Histotechnologist (HT / HTL) – Part-Time, Early Morning
Department: Anatomic Pathology / Histology
Reports To: Laboratory Manager / Histology Supervisor
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt (Hourly)
Location: Irvine, California
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 2:30 AM–7:30 AM
Position Type: Part-Time, approximately 25 hours per week
Position Summary
We are seeking a reliable and experienced Part-Time Histotechnologist to join our Histology Department at our Irvine laboratory. This is an early-morning position scheduled Monday through Friday from 2:30 AM to 7:30 AM, approximately 25 hours per week.
The Histotechnologist is responsible for performing high-quality histologic procedures used in the preparation of tissue specimens for microscopic examination by Pathologists. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, dependable, able to work efficiently and independently, and comfortable working an early-morning schedule in a fast-paced surgical pathology environment.
This position plays an important role in maintaining laboratory workflow and ensuring that slides are prepared accurately and timely for Pathologist review.
Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesHistology Procedures
- Perform routine histology procedures, including tissue embedding, microtomy, staining, and coverslipping.
- Cut high-quality tissue sections while maintaining proper tissue orientation and specimen integrity.
- Perform routine H&E staining according to established laboratory procedures.
- Perform special stains and immunohistochemistry (IHC) when trained, qualified, and deemed competent.
- Operate histology equipment, including embedding centers, microtomes, stainers, coverslippers, tissue processors, and other laboratory equipment as applicable.
- Review slides for technical quality and identify or correct sectioning, staining, or processing issues.
- Perform recuts, deeper levels, special stains, and other histology requests as needed.
- Maintain proper identification of specimens, blocks, slides, and cases throughout the histology process.
- Prioritize workload to help ensure slides are completed and available for Pathologist review in accordance with laboratory turnaround-time expectations.
Quality Control & Quality Assurance
- Perform and document required quality control activities.
- Review completed slides for appropriate technical quality before distribution.
- Identify and troubleshoot staining, processing, embedding, or sectioning issues.
- Document corrective actions when required.
- Participate in laboratory quality assurance and continuous quality improvement activities.
- Follow established SOPs and comply with CAP, CLIA, OSHA, and laboratory quality management requirements.
Equipment Maintenance
- Perform routine cleaning and maintenance of histology equipment.
- Complete required equipment, temperature, maintenance, and performance logs.
- Identify and report equipment malfunctions or safety concerns promptly.
- Assist with basic troubleshooting of histology equipment when appropriate.
Reagents & Supplies
- Prepare, label, and maintain histology reagents, stains, and solutions according to laboratory SOPs.
- Monitor reagent quality and expiration dates.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and properly stocked work area.
- Notify supervisory staff when supplies or reagents require replenishment.
Laboratory Information System (LIS)
- Accurately document histology activities in the laboratory information system as required.
- Maintain accurate case, block, and slide identification throughout the workflow.
- Assist with case reconciliation, recuts, add-ons, special stains, and IHC requests as applicable.
Safety & Compliance
- Follow all laboratory safety policies, including chemical hygiene, bloodborne pathogen, and PPE requirements.
- Safely handle formalin, xylene, alcohols, stains, biological specimens, and other laboratory chemicals.
- Follow applicable Safety Data Sheet (SDS) requirements and laboratory procedures.
- Maintain patient confidentiality and comply with HIPAA requirements.
- Maintain a clean and safe laboratory environment.
Early-Morning Shift Expectations
Because this position begins at 2:30 AM, reliability and the ability to work independently are essential.
The Histotechnologist must be able to:
- Consistently report to work on time for the scheduled 2:30 AM start.
- Work independently with limited direct supervision during portions of the early-morning shift.
- Prioritize cases appropriately to support daily laboratory workflow and turnaround-time expectations.
- Recognize technical or operational problems and escalate issues to the Histology Supervisor or Laboratory Manager when necessary.
- Communicate outstanding work, technical concerns, or other relevant information to incoming staff to ensure a smooth transition between shifts.
QualificationsRequired
- Education and experience sufficient to meet applicable CLIA and CAP personnel qualification requirements for assigned duties.
- Demonstrated competency in routine histology techniques, including embedding, microtomy, and H&E staining.
- Ability to consistently work the scheduled Monday–Friday, 2:30 AM–7:30 AM shift.
Preferred
- Previous experience in a high-volume surgical pathology or histology laboratory.
- ASCP-certified HT or HTL.
- Experience with special stains and/or immunohistochemistry (IHC).
- Experience working independently or on an early-morning/night shift.
- Familiarity with laboratory information systems such as PowerPath or Epic.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strong knowledge of histologic techniques and tissue preparation.
- Excellent microtomy and tissue-sectioning skills.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to specimen integrity and patient safety.
- Excellent manual dexterity.
- Ability to work independently and efficiently with limited supervision.
- Ability to prioritize workload in a fast-paced laboratory environment.
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.
- Dependable attendance and punctuality.
- Effective communication and teamwork skills.
- Ability to maintain accuracy while meeting laboratory turnaround-time expectations.
Physical & Environmental Requirements
- Ability to stand for extended periods.
- Frequent repetitive hand and wrist motions associated with embedding, microtomy, staining, and slide preparation.
- Ability to lift and move laboratory supplies weighing up to approximately 25 pounds.
- Routine exposure to biological specimens, chemicals, stains, formalin, xylene, and other materials commonly encountered in a histology laboratory.
- Required use of appropriate personal protective equipment.
Work Schedule
Monday through Friday
2:30 AM–7:30 AM
Approximately 25 hours per week
This is a regular part-time, early-morning position located in Irvine, California. Additional hours may occasionally be available based on laboratory staffing and operational needs.
Performance Standards
Successful performance in this position includes:
- Consistently producing high-quality histologic preparations.
- Maintaining accurate specimen, block, and slide identification.
- Meeting laboratory turnaround-time expectations.
- Following established SOPs and regulatory requirements.
- Maintaining required quality control and equipment documentation.
- Demonstrating dependable attendance and punctuality, particularly given the early-morning schedule.
- Effectively working independently while maintaining communication with supervisors and other laboratory staff.
- Demonstrating professionalism, accountability, and teamwork.
Pay: $23.00 - $40.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
