Histology Technician, Anatomic Pathology Laboratory - Mid Shift

UChicago Medicine; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Join UChicago Medicine as a Histology Technician in the Anatomic Pathology Laboratory. This full-time, onsite role involves routine and special microtomy, quality control, and collaboration with colleagues to support cancer diagnosis. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in histology and excellent organizational skills.

Benefits

Sign-On Bonus up to $5,000

Qualifications

• Must meet CLIA ‘88 qualification requirements for high complexity testing personnel.
• At least one year of histology laboratory experience.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine and special microtomy of surgical and autopsy tissues.
• Ensure specimens meet acceptance criteria and utilize LIS for documentation.
• Manage processes for 'recut' logs and perform quality controls.

Skills

Organizational Skills

Attention to Detail

Manual Dexterity

Professional Interaction Skills

Education

Associate’s degree in clinical laboratory science

NAACLS-accredited Histotechnician program

Tools

Laboratory Information Systems

Automated Laboratory Instrumentation

Job description

Job Description

Be a part of a world-class academic healthcare system, UChicago Medicine, as a Histology Technician in the Anatomic Pathology Laboratory department. Here, you will perform routine and special microtomy of surgical and autopsy tissues and process slides for H&E, special, and IHC staining. Responsible for quality control, instrument maintenance, and method development to support a broad menu of esoteric stains as required for definitive cancer diagnosis. Work collaboratively with colleagues and participate in process improvement projects. This department is the Anatomic Pathology Laboratory. This position is a 100% onsite opportunity. You will need to be based in the greater Chicagoland area.

Eligible for a Sign-On Bonus up to $5,000

In consultation with the Lab Supervisor and Chief Test Dev Histotech, you will be responsible for preparing and processing surgical, autopsy, and Outreach tissue specimens by routine histologic techniques to be examined under a microscope by a pathologist.

Essential Job Functions

1. Ensure specimens meet acceptance criteria and utilize LIS and specimen tracking/documentation software to assure patient, label, and block identification and record deficiencies/quality concerns.
2. Perform daily and preventative maintenance of laboratory equipment such as tissue processors, staining platforms, microtomes, cryostats, and microscopes, following laboratory procedures and manufacturer recommendations.
3. Prepare tissues for microscopic study, including receiving, verification, processing, embedding, microtomy, staining, and coverslipping.
4. Perform processing/preparation techniques for muscle, sural nerve, and renal tissue. Assist in cutting/staining of frozen sections as needed.
5. Manage processes for “recut” logs, including additional levels, special stains, IHC, and molecular tests.
6. Prepare solutions for routine, special stains, and IHC following safety and laboratory procedures.
7. Report test results within specified turnaround times, following backup procedures during system downtimes.
8. Practice safe and proficient use of all necessary equipment, adhering to maintenance, safety, and quality policies.
9. Work with peers to identify and resolve issues, report malfunctions, and escalate serious or persistent problems to the supervisor.
10. Maintain the section’s inventory.
11. Provide patient-focused care by accurately performing tests through all stages and assisting clinicians with inquiries.
12. Participate in peer interviews, training, and ongoing education to maintain technical relevance and proficiency.
13. Ensure completion of quality control, maintenance, and quality assurance documentation.
14. Participate in laboratory accreditation, inspection preparation, review of policies, and proficiency testing.
15. Maintain pathology archives, including pulling and filing blocks, slides, and frozen tissue samples.
16. Perform microscopic quality controls and investigate issues when staining is not optimal.
17. Perform additional testing as necessary.

Required Qualifications

• Must meet CLIA ‘88 qualification requirements for high complexity testing personnel.
• Successful completion of a NAACLS-accredited Histotechnician or Histotechnologist program, or an Associate’s degree in clinical laboratory science, life sciences, or related field from an accredited institution.
• At least one year of histology laboratory experience.
• Ability to write laboratory procedures and policies.
• Proficiency with automated and conventional laboratory instrumentation.
• Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and laboratory/hospital information systems.
• Ability to handle large workloads within narrow timeframes, with strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Good manual dexterity, fine motor skills, and visual acuity.
• Professional interaction skills and ability to maintain composure under stress.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certification (or eligibility) for Histotechnician (HT) through ASCP or equivalent.

Position Details

• Job Type/FTE: Full-Time (1.0)
• Shift: Evening Shift (12:00 pm - 8:30 pm), Tuesday - Saturday
• Work Location: Hyde Park
• Unit/Department: Anatomic Pathology Lab
• CBA Code: Non-Union

Why Join Us

We’ve been at the forefront of medicine since 1899, providing superior healthcare with compassion. We seek passionate, talented, and committed employees to help us advance medical innovation, serve the community, and improve lives. Join us and add meaningful work to your career profile.

UChicago Medicine is growing; learn more at: UChicago Medicine Career Opportunities.

We are an equal opportunity employer, evaluating applicants without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristics.

Must comply with COVID-19 vaccination requirements, with exemptions considered per law. Pre-employment physical, drug screening, and background check are required.

Compensation & Benefits

We are committed to transparency. The offered salary will be based on qualifications, experience, and organizational considerations, with a full range of benefits available for eligible roles.