Histology Lab Assistant Full Time Rotating Shifts

Northwestern Medicine; Palos Heights (IL); On-site; USD 27,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent medical, dental and vision

Matching 401(k)

Paid time off and Holidays

Job summary

Northwestern Medicine is seeking an entry-level Histology Lab Assistant to support the histology and surgical pathology lab with routine processing and preparation of slides. You will communicate with pathologists, residents, and coordinators regarding specimen issues and participate in the lab's occurrence management program.

The role emphasizes basic embedding, block handling, slide labeling, and diligent documentation.

Qualifications

• High School diploma required.
• Basic computer keyboard skills required.
• Familiarity with medical terminology is preferred.
• AS degree in the biological/life sciences or medical laboratory technology is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support histology and surgical pathology processing under supervision.
• Stain, coverslip, label, and document slides with tracking information.
• Review protocol files for Gross Only specimens and ensure paperwork is complete.
• Perform basic embedding and routine paraffin block handling.
• Maintain accurate manual/electronic records and investigate discrepancies.
• Assist with equipment maintenance and safe operation of lab instruments.
• Transport specimens and keep work areas clean and compliant with SOPs.

Skills

Computer proficiency

Medical terminology

Education

High School diploma

AS degree in life sciences/medical lab tech

Job description

The salary range for this position is $19.75 - $27.65 (Hourly Rate)

Placement within the salary range is dependent on several factors such as relevant work experience and internal equity. For positions represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range is guided by the rules outlined in the collective bargaining agreement.

We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section located at jobs.nm.org/benefits to learn more.

Northwestern Medicine is powered by a community of colleagues who are purpose-driven and committed to our mission to deliver world-class care. Here, you'll work alongside some of the best clinical talent in the nation leading the way in medical innovation and breakthrough research with Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

We recognize where you've been, and we support where you're headed. We celebrate diverse perspectives and experiences, which fuel our commitment to equity and culture of service.

Grow your career with comprehensive training and development opportunities, mentorship programs, educational support and student loan repayment.

Create the life you envision for yourself with flexible work options, a Reimbursable Well-Being Fund and a Total Rewards package that support your physical, mental, emotional, and financial well-being.

Make a difference through volunteer opportunities we offer in local communities and drive inclusive change through our workforce-led resource groups.

From discovery to delivery, come help us shape the future of medicine.

Benefits:

• $10,000 Tuition Reimbursement per year ($5,700 part-time)
• $10,000 Student Loan Repayment ($5,000 part-time)
• $1,000 Professional Development per year ($500 part-time)
• $250 Wellbeing Fund per year ($125 for part-time)
• Matching 401(k)
• Excellent medical, dental and vision coverage
• Life insurance
• Annual Employee Salary Increase and Incentive Bonus
• Paid time off and Holiday pay

Description

The Histology Lab Assistant reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

The Histology Lab Assistant provides support to the histology and surgical pathology laboratory with entry-level histology tasks related to specimen processing and routine preparation of surgical and autopsy microscopic slides. This position is responsible for communication with pathologists, residents, and coordinators regarding specimen problems. The position is also required to participate in the laboratory occurrence management program.

Responsibilities:

• Provides histology laboratory support using automation and manual methods to stain and coverslip microscopic slides. Labels slides, collates with paperwork, and submits to appropriate pathologist or resident. Documents appropriate tracking information. Submits slides and protocols to appropriate resident, pathologist, or staff.
• Reviews protocol files for Gross Only specimens and/or outstanding paperwork. Monitors logs to ensure all routine H&E slides are submitted.
• Performs and documents basic embedding procedures for routine surgical and autopsy tissues.
• Performs and documents routine paraffin block reconciliation. Prioritizes blocks based on established guidelines.
• Records all documentation consistently and legibly. Maintains manual and electronic records for easy retrieval of data as necessary. Investigates, escalates, and documents any discrepancies appropriately.
• Answers routine inquiries related to blocks, slides, and case status. Direct inquiries regarding technical information to the appropriate laboratory staff.
• Practices the proficient and safe use of all equipment necessary for the completion of all duties and responsibilities within defined turn-around times (i.e., tissue processor, embedding center, automated stainer and cover slipper, etc).
• Cleans, disinfects, performs, and documents routine instrument maintenance per SOP. Reports equipment or instrument malfunctions appropriately.
• Files paraffin blocks on a daily basis.
• Transports specimens, blocks, and slides as necessary.
• Maintains a clean and safe work environment to ensure efficient workflow and compliance with all regulatory requirements. Cleans and disinfects laboratory areas per SOP. Perform minor spill cleanup per SOP when necessary.
• Monitors laboratory inventory in the front histology area to ensure supply levels are appropriate and adequate. Promptly notifies coordinator of any supply issues.
• Fosters department and laboratory teamwork through effective communication.
• Participates in Safety and Infection Control activities.
• Assists with orientation and training of new staff in front histology area.
• Takes initiative for personal development by attending teleconferences, educational sessions, and required meetings, etc.
• Performs other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Required:

• High School diploma.
• Computer experience with keyboard proficiency.
• Familiarity with medical terminology.

Preferred:

• A.S. degree in the biological, life sciences, medical laboratory technology, or other related field.
• Prior work experience in laboratory support or health related experience

Equal Opportunity

Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.

Background Check

Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check. Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act.

Artificial Intelligence Disclosure

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events.

Click on or copy and paste URL to your browser to view detailed benefits information https://jobs.nm.org/benefits

Please refer to the Benefits Eligibility by Employment Classification to determine benefits eligibility for job postings.

If sign-on bonus is included in a job posting eligibility is as followed:

Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign-on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position as a Registered Nurse at NM may be eligible.