Histotechnician: Precision Tissue Processing Specialist

Northwestern Medicine; Palos Heights (IL); On-site; USD 39,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition Reimbursement

Student Loan Repayment

Professional Development

Wellbeing Fund

401(k) Matching

Medical, Dental and Vision Coverage

Life Insurance

Annual Salary Increase and Incentive

Job summary

Northwestern Medicine is seeking a Histotechnician to perform routine histology procedures, embed tissues, and prepare slides for pathologist review. The role requires meticulous documentation, quality control, and effective communication with pathologists and coordinators.

You will operate automated stainers, microtomes, and assist with complex staining workflows. The position emphasizes adherence to SOPs, regulatory compliance, and ongoing professional development within a supportive

Qualifications

• Associates degree or 60 semester hours in biology/chemistry as required.
• HT ASCP certification must be obtained within 1 year of hire.
• Meet CLIA high complexity testing requirements.
• Preferred: Histotechnician degree or certification.

Responsibilities

• Performs cassette-log reconciliation and manages tissue processors.
• Embeds biopsy and surgical tissues per SOP; assess processing adequacy.
• Identifies tissue orientation; documents tracking and quality issues.
• Performs paraffin block reconciliation; prioritizes blocks per guidelines.
• Operates microtome and adjusts settings for representative sections.
• Evaluates staining results and addresses any instrument issues.
• Documents all procedures and runs in LIS and slides/logs as required.
• Operates staining instruments; performs manual methods during downtimes.
• Participates in gross examination and specimen selection as needed.
• Maintains safety, quality, and regulatory compliance in all tasks.

Education

Associate degree with biology/chemistry coursework or 60 semester hours biology/chemistry

HT ASCP certification

High complexity testing (CLIA) eligibility

Histotechnician preferred (AA degree in Histotechnology)

Job description

Northwestern Medicine is seeking a Histotechnician to perform routine histology procedures, embed tissues, and prepare slides for pathologist review. The role requires meticulous documentation, quality control, and effective communication with pathologists and coordinators.

You will operate automated stainers, microtomes, and assist with complex staining workflows. The position emphasizes adherence to SOPs, regulatory compliance, and ongoing professional development within a supportive