Histology Laboratory Technician I

Abbott; Redwood City (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Abbott in Redwood City, California, seeks a Histology Laboratory Technician I to support daily lab operations, divide workload, and review documents. The role involves high-throughput processing, documentation, and collaboration with lab staff to ensure quality and timely turnaround of specimens.

You will work under supervision to learn SOPs, assist with automated procedures, and contribute to quality assurance activities while maintaining a strong attention to detail and teamwork.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED is required and 6 months of lab experience or coursework.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Biological Sciences or Life Sciences is preferred.
• Willingness to learn and follow SOPs, maintain accuracy and cleanliness.

Responsibilities

• Maintain quality standards and identify issues affecting test results or safety.
• Assist in batching samples, labeling, and specimen verification.
• Use LIMS to track requisitions and specimen status for timely turnaround.
• Set up equipment and perform routine maintenance per SOPs.
• Train laboratory assistants and technicians on procedures and provide process improvements input.
• Maintain inventory and organize slides, tubes, blocks, materials, and equipment.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Bachelor’s Degree in Biological Sciences or Life Sciences

Tools

Microscopes

Microtomes

Pipettes

Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)

Job description

Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 122,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.

Position Overview

The Histology Laboratory Technician I will support daily operations of the histology laboratory, divide workload, and review documents. This role will demonstrate the skills and competency to work in a high throughput production environment and assist laboratory personnel in patient sample processing and other support functions. This role will support initiatives and projects to address laboratory needs and issues.

Essential Duties

• Maintain stringent standards for quality to identify any issues that might adversely impact the quality of test results and/or employee safety.
• Communicate identified issues to appropriate management representatives to ensure timely resolution.
• Complete required training in general lab duties and attend laboratory meetings and/or continuing education opportunities.
• Maintain and organize all laboratory inventory and supplies, including slides, tubes, blocks, materials, and equipment, while ensuring overall laboratory upkeep such as cleaning glassware, racks, and other items.
• Generate reports using the laboratory’s wireless temperature monitoring system.
• Document and maintain accurate records for applicable equipment and instruments.
• Support quality assurance activities, internal audits, and inspection readiness efforts.
• Assist in batching samples, label printing, and verification of specimen labeling accuracy.
• Support in monitoring the histology queue for various tasks that need to be performed and performing these tasks with supervision.
• Use laboratory information management system (LIMS) to track requisition and specimen status and ensure prompt turnaround time of specimens.
• Set up laboratory equipment and perform routine equipment maintenance independently in accordance with laboratory’s standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Assist in training laboratory assistants and technicians on current and new procedures.
• Communicate with the customer service team via phone, fax, or e-mail to obtain required information and documentation.
• Review SOPs and provide input for process improvements.
• Participate in projects under leadership supervision, while maintaining quality and workflow efficiency.
• Assist with automated procedures according to the laboratory's stand operating procedures (SOPs).
• Assist the laboratory technician team to coordinate tasks and divide workload, as needed.
• Ability to learn and follow written procedures.
• Ability to integrate and apply feedback in a professional manner.
• Ability to complete assignments within provided timelines with a high emphasis on quality.
• Ability to identify process improvement opportunities.
• Apply strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and within a team environment.
• Apply strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to maintain open communication with internal employees, managers, and customers.
• Ability to use a computer and learn to use new tracking programs.
• Ability to use a computer to concentrate, read, and/or analyze data, or apply scientific rules.
• Ability to multi-task and be flexible with tasks and schedules.
• Ability to anticipate and adapt to changes in workflow and schedule.
• Uphold company mission and values through accountability, innovation, integrity, quality, and teamwork.
• Support and comply with the company’s Quality Management System policies and procedures.
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance.
• Ability to act with an inclusion mindset and model these behaviors for the organization.
• Ability to work designated schedule.
• Ability to work overtime, as needed.
• Ability to work on a mobile device, tablet, or in front of a computer screen and/or perform typing for approximately 75% of a typical working day.
• Ability to work seated for approximately 75% of a typical working day. Ability to work standing for approximately 25% of a typical working day.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds for approximately 10% of a typical working day.
• Ability to grasp with both hands; pinch with thumb and forefinger; turn with hand/arm; reach above shoulder height.
• Ability to comply with any applicable personal protective equipment requirements.
• Ability to use various types of laboratory equipment; including microscopes, microtomes, blades, strainers, and pipettes for extended periods of time.
• May perform repetitious actions using lab tools.
• Ability to use near vision to view samples at close range.
• May be exposed to hazardous materials, tissue specimens, and instruments with moving parts, lasers, heating and freezing elements, and high-speed centrifugation.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED).
• 6 months of experience working in a laboratory environment or relevant laboratory experience through coursework.
• Demonstrated ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation.
• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in country where work will be performed on a full or part-time basis. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment visas at this time.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Biological Sciences or Life Sciences or field as outlined in the essential duties.
• 1+ years of experience working in a laboratory or related field as outlined in the essential duties.
• Experience maintaining inventory or resources in an organized manner.
• Working knowledge of quality control processes and methodologies.

The base pay for this position is $14.85 – $29.65 per hour. In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.