Histology Technologist, Anatomic Pathology Department - Registry

Job Description

Be a part of a world-class academic healthcare system, UChicago Medicine, as a Histology Technologist in the Anatomic Pathology Laboratory department. Here, you will perform routine and special microtomy of surgical and autopsy tissues and process slides for H&E, special and IHC staining.  Responsible for quality control, instrument maintenance, and method development to support a broad menu esoteric stains as required for definitive cancer diagnosis.  Work collaboratively with colleagues and participates in process improvement projects. This department is Anatomic Pathology Laboratory. This position is a 100% onsite opportunity. You will need to be based in the greater Chicagoland area.

In consultation with the Lab Supervisor and Chief Test Dev Histotech, is responsible for preparing and processing surgical, autopsy, and Outreach tissue specimens by routine histologic techniques to be examined under a microscope by a pathologist.

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
• 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, histotechnologists, 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
• Perform testing as necessary

Required Qualifications

• Must satisfy CLIA ‘88 qualification requirements for testing personnel performing high complexity testing
• Successful completion of a NAACLS accredited Histotechnician or Histotechnologist program; and/or
• Bachelor’s degree in clinical laboratory science, life sciences or related field from an accredited college or university
• At least one year of histology experience
• 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 

Position Details 

• Job Type/FTE:  Registry (.10) - 8 hours a week
• Shift: Day Shift - Saturdays Only (7:00 am - 3:30 pm)
• Work Location:  Hyde Park
• Unit/Department: Anatomic Pathology Lab
• CBA Code: Non-Union

Why Join Us

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. Join us. Bring your passion.

UChicago Medicine is growing; discover how you can be a part of this pursuit of excellence at: UChicago Medicine Career Opportunities.

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.

Must comply with UChicago Medicine’s COVID-19 Vaccination requirement as a condition of employment. If you have already received the vaccination, you must provide proof as part of the pre-employment process. This is in addition to your compliance with the Flu Vaccination requirement as well. Medical and religious exemptions will be considered consistent with applicable law. Lastly, a pre-employment physical, drug screening, and background check are also required for all employees prior to hire.

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.

Review the full complement of benefit options for eligible roles at Benefits - UChicago Medicine.