Histology/Cytology Technician - DAPDA - PRN, As Needed

Duke PA; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Duke University Health System Clinical Laboratories in Durham, NC, seeks a Histology/Cytology Technician to perform routine tissue processing, paraffin sectioning, and cytology specimen handling in a CAP/CLIA accredited lab. The role supports pathologists with accurate preparation and documentation, ensuring quality control across procedures.

Qualifications include a High School Diploma with an Associate Degree preferred; no prior experience required.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma required; Associate Degree in Science preferred.
• No prior experience required.
• Knowledge of basic laboratory procedures and safety practices.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine paraffin sections of surgical and autopsy tissue for microscopic examination.
• Perform frozen cryostat sectioning.
• Prepare specimens and reagents; perform staining; label and file slides.
• Check specimen containers for demographics and requisition accuracy.
• Reconcile labels and assist pathologists with diagnoses as needed.
• Maintain quality control procedures and lab information systems.

Skills

Histology

Cytology

Quality Control

Lab Procedures

Manual Dexterity

Education

High School Diploma

Associate Degree in Science

Tools

Laboratory Information System (LIS)

Job description

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Histology/Cytology Technician - DAPDA - PRN, As Needed

Work Arrangement:

Requisition Number: 272574

Regular or Temporary: Regular

Location: Durham, NC, US, 27710

Date: Aug 20, 2026

At Duke Health, we're driven by a commitment to compassionate care that changes the lives of patients, their loved ones, and the greater community. No matter where your talents lie, join us and discover how we can advance health together.

Duke University Health System Clinical Laboratories

Pursue your passion for caring and innovation as a team member in the state-of-the-art Duke Health laboratories. Duke Health laboratories are College of American Pathologists accredited and Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments certified. The multidisciplinary team is committed to serving the rare and complex testing needs of Duke Health patients by providing timely and accurate results, educating the next generation of laboratorians, scientists and physicians, and researching and developing the cutting-edge diagnostics of tomorrow.

General Description

Perform routine histopathologic tests and/or cytopathology specimen processing in a clinical laboratory for use in the treatment and diagnosis of disease.

Duties and Responsibilities

HISTOLOGY

• Perform routine paraffin sections of surgical and autopsy tissue for microscopic examination in the diagnosis and treatment of disease.
• Perform frozen cryostat sectioning.
• Prepare specimens and reagents for processing; perform routine and special staining techniques. Label, file, discard and maintain records of slides and blocks.

CYTOPATHOLOGY

• Check specimen container for completeness regarding demographic information to include specimen source against requisition/order.
• Receive & accession specimens to include gross description & any notes as needed.
• Evaluate specimen for correct preparation protocol.
• Prepare specimen according to appropriate specimen protocol SOP (Standard Operating Procedures) to include staining/cover slipping, & labeling.
• Troubleshoot specimen preparation issues as they arise alerting appropriate cytology staff, as necessary.

COMMON TASKS

• Reconcile labels with finished products and provide specimens for microscopic examination and diagnosis by the pathologist.
• Order appropriate tests on the computer.
• Perform various Quality Control procedures to maintain compliance with internal and external regulations. Utilize various hospital information systems and software.
• May demonstrate/teach preparatory techniques/instrument use to residents, fellows, medical students, & visiting students.

Required Qualifications

Education

High School Diploma required. Associate Degree in Science preferred.

Minimal educational or experience requirements may be modified on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment) director if minimal CLIA requirements are met by the employee for the tasks being performed.

Experience

None required.

Degrees, Licensure, and/or Certification

None required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Able to listen, read, understand and perform assigned laboratories.
• Manual dexterity skills adequate for fine detail work.

Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions

Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.

Nearest Major Market: Durham
Nearest Secondary Market: Raleigh

Read more about Duke’s commitment to affirmative action and nondiscrimination at hr.duke.edu/eeo.