GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Responsible for the supervision and preparation of high-quality histology and immunohistochemistry slides for microscopic examination and diagnosis by the pathologist. Supervises staff Histotechnologists, Histotechnicians, and Laboratory Assistants assigned to the Histology and Immunohistochemistry Sections of the Histology Department in the performance of their duties.
FLSA STATUS: Exempt TYPE OF POSITION: Full-Time
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES
1. Supervises quality assurance, employee assignments, and operations of the histology department. Supervises staff Histotechnologists-Histotechnicians and Laboratory Assistants assigned to the department.
2. Ensures that adequate supplies and quality control material are ordered and on-hand to meet the demand of daily operations.
3. Ensures the adequate distribution of slides to individual Pathologists.
4. Embeds and cuts permanent tissue sections that are consistently high quality, being well sectioned and stained. Perform quality assessment of the embedding, sectioning and staining proficiency of staff Histotechnologists / Histotechnicians.
5. Operates computerized equipment to process tissue sections and to stain histology slides.
6. Enters workload activities into the Pathology Computer System.
7. Maintains maintenance and QC documentation of equipment.
8. Ensures that all slides are cover-slipped and labeled accurately.
9. Performs special stains on tissue sections as ordered by pathologist.
10. Performs QC on daily Histology operations and special stains.
11. Supervises the filing of slides and blocks daily.
12. Assists with frozen sections, both in town and out-of-town.
13. Provides and ensures didactic and technical training to Histotechnologist/Histotechnician trainees.
14. Monitors Trainees and maintains training documentation.
15. Supervises Histology Department employees, interviewing and making recommendations on prospective employees.
16. Responsibilities include training employees; planning, assigning and directing employee performance to ensure uninterrupted workflow; and addressing employee concerns.
17. Other duties as assigned by management.
Immunohistochemistry Section:
1. Supervises daily assignments of Immunohistochemistry workload among the staff histotechnicians.
2. Cuts and prepares adequate and appropriate positive controls slides.
3. Cuts and prepares patient tissue blocks utilizing appropriate techniques and cutting the appropriate number of negative control slides.
4. Cuts and prepares patient tissue blocks utilizing appropriate techniques.
5. Operates, maintains and troubleshoots the automated staining instruments, recording daily, weekly and monthly quality assurance data. Places necessary calls to the instrument manufacture’s technical assistance departments.
6. Prepares the automated staining instrument for operation, loading the appropriate buffers, solutions and antibodies.
7. Loads slides onto the automated staining instrument, checking the proper placement with the slides.
8. Monitors the staining instrument, making any adjustments as required.
9. Review patient requisitions to ensure that all requested antibodies were processed, tested and distributed to the appropriate Pathologist for reading. Makes manual adjustments on patient slips or quality assurance slips.
10. Prepares and reviews quality assurance slides with a Pathologist or his/her designee. Records the grade of each Antibody as determined by the reviewing Pathologists.
11. Validates and implements Antibody procedures as directed by the Immunohistochemistry Director or his/her designee.
12. Handles special problem slides correcting tissue placement issues and cutting scant patient blocks for delicate serial sections.
13. Validates all titers performed on new lot numbers of antibodies, decides the staining backgrounds and tissues used for quality assurance slides and evaluates the quality of antibody vendors.
14. Acts as a liaison between the requesting Pathologists and the Immunohistochemistry department, keeping the requesting Pathologist appraised of various issues that may affect turn-around times.
15. Enter workload activities into the Pathology Computer System.
16. Provides and ensures didactic and technical training to Histotechnologist/Histotechnician trainees.
17. Maintains any required documentation of trainees rotating through the Immunohistochemistry Department.
18. Trains new employees to complete assigned Immunohistochemistry tasks.
19. Interviews and makes recommendation for hiring new employees.
20. Provides input for annual performance appraisals of IHC personal.
Grossing Assistant Functions (Surgical Pathology)
1. Gross examination is performed under the supervision of a board certified pathologist (CLIA defined Technical Supervisor), either directly or indirectly, at CTPL.
Indirectly – the grossing assistant has been assessed to be competent to grossly exam and measure prostate biopsy and other “in toto” specimens without the presence of a pathologist.
Directly – the grossing assistant will consult with a pathologist before or during gross of biopsy specimen, in case of unexpected findings, abnormalities, or questions. A board-certified pathologist is always available for consultation.
2. Specimen - Level I – Gross examination and measurement of needle core prostate biopsies, colon biopsies, designated skin biopsies and other “in toto” biopsy specimens or other simple specimens as directed by a Pathologist Medical Director (Indirect Supervision).
3. Accurately dictates the gross description and measurement of biopsy specimens in a clear concise manner suitable for easy transcription.
4. Gross description may include items such as physical examination/description, including color, weight, measurement and other characteristics of the tissue.
WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT
- Prefer 5-7 years experience within a healthcare setting.
- Certification as a Histotechnologist (HTL) or Histotechnician (HT) by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).
- Knowledge of healthcare terminology.
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor or Associates Degree in Biology or related sciences with completion of an accredited histology technical program and at least two years of experience in histopathology.
- High School or GED and completing an accredited histology technical program and having more than five (5) years of experience.
WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to fumes, airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals. The employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, risk of electrical shock, risk of radiation, and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to handle, feel and to reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, and sit. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch; talk and hear; taste and smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move more than 35 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
The above statements are intended to describe the essential responsibilities being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of the responsibilities assigned to these people.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Oculus Pathology is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Oculus does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need. We encourage all to apply.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $35.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
Ability to Commute:
- Waco, TX 76710 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Waco, TX 76710: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
