Histology Lab Assistant | Tissue Prep & Slide Processing

Northwestern Medicine group; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Northwestern Medicine seeks an entry-level Histology Lab Assistant to support the histology and surgical pathology lab with specimen processing and routine slide preparation. You will communicate with pathologists, residents, and coordinators to resolve specimen issues and participate in the laboratory occurrence management program.

Your duties include staining and coverslipping slides, maintaining accurate records, and assisting with equipment maintenance within standard turnaround times.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Familiarity with medical terminology.
• Computer experience including keyboard proficiency.

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 tracking information and submits slides and protocols to residents or staff.
• Reviews protocol files for Gross Only specimens and outstanding paperwork; monitors logs for routine H&E slides submission.
• Performs embedding procedures for routine surgical and autopsy tissues and documents procedures.
• Performs routine paraffin block reconciliation and prioritizes blocks based on guidelines.
• Maintains records, investigates discrepancies, and ensures data retrieval.
• Answers routine inquiries about blocks, slides, and case status; directs technical inquiries appropriately.
• Operates equipment safely; maintains instruments and reports malfunctions as needed.
• Files paraffin blocks daily and transports specimens as required.
• Keeps work environment clean, safe, and compliant with regulatory standards; handles spill cleanups as needed.
• Monitors histology inventory and notifies coordinator of supply issues.
• Supports department teamwork and participates in Safety and Infection Control activities.
• Assists with orientation and training of new staff in front histology area.

Skills

Computer proficiency

Medical terminology

Keyboard proficiency

Education

High School diploma

AS degree in biological or life sciences

Job description

Northwestern Medicine seeks an entry-level Histology Lab Assistant to support the histology and surgical pathology lab with specimen processing and routine slide preparation. You will communicate with pathologists, residents, and coordinators to resolve specimen issues and participate in the laboratory occurrence management program.

Your duties include staining and coverslipping slides, maintaining accurate records, and assisting with equipment maintenance within standard turnaround times.