Histology Laboratory Assistant

IDEXX; Elmhurst (IL); On-site; USD 24,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, Vision coverage

Annual cash bonus

5% 401k matching

Pet insurance & other benefits

Job summary

IDEXX is seeking a Laboratory Assistant in the Histology department to support tissue sample processing and the maintenance of whole slide scanners. You will log samples in the LIMS, stock work areas, and assist with VM-based remote slide analysis.

The role combines bench work, data entry, and administrative duties to help pathologists determine diagnosis for veterinary care. The position requires a High School diploma or equivalent; prior histology experience is a plus.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Histology lab experience is a plus but not required.
• Ability to read/interpret SOPs and follow procedures.
• Strong data entry and computer skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and reliability.

Responsibilities

• Input sample information into the laboratory database (LIMS).
• Stock benches with materials for histology technicians.
• Operate or assist with equipment for histology sample prep.
• Pack samples for storage and transport.
• Ensure timely delivery of cases to remote pathologists.
• Maintain and troubleshoot VM systems for digital slide analysis.

Skills

Data entry

Attention to detail

Multitasking

Customer service

SOP reading

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

LIMS system

VM systems

Job description

As a Laboratory Assistant in the Histology department at IDEXX, you will be assisting with some of the many tasks vital to the running of the histology laboratories within our network of veterinary diagnostic reference labs. We receive thousands of tissue samples every day from Veterinary Clinics, and transform those tissue samples into a slide for a pathologist to review to help veterinarians identify what might be wrong with someone's pet. In this role, you will be helping to sort, and prepare tissue samples for histology technicians/technologists; and be responsible for maintaining IDEXX’s whole slide scanners, assuring digital slide and patient requisition image quality for the Pathology team. Every sample you help to move along quickly and accurately in the process means we are one step closer to finding out how or why the pet might be sick. Thanks to you, someone's very beloved pet will get the treatment plan they need - how great is that?

Why This Role Matters

IDEXX Histology Technicians play a critical role in diagnosing diseases by preparing tissue samples for microscopic examination. The first step in our process is receiving and logging patient specimens into our LIMS system, ensuring accuracy and proper labeling. The samples are then dissected, processed, embedded, sectioned, and stained. All of these steps are completed by our technicians.

In This Role

• You will be Inputting sample information in the laboratory database.
• You will be stocking benches with necessary materials to make sure the technicians have everything they need.
• You may be running special equipment to prep samples for the histology technicians/technologists.
• You will be packing samples for storage.
• You will assure accurate and timely delivery of casework (and collateral materials) to remote pathologists.
• You will be responsible for maintaining and troubleshooting virtual microscopy (VM) systems which provide remote viewing & digital slide analysis capability to pathologists.
• You will organize and archive pending and completed VM cases.
• You will track VM system errors.You will troubleshoot VM system problems with pathologists, labs, vendors, IT and others.
• You will also be assisting with various administrative tasks and other duties as required.

What You'll Need To Succeed

• You possess a High School diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
• It is not required to work in our lab, but if you had prior experience working in a histology lab, this experience would be a plus.
• An ability to consistently work the schedule listed in the section below
• To be someone who thrives in a fast-paced, high-volume work environment
• A willingness to work with and around veterinary samples, including tissue samples.
• Ability to read, understand and follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), including safety and quality procedures
• Familiarity and comfort with using computers for data entry (data entry experience is preferred)
• Ability to prioritize, multitask, and work reliably and precisely; excellent attention to detail on the job
• Top-notch customer service skills
• Ability to meet the physical requirements that go with working in a lab – standing and sitting for extended periods of time, phone and computer use, extended reach, lifting up to 50 lbs., and specific vision ability – close, color, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus
• This is a laboratory, so there is potential exposure to biohazards, agents known to cause zoonotic diseases, and hazardous chemicals

What You Can Expect From Us

• Hourly rates targeting: $21.00 / hr.
• Health / Dental / Vision Benefits Day - One
• Opportunity for annual cash bonus and merit pay increase consideration
• 5% matching 401k
• Additional benefits including but not limited to financial support, pet insurance, mental health resources, volunteer paid days off, employee stock program, foundation donation matching, and much more!
• Opportunity to do meaningful work where you positively impact the lives of people and pets all over the world

Schedule

• The hours for this position are Sunday through Thursday 7 AM to 3:30 PM
• The shifts and hours may vary slightly depending on business needs.
• Reliable and dependable attendance is an essential function of the position.

Why IDEXX?

We’re proud of the work we do, because our work matters. An innovation leader in every industry we serve since 1983, our team members help pet owners worldwide keep their companion animals healthy and happy, ensure safe drinking water for billions, and help farmers protect livestock and poultry from disease.

We have customers in over 175 countries and a collaborative global workforce. Our culture is one that embraces challenges and encourages learning and discovery. At IDEXX, you’ll be supported by competitive compensation, incentives, and benefits while enjoying purposeful work that drives improvement.

Knowing our work makes a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of pets and people is what motivates us every day. If meaningful work and a sense of purpose are at the top of your list, you’ll find it here.

Let’s pursue what matters together.

IDEXX values a diverse workforce and workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.

IDEXX is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any protected category prohibited by local, state, or federal laws.

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa for this role.