Histology Technician

University of Southern California; Glendale (CA); On-site; USD 47,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Southern California's Keck School of Medicine seeks a Histology Technician I to support the AP Histology Laboratory. You will process tissues, prepare reagents, and triage specimens under CAP/CLIA guidelines.

This full-time role emphasizes strong organization, attention to detail, and proficiency with common software. Shift: Monday–Friday, 4:30 AM–1:00 PM. Hourly pay ranges from $34.30 to $42.76, reflecting experience and internal equity.

Qualifications

• Experience in histology lab operations preferred.
• ASCP certification or eligibility within 1 year.
• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare reagents and media under supervision.
• Process tissue and bone marrow for embedding and staining.
• Receive and triage specimens and slides.
• Maintain CAP/CLIA guideline compliance.
• Monitor safety and dispose of hazardous materials.

Skills

Detail-oriented

Organized

Verbal communication

Interpersonal communication

Education

Undergraduate study in biology/chemistry

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

PowerPoint

Job description

The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine is seeking a full-time Histology Technician I to support technical laboratory personnel in day-to-day operations of the AP Histology Laboratory.

The incumbent will:

• Prepare simple and complex reagents or media under direct supervision.
• Process tissue and bone marrow samples for microtome or cryostat section including dehydration, embedding, cutting, routine or special staining, and/or decalcification.
• Receive, accession, and triage patient specimens, blocks and slides.
• Possess a clear understanding of the standards required to work in a Histology laboratory under CAP and CLIA guidelines.
• Monitor incoming phone inquiries and requests.
• Establish and maintain courteous, cooperative relations with clients and other personnel.
• Identify and separate specimens to be referred to outside laboratories or analyzed by other USC laboratories.
• Handle and dispose of hazardous and non-hazardous materials in accordance with safety protocols.
• Maintain, track and organize laboratory supplies. Monitor inventory levels and order supplies and consumables as needed.
• Be highly organized and detail-oriented.
• Possess effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Be proficient with typical software packages such as Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.

The Keck School of Medicine Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine is one of the largest pathology departments in the United States. The Department aims to shape the future of pathology as it will be practiced in community hospitals, academic medical centers, and clinical laboratories throughout the country. The Department is growing very rapidly, and there is great opportunity for advancement in the Anatomic Pathology Laboratories.

The University offers a competitive salary package.

Shift: Monday - Friday, 4:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Hourly range

The hourly rate range for this position is $34.30 - $42.76. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

Minimum Education: Related undergraduate study Or Related undergraduate study Biology Or Related undergraduate study Chemistry

Minimum Licenses:

Minimum Certifications: American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) issued certification or eligibility within one year of employment.

Addtional Education Requirements Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education

Minimum Experience: 1 year

Preferred Education: Bachelor's degree

Preferred Licenses: Histotechnician

Preferred Certifications: Clinical Laboratory Specialist in Chemistry (ASCP) ASCP issued certification.

Preferred Experience: 2 years

Preferred Skills: Histotechnician experience in a clinical laboratory.