Histotechnician

AZUS Arizona Urology Specialists PLCC; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off

Employee assistance programs

Corporate discounts

Job summary

Arizona Urology Specialists in Phoenix is seeking a skilled Histology Technician to perform tissue processing, embedding, microtomy, slide preparation, and IHC, supporting GU specimens and surgical pathology workflows.

The role requires HT(ASCP) certification (preferred) and experience in a busy pathology lab. You will work on-site, maintaining SOPs, quality control, and accurate specimen documentation while collaborating with pathology staff.

Qualifications

• HT(ASCP) certification preferred; equivalent education and experience may be considered.
• Experience in anatomic pathology and histology laboratory procedures.
• Working knowledge of tissue processing, embedding, microtomy, routine staining, special stains, and immunohistochemistry.
• Experience with genitourinary specimens preferred.
• Ability to operate and troubleshoot routine histology and immunohistochemistry equipment.
• Ability to accurately identify and differentiate tissue structures and evaluate staining quality.
• Ability to distinguish colors accurately, including subtle variations in histologic and immunohistochemical staining.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate specimen identification and documentation.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and manage workload in a fast-paced laboratory environment.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a laboratory team.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine histology procedures including tissue processing, embedding, microtomy, and slide preparation.
• Operate and maintain histology equipment, including processors, embedding stations, microtomes, and water baths.
• Perform routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and quality control of laboratory instruments.
• Ensure proper specimen identification, labeling, and tracking throughout histology.
• Perform gross examinations and preparation of GU specimens.
• Cut routine and specialized tissue sections for H&E, special stains, and IHC.
• Operate automated staining platforms and antigen retrieval equipment; prepare reagents.
• Receive, accession, and process GU specimens; coordinate sendouts as needed.
• Follow SOPs; maintain instrument maintenance and temperature monitoring.
• Maintain inventory of reagents and supplies; notify management of shortages.

Skills

Histology procedures

Tissue handling

Quality control

Specimen tracking

Independent/teamwork

Education

HT(ASCP) certification preferred

Tools

Tissue processors

Microtomes

IHC platforms

LIS software

Job description

Why Join Us?

At Arizona Urology Specialists, we believe our people are the foundation of our success. When you join our team, you become part of an organization committed to exceptional patient care, clinical excellence, innovation, and continuous growth. We foster a collaborative and supportive culture where employees are valued, empowered, and encouraged to make a meaningful impact every day. Whether you're just starting your career or looking to take the next step professionally, you'll find opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive while helping improve the lives of the patients and communities we serve. We offer competitive compensation and a healthy work-life balance, allowing you to enjoy your evenings and weekends. Employees also enjoy an outstanding benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance, tuition reimbursement, employee assistance programs, corporate discounts, paid time off, and much more. At Arizona Urology Specialists, you'll find more than a job, you'll find a rewarding career with purpose.

Job Description: Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Histology and Tissue Processing
   • Perform routine histology procedures, including tissue processing, embedding, microtomy, and slide preparation. Properly orient, embed, and section tissue specimens.
   • Operate and maintain tissue processors, embedding stations, microtomes, water baths, ovens, and other histology equipment.
   • Perform routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and quality control of laboratory instruments.
   • Ensure proper specimen identification, labeling, and tracking throughout the histology process.
2. Specimen Grossing and Handling
   • Ability to perform gross examination, description, and preparation of genitourinary specimens, including prostate, bladder, and other GU tissues, according to established procedures.
   • Verify specimen identification and match specimens with requisitions and laboratory information system (LIS) records.
   • Maintain proper specimen handling, fixation, and preservation procedures.
3. Microtomy and Slide Preparation
   • Cut routine and specialized tissue sections using manual and automated microtomes.
   • Prepare slides for H&E, special stains, and immunohistochemistry (IHC).
   • Ensure proper tissue orientation, section thickness, and slide quality.
4. Staining and Immunohistochemistry
   • Operate automated staining platforms and antigen retrieval equipment.
   • Prepare reagents, maintain staining equipment, and perform required quality control.
   • Evaluate staining quality using appropriate controls and recognize staining abnormalities or failures.
   • Troubleshoot staining issues and document quality control activities.
5. Specimen Accessioning and Reference Laboratory Sendouts
   • Receive, accession, and process incoming GU specimens and associated documentation.
   • Verify patient identifiers, specimen labeling, and requisition accuracy.
   • Identify specimens requiring reference laboratory testing or sendout services.
   • Prepare, package, document, and coordinate tissue, block, and slide sendouts.
   • Maintain accurate specimen tracking and documentation.
6. Laboratory Quality and Documentation
   • Follow established laboratory policies, procedures, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
   • Perform and document accurate quality control, instrument maintenance, and temperature monitoring as required.
   • Assist with quality assurance activities, inspections, and regulatory compliance requirements.
   • Maintain appropriate inventory of reagents and supplies and notify management of supply shortages.
7. Laboratory Safety and Compliance
   • Follow universal precautions, infection control practices, and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements.
   • Properly handle, store, and dispose of biological specimens and hazardous chemicals.
   • Follow chemical hygiene, bloodborne pathogen, fire safety, and emergency procedures.
   • Maintain patient confidentiality and comply with HIPAA requirements.
8. General Laboratory Responsibilities
   • Maintain a clean, organized, and adequately stocked work area.
   • Prioritize STAT and routine workloads to meet laboratory turnaround times.
   • Assist with slide and block organization, case preparation, and distribution for pathologist review.
   • Communicate specimen issues, workflow concerns, and equipment problems to laboratory management.
   • Perform other related duties as assigned such as specimen discrepancy resolutions.

Qualifications and Requirements

• HT(ASCP) certification preferred; equivalent education and experience may be considered.
• Previous experience in anatomic pathology and histology laboratory procedures.
• Working knowledge of tissue processing, embedding, microtomy, routine staining, special stains, and immunohistochemistry.
• Experience with genitourinary specimens preferred.
• Ability to operate and troubleshoot routine histology and immunohistochemistry equipment.
• Ability to accurately identify and differentiate tissue structures and evaluate staining quality.
• Ability to distinguish colors accurately, including subtle variations in histologic and immunohistochemical staining.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate specimen identification and documentation.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and manage workload in a fast-paced laboratory environment.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a laboratory team.
• Ability to safely handle biological specimens, formalin, xylene, and other laboratory chemicals while following established safety procedures.
• Reliable transportation to and from the laboratory to fulfill your shift.

Arizona Urology Specialists is one of Arizona's premier urology practices, providing exceptional, patient-centered care across the greater Phoenix and Scottsdale communities for more than 50 years. Guided by a commitment to innovation, clinical excellence, and compassion, our team is dedicated to improving the lives of those we serve. Join us and discover a rewarding career where you can grow professionally, make a lasting impact, and help shape the future of urologic care.