentiality laws/practices. Annual training and testing requirements.
- Some weekend work may be required.
Minimum Qualifications
- Associate's Degree from Allied Health, Biology, Chemistry or related program where at least 12 semester hours credit achieved in Biology and/or Chemistry.
- One year of laboratory experience that includes some histology experience.
- Additional education may substitute for required experience and additional (2+years Histopathology) experience may substitute for required education, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.
Preferred Qualifications
- Completion of an accredited Histotechnology program, associate's degree in Histopathology or bachelor's degree in biology, Chemistry, Histology or related field.
Classified Title: Histotechnologist
Role/Level/Range: ACRO40/E/02/CE
Starting Salary Range: $19.75 - $35.35 HRLY ($24,925 targeted; Commensurate with experience)
Employee group: Casual / On Call
Schedule: Monday-Friday, 18 hours
Exempt Status: Non-Exempt
Location: School of Medicine Campus
Department name: SOM Pat Kidney Urologic Pathology
Personnel area: School of Medicine
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