Histotechnician

77 consultants; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

77 consultants in San Diego is looking for a skilled Histotechnician to perform advanced histochemical and immunohistochemical methodologies. Responsibilities include maintaining specialized equipment, embedding tissues, and managing quality control procedures.

Candidates must possess a Certificate in Histotechnology and complete an accredited training program. A minimum of one year of relevant experience is required, along with BLS certification. The schedule is Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 17:30.

Qualifications

• Minimum one year of experience in a histotechnician role within the last three years.
• Current Basic Life Support certification required.
• Preferred certification from American Society for Clinical Pathology.

Responsibilities

• Operate specialized histological equipment and perform quality control.
• Cut tissue using microtomes while meeting high-quality standards.
• Load and manage reagents in automated tissue processors.

Skills

Histochemical methodologies

Immunohistochemical methodologies

Operating specialized histological equipment

Troubleshooting and maintenance of histological tools

Knowledge of human anatomy and physiology

Quality control in histology

Education

Certificate in Histotechnology

Histology technician training program accredited by NAACLS or ABHES

Tools

Microtomes

Tissue processors

Automated staining systems

Analytical balances

Job description

Core Duties

• Proficient in histochemical and immunohistochemical methodologies, embracing complex procedures including special staining techniques and rigorous quality control in alignment with established standards.
• Advanced skills in operating and maintaining specialized histological equipment such as microtomes, tissue processors, analytical balances, automated staining systems, and microscopes. Capable of troubleshooting and executing minor repairs on such equipment.
• Strong foundational knowledge of human anatomy and physiology to ensure precise gross descriptions and handling of various tissue specimens.
• Responsible for the loading, operation, and reagent management on automated tissue processors, ensuring optimal functionality and compliance with protocol.
• Skilled in embedding tissues into paraffin blocks, with a comprehensive understanding of the specificity of different tissue types requiring dedicated embedding techniques.
• Expertise in cutting tissue utilizing both automated and manual rotary microtomes, achieving sections of 2–5 microns that meet high-quality standards while also controlling for tissue variances as dictated by departmental needs.
• Familiar with protocols, procedures, and reagents necessary for generating special stains targeting specific tissue components or microbiological organisms.
• Understands the intricate relationships among pre-analytic, analytic, and post-analytic processes and their potential impact on diagnostic outcomes.

Schedule

Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 17:30, comprising 8.5‑hour shifts. No holidays or weekends required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Degree: Certificate in Histotechnology.
• Education: Completion of a histology technician training program accredited by either the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), or a program recognized by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).
• Experience: Minimum of one year of relevant experience within the past three years in a histotechnician role.
• Certification: Preferred certification and registration as a Histotechnician/Histotechnologist from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (HT-ASCP/HTL-ASCP).
• Security: Ability to pass a government background check/security clearance.
• Life Support Certification: Current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers from either the American Heart Association (AHA) or the American Red Cross (ARC).