Histology Technologist, Anatomic Pathology Lab - Registry, Day Shift

UChicago Medicine; Illinois; On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

UChicago Medicine is looking for a Histology Technologist in the Anatomic Pathology Lab. This role involves preparing and processing specimens for microscopic examination, performing maintenance on laboratory equipment, and ensuring adherence to quality control policies. Candidates should have at least five years of experience in a histology lab and a related degree. The position is based in the greater Chicagoland area and requires hands-on laboratory work. Work hours are on Saturdays during the day shift.

Qualifications

• Five years' experience in a histology laboratory setting.
• Knowledge and proficiency in laboratory instruments.
• Ability to handle large volumes of work within narrow timeframes.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and process surgical and autopsy tissue specimens.
• Perform daily maintenance of laboratory equipment.
• Assist in the development of new protocols.

Skills

Laboratory procedures writing

Automated laboratory instrumentation

Organizational skills

Manual dexterity

Professional interactions

Education

NAACLS accredited Histotechnician or Histotechnologist program or Bachelor's degree in biology

Tools

LIS and specimen tracking software

Word processing software

Spreadsheet software

Job description

Job Description

Be a part of a world‑class academic healthcare system, UChicago Medicine, as a Histology Technologist in the Anatomic Pathology Lab department. In this role, 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. This is a 100% onsite opportunity. You will need to be based in the greater Chicagoland area.

Essential Job Functions

• Ensure that specimens meet acceptance criteria and utilize LIS and specimen tracking/documentation software to assure patient, label, and block identification and record deficiencies/quality concerns.
• Perform daily and preventative maintenance of tissue processors, staining platforms, paraffin dispensers, embedding stations, water baths, microtomes, cryostats, freezers, refrigerators, microscopes, etc. as outlined in laboratory procedures and recommended by the manufacturer.
• Prepare all tissues for microscopic study, including but not limited to specimen receiving and verification, processing, embedding, microtomy (cutting), staining (H&E, special stains and IHC as appropriate), and coverslipping.
• Perform processing/preparation techniques for muscle, sural nerve, and/or renal tissue. May assist in cutting/staining of frozen sections.
• Own process for “recut” logs: additional levels/deepers, special stains, IHC, molecular, etc.
• Prepare routine, special stain, and IHC solutions following laboratory and safety procedures.
• Report all test results according to policies and procedures, within stated turn‑around times, and follow appropriate backup procedures during computer downtimes.
• Practice the proficient and safe use of all equipment necessary for the completion of all duties and responsibilities by following all maintenance, operation, safety and quality controls policies and procedures.
• Assist in the development of new protocol, updated antibodies, and probes.
• Work with peers to identify and resolve problems. Report equipment or instrument malfunctions and document appropriately.
• Escalate serious or persistent issues to the supervisor.
• Maintain section’s inventory.
• Take a project lead responsibilities as needed.
• May assist in the Gross Room as needed.
• Provide patient‑focused care in a clinical setting through the accurate performance of routine and complex tests through the pre‑analytic, analytic and post‑analytic stages.
• Answer inquiries regarding specimen handling, results and other technical information.
• Appropriately assist clinicians with requests and seek out resources necessary when information is not available to answer questions.
• Assist with research projects guided by the department, faculty, fellows and residents.
• Participate in peer interviews of other histotechnicians, histotechnologists, and histology assistants.
• Assist in the training of peers and housestaff in the proficient and safe use of equipment in accordance with departmental policies and procedures.
• Ensure completion of quality control, maintenance, and quality assurance documentation.
• Participate in ongoing laboratory accreditation and inspection preparation.
• Participate in review of laboratory policies and procedures, training and competency activities, and proficiency testing program.
• Maintain pathology archives (pulling and filing blocks, slides, and frozen tissue samples).
• Perform lot‑to‑lot verification for new antibodies and probes against old lots and document the process.
• Perform microscopic quality controls on tissue slides for quality of processing, cutting, staining, and coverslipping, as needed and investigate all steps when staining is not optimal.
• Participate in educational and training activities to acquire new skills, maintain technical relevance and improve proficiency.
• Assist with root cause analysis (RCA) investigations and providing solutions.
• Perform testing as necessary.

Required Qualifications

• Five years’ experience in a histology laboratory setting.
• Successful completion of a NAACLS accredited Histotechnician or Histotechnologist program; and/or Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in biology or other laboratory science.
• Ability to write laboratory procedures and policies.
• Knowledge and ability to use automated and conventional laboratory instrumentation.
• Knowledge and proficiency in the use of word processing, spreadsheet, and laboratory/hospital information systems. Proven ability to use computers for data entry, retrieval, and statistical analysis.
• Ability to handle large volumes of work within narrow timeframes, outstanding organizational ability and attention to detail.
• Visual acuity; Good manual dexterity and fine motor skills and ability to maneuver/lift bulky containers.
• Ability to interact in a professional manner with individuals at all levels.
• Ability to maintain composure in stressful situations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certification (or eligibility) for Histotechnician (HT) and/or Histotechnologist (HTL) through American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or equivalent.

Position Details

• Job Type/FTE: Registry/(0.1 FTE)
• Shift: Day Shift – 6:00am to 2:30pm, Saturdays only
• Unit/Department: Anatomic Pathology Lab
• CBA Code: Non‑Union

Location

5815 S Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL

Equal Opportunity Employer

UChicago Medicine is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, civil union status, parental status, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status and other legally protected characteristics.

Pre‑Employment Requirements

All employees are required to complete a pre‑employment physical, background check, drug screening, and comply with the flu vaccination requirements prior to hire. Medical and religious exemptions will be considered for flu vaccination consistent with applicable law.

Compensation & Benefits Overview

UChicago Medicine is committed to transparency in compensation and benefits. The pay range provided reflects the anticipated wage or salary reasonably expected to be offered for the position. The pay range is based on a full‑time equivalent (1.0 FTE) and is reflective of current market data, reviewed on an annual basis. Compensation offered at the time of hire will vary based on candidate qualifications and experience and organizational considerations, such as internal equity. Pay ranges for employees subject to Collective Bargaining Agreements are negotiated by the medical center and their respective union. Review the full complement of benefit options for eligible roles at Benefits - UChicago Medicine.