Histology Technician

Harris County; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences is seeking a Histology Technician to prepare microscopic slides for analysis by Forensic Pathologists. The role involves tissue processing, paraffin embedding, slide preparation, and strict adherence to laboratory protocols.

Applicants should hold an Associate’s degree or NAACLS-accredited histology program, and ASCP Histotechnician certification within one year. A Texas driver’s license is required.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or equivalent (60 college hours) in Histotechnology or Histotechnician program NAACLS accredited.
• ASCP Histotechnician certification within one year of employment is required.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Texas Driver’s License for transport of off-site supplies/samples.

Responsibilities

• Prepares stained slides of tissue samples as requested by Assistant Medical Examiners.
• Prepares paraffin blocks of tissue for long-term storage and labels blocks per lab protocols.
• Retrieves, transports, stores and disposes of blocks, slides and paperwork per histology procedures.
• Maintains histology lab case log and compiles monthly reports.
• Delivers tissue slides to pathologists and supervisors in a timely manner.
• Mentors and assists training of interns and students in the Histology Lab.

Skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Safety awareness

Education

Associate’s degree or NAACLS-accredited histology program

ASCP Histotechnician certification within 1 year

Texas Driver’s License

Tools

Microtomes

Automatic stainer

Automatic slide & coverslippers

Tissue processors

Manual staining & coverslipping

Job description

About Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences:

The Mission of the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences is to provide medical examiner and crime laboratory services of the highest quality in an unbiased manner with uncompromised integrity.

To provide consistent, quality death investigation and laboratory analysis for the benefit of the entire community.

To create a technological strongpoint for legal agencies to facilitate justice in criminal and civil proceedings.

To establish an academic environment for training in the field of Forensic Science.

Brief Histology Technician Overview

The Histology Technician is responsible for preparing microscopic slides for analysis by Forensic Pathologists.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Prepares stained slides of tissue samples as requested by Assistant Medical Examiners in a carefully controlled environment
• Prepares paraffin blocks of tissue for long-term storage; assures that blocks are labeled in accordance with Histology Laboratory protocols
• Retrieves, transports, stores and disposes of blocks, slides, specimens and paperwork according to histology laboratory procedures
• Handles communication internally between pathologists and the histology personnel to ensure all requests and inquiries are handled in a timely manner and responds to external requests to retain, release, or prepare specimens in accordance with histology laboratory procedures.
• Mantains log of tissue samples entering the histology lab and completes the histology laboratory electronic case file and uses this information to compile monthly statistical reports.
• Delivers tissue slides to the assigned Assistant Medical Examiner, Deputy Chief Medical Examiner, or the Executive Director & Chief Medical Examiner on a timely basis.
• Mentors and assists training of interns, students and others during their training period in the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences (HCIFS) Histology Laboratory
• Other duties as assigned.
  1. This Job Description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position.
  2. Management may, at its discretion, assign, or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx

If you need special services or accommodations, please call [phone] or email [e-mail].

This position is subject to a criminal history check.

Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.

Education:

• Associate’s Degree or equivalent (60 college hours) and current enrollment in or completion of Histotechnology or Histotechnician program that is accredited through the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences

Experience:

• Previous experience in the use of microtomes, automatic stainer, automatic slide and coverslippers, tissue processors and manual staining and coverslipping processes

Licensure:

• Certification by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists as a Histotechnician within one year of employment
• Must possess and maintain a valid Texas Driver’s License to facilitate transport of off-site supplies/samples

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Must be capable of understanding and adhering to strict protocols for the handling and storage of tissue samples, glass slides and blocks
• Knowledge of histology laboratory safety rules and procedures is essential
• Must be able to communicate effectively with co-workers to assure that protocols are rigidly observed and assure the highest standards of casework
• Basic computer skills to include Microsoft Office applications

NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation butONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume"will not be accepted for qualifications.

Experience:

• Previous experience in a Histology Laboratory where duties included production of slide stains and preservation of tissue samples

Position Type, and Typical Hours of Work:

• Full time | Regular | 40 hours/ week
• Rotating weekends, occasional holidays and overtime

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs
• May require long periods of standing, walking, stooping and bending

Location:

• Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences
  1861 Old Spanish Trail
  Houston, TX 77054

Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.

Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.