Clinical Lab Technologist

Columbia University; New York, Northern (NY, KY); On-site; USD 96,000 - 119,000; Full time

Job summary

Columbia University in New York is seeking a skilled histology technician to perform tissue processing, embedding, and routine to automated staining (H&E, Frozen, IHC, IF, ISH) with microtomy. You will manage specimen identity using LIS and contribute to QA/QC and safety programs.

The role requires a Bachelor's in Medical Technology or related field and relevant licensure; ASCP HT/HTL registration is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Medical Technology or related health science field.
• Must hold one of the following licenses: Clinical Laboratory Technologists, Clinical Laboratory Technicians or Certified Histological Technicians.
• HT/HTL (ASCP) registration or eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Tissue processing, embedding, routine and automated staining including H&E, Frozen, IHC, IF, ISH and microtomy.
• Maintain specimen identity and QA/QC procedures per policy; operate LIS and related protocols.
• Troubleshoot technical issues and maintain lab equipment like tissue processors and microtomes.
• Assist with validation/verification of new instruments and reagents; document procedures.
• Support inventory management and supply monitoring; uphold safety and regulatory standards.
• Train and assess competency of new staff, students, and residents as assigned.
• Coordinate with pathologists and clinicians to ensure turnaround times and specimen quality.

Skills

Tissue processing

Embedding

H&E staining

Frozen section

IHC

IF

ISH

Microtomy

QA/QC

Laboratory safety

LIS

Instrument maintenance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Medical Technology or related health science

Licensing: Clinical Laboratory Technologists/Technicians or ASCP HT/HTL registration

Tools

LIS (Laboratory Information System)

Job description

• Job Type: Support Staff - Union
• Bargaining Unit: SSA
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Standard Work Schedule:
• Building:
• Salary Range: $95,756.20-$119,111.29

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Position Summary

The candidate will work in the Surgical Pathology Department. Duties will include but are not limited to tissue processing, embedding, routine, manual and automated (to include H&E, Frozen section, special stains, IHC, IF, ISH) staining, micro sectioning of paraffin blocks. Demonstrate independent technical judgement. Maintains positive patient specimen identification throughout all phases of testing, utilizing the Laboratory Information System (LIS) and related protocols. Verifies specimen identity and reports discrepancies immediately following laboratory policy. Effectively resolve technical issues related to the histology laboratory. Perform special stains manual and automated, IHC stains manual and automated. Perform IHC reagents dilutions and titration. Analyze, resolves and troubleshoot various day to day histology tasks as needed. Maintains laboratory inventory and assists with ordering, stocking, and monitoring supplies and reagents. Assists with validation, verification, implementation, and documentation of new instruments, reagents, assays, and laboratory procedures Effective troubleshooting and maintenance of laboratory equipment, which includes all types of equipment: tissue processors, strainers, cover slippers, solvent recyclers and other related equipment. Successfully carrying out and maintaining QA/QC procedures as per policy and procedures.Performs all duties in accordance with CAP, CLIA, New York State Department of Health, OSHA, HIPAA, and institutional policies and procedures. Maintain statistical records and other related records pertaining to the laboratory. Prepare various chemical solutions and reagents. Maintains a safe laboratory environment by adhering to chemical hygiene, biological safety, and hazardous waste disposal policies.Participates in quality improvement initiatives, quality assurance activities, corrective actions, and process improvement projects. Assists in the training and competency assessment of new employees, students, residents, and other laboratory personnel as assigned. Prioritizes workload to meet established turnaround times while maintaining specimen quality and patient safety. Cross-trains in additional laboratory functions as assigned to support operational needs. Communicates effectively with pathologists, residents, clinicians, laboratory personnel, and other healthcare professionals regarding specimen status and technical issues. Maintains professional competency through continuing education and participation in departmental educational activities. Flexibility with work assignments and schedule as needed to accommodateworkflow, staffing, and departmental needs. Other duties as assigned.

Responsibilities

• 50% - Tissue processing, embedding, routine and automated (to include H&E, Frozen sections, IHC, IF, ISH) staining, microtomy and cover slipping.
• 10% - Demonstrate independent technical judgement. Effectively resolve technical issues related to the histology laboratory.
• 10% - Perform special stains manual and automated, IHC stains manual and automated. Perform IHC reagents dilutions and titration.
• 10% - Analyze, resolves and troubleshoots various day to day histology tasks as needed. Assist in setting up, evaluating and troubleshooting new techniques. Effective troubleshooting and maintenance of laboratory equipment, which includes all types of equipment: tissue processors, strainers, cover slippers, solvent recyclers and other related equipment.
• 10% - Successfully carrying out and maintaining QA/QC procedures as per policy and procedures. Maintain statistical records and other related records pertaining to the laboratory.
• 5% - Prepare various chemical solutions and reagents.
• 5% - other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree in Medical Technology or related health science field; or equivalent in work experience and education.
• Must hold one of the following licenses: Clinical Laboratory Technologists, Clinical Laboratory Technicians or Certified Histological Technicians.

Preferred Qualifications

• HT/HTL (ASCP) registered or registration eligible.
• The incumbent must demonstrate excellent microtomy both on paraffin and frozen section.

Other Requirements

• Capable of micro-sectioning at 2 to 10.
• Must be able to successfully complete systems training requirements.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.