Senior Histology Specialist - AM PT

Part time Senior Histology Specialist

This position is 5 AM to 9 AM, M-F

The Senior Histology Specialist reports to the Technical Director. Assists in training of other histotechnologists and maintains quality control standards for the laboratory. Assumes daily operations and assists Technical Director in the direct supervision of daily activities of accessioning, grossing, processing, embedding, microtomy, staining, and other activities related to Dermatopathology operations.

Trains new technologists on proper procedures and techniques, evaluates new technology for clinical application and assists in updating procedure manuals for laboratory inspections and accreditations such as CAP.

Receives blocks, helps account for all blocks received, helps with any problems associated with slides and blocks.

Makes sure the work is completed in assigned area, such as grossing, histology, special stains, DIFs, and immunohistochemistry.

Reports any issues to the Technical Director.

Provides grossing support and self-audit of all gross descriptions.

Embed specimens ensuring proper orientation. Produces 4 micron sections using a microtome and appropriate knives; floats sections on a water bath; collects sections on a slide.

Stains slides, with routine, special stains, and IHC according to approved procedures to enhance certain tissue elements required for diagnosis. Coverslips and labels stained slides. Examines slides with a microscope to ascertain that the results are satisfactory.

Ensures all blocks and slides are clerically correct. Assembles and collates slides. Distribute slides to pathologists.

Determines when prescribed techniques and apparatus should be modified in order to meet required quality standards.

Prepares specimens for Immunofluorescence study using a cryostat microtome.

Performs enzyme histochemistry stains as required.

Able to program and utilize all laboratory equipment.

Maintains quality control logs and monitors daily completion of logs.

Maintains inventory and orders supplies as needed.

Responsible for quality control of all reagents.

Learn to use LIS system to perform daily lab operations and troubleshoot issues.

Preparation for and performance of immunohistochemical staining using both manual and automated methodologies as required and directed by pathologists.

Shares responsibility for preparation of solutions and reagents in accordance with approved procedures. Maintains quality control records. Keeps accurate records of blocks and slides produced. Files tissue blocks, ensuing each is properly labeled.

Various other duties as assigned such as special projects assigned by Technical Director or Technical Specialist-Dermpath.

Registered HT(ASCP) or HTL(ASCP) eligible required if experience is not met.

If 15 years experience is not met:

Associate or Baccalaureate degree in science with 24 credits of science required (Chemistry and Biology based) required. Courses in Medical Terminology and Human Anatomy required.

OR

Two years college level courses in Biology/Chemistry or related science to include 24 credits of relevant science coursework.

Courses in Medical Terminology and Human Anatomy required.

Graduate of NCCALS approved school of Histotechnology preferred

Three to five years of clinical based experience in addition to Education OR 15 years minimum experience in a clinical lab setting.

intended to be construed as an exhaustive statement of all duties, responsibilities or skills of personnel so classified.

Must be able to correctly and accurately embed skin tissue. Must follow minimum national cutting standards of 50 blocks per hour embedding and 30 slides per hour cutting.

Must be able to cut artifact free five micrometer sections.

Must be able to perform a high quality manual H&E stain.

Must be able to competently perform all special and immunohistochemistry stains with minimum supervision using both manual and automated methodologies.

Must have the ability to follow established technical, safety and clerical procedures.

Must have manual dexterity and motor coordination.

Be attentive to detail and precise in performing technical tasks.

Must have thorough understanding of the theories, practice and techniques used in histology to include fixation, decalcification, processing, embedding, microtomy, routine and special stains and frozen sections.

Must be able to impart this knowledge to others including junior technical or clerical staff.

Must be able to troubleshoot and rectify problems without supervisory intervention.

Must be fully competent with all laboratory instrumentation to include pH meter, balances, microtomes, tissue processors, cryostats, coverslippers, etc.

Must be able to prepare percent, molar and normal solutions and stains.

Must be able to provide the day to day direction of an independent or remote laboratory.

Current topics review and explanation of theory highly encouraged.

Massachusetts General Hospital is an Affirmative Action Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.