Histology Technologist

Kaiser Permanente Northwest; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 73,000 - 94,000; Full time

Job summary

Kaiser Permanente Northwest is seeking a Histology Technician to support the pathology team at the NW Regional Lab in Portland, Oregon. You will process specimens, embed tissues, prepare sections, and perform stains including IHC, under supervision.

The role requires adherence to safety and quality protocols and may involve Mohs procedure support. Working conditions are onsite with variable shifts; strong English communication and teamwork skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience in a histology lab or completion of an accredited histology training program within six months of application.
• High school diploma or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Process specimens according to established protocols and document activities.
• Embed tissue in paraffin and ensure correct orientation.
• Prepare 2–8 micron sections and verify identity of tissue blocks.
• Perform automated and manual stains including H&E, special stains, immunohistochemistry.
• Operate instrumentation and maintain equipment; troubleshoot problems.
• May assist Mohs procedures under supervision of a surgeon.
• Provide guidance and training to lab assistants and ensure QC.

Skills

Histology techniques

English communication

Education

Associates degree in chemistry or health science field

Tools

ASCP certifications

Job description

Job Summary

The purpose of the position is to assist the pathologists by supplying diagnostic material by both routine and special procedures to enable the pathologists to provide diagnostic interpretation.

Essential Responsibilities

• Process specimens according to established protocols. Document activities as indicated. Operate instruments according to intended purpose and documented procedures. Perform instrument maintenance as required by the manufacturer. Maintain records of maintenance as directed by accrediting and certifying agencies and their designees.
• Follow all safety guidelines and cautions. Handle potentially infectious or hazardous materials cautiously. Use personal protective equipment as directed. Follow reagent identification and traceability protocols.
• Embed tissue in paraffin. Must be able to identify if properly oriented. Understand that correct orientation of specimen is critical to diagnosis.
• Prepare 2-8 micron sections depending upon tissue type and/or test required. Assure patient identification and traceability standards are met. Must be able to recognize if cut section is representative of tissue present in the block. Also able to recognize tumor is left for diagnostic review. Document activities as directed. Control quality of hematoxylin and eosin staining. Document QC activities with accuracy.
• Perform automated and manual special stains for identification of specific cell components. Perform enzyme histochemistry testing. Operate and maintain instrumentation. Also encompasses the knowledge of chemistry to prepare and/or titration of reagents. Able to recognize, differentiate and develop cell components so that the stain will be of diagnostic value. Review slides and verify acceptable stain quality prior to distribution. Must be able to investigate problems with the procedure or instrumentation.
• Perform immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization procedures which involves working with antibodies that may be infectious. Operate and maintain instrumentation. Operate micropipettes to achieve appropriate dilutions. Must be able to prepare serial dilutions to establish appropriate dilution factors. Review slides and verify acceptable stain quality prior to distribution. Must be able to investigate problems with the procedure or instrumentation.
• May perform technical components of Mohs procedure under direction and supervision of a surgeon.
• Advise laboratory assistants; provide direction and troubleshooting assistance with labeling, filing, slide distribution, workload tally, instrument operation and maintenance and reagent maintenance. Training responsibility.

Basic Qualifications

• Two (2) years of experience in a technical role in a histology laboratory or completion of an accredited histology training program prior to, or within 6 months of application.

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent.

License, Certification, Registration

• N/A

Additional Requirements

• Completion of an accredited histology training program within six (6) months of application.
• Working knowledge of histology functions including embedding, routine H&E, special stains and immunohistochemistry.
• Familiar with manual and semi-automated microtome and cryostat.
• Able to perform basic tasks done in the Histology department.
• Demonstrated verbal and written command of the English language.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to function as part of a team.
• Working knowledge of computer applications.
• Demonstrated customer service focused skills.
• Demonstrated ability to perform multiple tasks in a limited time frame.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two (2) or more years of technical histology experience within two (2) years of application.
• HT (ASCP), MLT (ASCP) certification with histology experience.
• Excellent knowledge and practice of histology functions including routine H&E, special stains, and immunohistochemistry.
• Strong embedding, microtomy and histology techniques.
• Strong verbal and written command of the English language.
• Demonstrated ability to function collaboratively as part of a team.
• Strong computer skills.
• Strong customer service skills.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and perform multiple tasks in a limited time frame to meet deadlines.
• Self-motivated, reliable, accountable.
• Associates degree in chemistry or health science field.

Primary Location

Oregon, Portland, Airport Way Regional Laboratory

Scheduled Weekly Hours

1

Shift

Variable

Workdays

Sun, Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat

Working Hours Start

12:00 AM

Working Hours End

11:59 PM

Job Schedule

Call-in/On-Call

Job Type

Standard

Worker Location

Onsite

Employee Status

Regular

Employee Group/Union Affiliation

W02|AFT|Local 5017

Job Level

Individual Contributor

Department

NW Regional Lab - Pathology/Lab-Anatomical - 1008

Pay Range

$35.12 - $44.96 / hour

Kaiser Permanente strives to offer a market competitive total rewards package and is committed to pay equity and transparency. The posted pay range is based on possible base salaries for the role and does not reflect the full value of our total rewards package. Actual base pay determined at offer will be based on labor market data, internal alignment, and a candidate's years of relevant work experience, education, certifications, skills, and geographic location.

Travel

Yes, 10 % of the Time

Work Setting

Onsite

Worker location must align with Kaiser Permanente's Authorized States policy.

Kaiser Permanente is an equal opportunity employer committed to fair, respectful, and inclusive workplaces. Applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic or status.