Histology/Cytology Technician - First Shift

Duke University; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Duke University Health System Clinical Laboratories is seeking a Histology/Cytology Technician on the first shift in Raleigh, NC. The role involves processing histology and cytology specimens, preparing slides, and ensuring quality control in a CAP/accredited lab.

The ideal candidate has a high school diploma (associate degree preferred) and strong manual dexterity. Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., on-site at Duke Health facilities.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma required.
• Associate Degree in Science preferred.
• No prior experience required.
• Able to listen, read, understand, and perform assigned laboratories.
• Manual dexterity for fine detail work.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine paraffin sections of surgical and autopsy tissue for microscopic examination.
• Perform frozen cryostat sectioning.
• Prepare specimens and reagents; label, file and maintain records of slides and blocks.
• Check specimen containers for completeness regarding demographic information.
• Receive and accession specimens with gross description and notes as needed.
• Evaluate specimen preparation per standard SOP; ensure proper staining and labeling.
• Perform quality control procedures and use hospital information systems.
• May train residents, fellows, medical students, and visiting students.

Skills

Manual dexterity

Listening skills

Reading skills

Education

High School Diploma

Associate Degree in Science

Job description

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Histology/Cytology Technician - First Shift

Work Arrangement:

Requisition Number: 275283

Regular or Temporary: Regular

Location: Raleigh, NC, US, 27609

Date: Oct 8, 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.

Histology/Cytology Technician with Duke Raleigh Cytology. Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Associate's degree is strongly preferred.

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.

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