Histotechnologist

Michigan Medicine; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent medical, dental and vision

Retirement savings match

Job summary

Michigan Medicine is seeking a qualified laboratory professional to prepare tissue samples for microscopic examination, perform histology duties, and manage quality control in a high-volume academic environment.

The role involves tissue processing, microtomy, staining, and data entry, with emphasis on accuracy and confidentiality. Evening shift, full-time, on-site in Ann Arbor, with potential for hybrid work as per department policy.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology or related science field or equivalent experience.
• Competence in immunohistochemical stains and related techniques.
• Histology laboratory experience required and able to work in a high-volume academic setting.
• Proven ability to communicate professionally in an academic team.

Responsibilities

• Prepare tissue samples for microscopic examination and staining.
• Perform gross examination, tissue processing, embedding, microtomy and sectioning.
• Maintain quality control records and ensure accurate data entry.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment safely and efficiently.

Skills

Tissue processing

Histology

Immunohistochemistry

Microtomy

Laboratory QA/QC

Data entry

Education

Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology or related science

Associate degree in a laboratory science or medical laboratory technology

Tools

Histology instruments

Immunohistochemistry systems

Electron microscopy equipment

Laboratory Information Systems (LIS)

Job description

Mission Statement Michigan Medicine improves the health of patients, populations and communities through excellence in education, patient care, community service, research and technology development, and through leadership activities in Michigan, nationally and internationally. Our mission is guided by our Strategic Principles and has three critical components; patient care, education and research that together enhance our contribution to society.

Responsibilities*

• Prepare tissue samples for microscopic examination by performing routine procedures.
• Handles day-to-day tasks of preparing and staining tissue, with close attention to equipment and detail.
• Proficient in one or more lab-relevant aspects of Surgical Pathology, immunohistochemical stains, direct immunofluorescence, muscle histochemistry, histochemical stains (special stains), electron microscopy, microtomy of secondary cuts (recuts), microtomy of dermatology squares
• Perform gross examination of simple biopsies (if CAP/CLIA qualified), tissue processing, embedding, microtomy, staining, cover slipping, and frozen sectioning efficiently according to established policies, procedures, and protocols in a high-volume academic environment.
• TMA control creation and maintenance
• Maintain accurate records of quality assurance and quality control.
• Maintain all laboratory equipment safely and efficiently, following established guidelines.
• Perform specimen accessioning, including all manual and computerized data entry.
• Knowledgeable in general laboratory practices and programs.
• Professional and collegial communication skills necessary to work closely with peers in an academic teamwork environment.
• Training new students/hires.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Adapt quickly to change.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Role Specific Duties And Responsibilites

• Prepare tissue samples for microscopic examination by performing routine procedures.
• Handles day-to-day tasks of preparing and staining tissue, with close attention to equipment and detail.
• Proficient in one or more lab-relevant aspects of Surgical Pathology, immunohistochemical stains, direct immunofluorescence, muscle histochemistry, histochemical stains (special stains), electron microscopy, microtomy of secondary cuts (recuts), microtomy of dermatology squares
• Perform gross examination of simple biopsies (if CAP/CLIA qualified), tissue processing, embedding, microtomy, staining, cover slipping, and frozen sectioning efficiently according to established policies, procedures, and protocols in a high-volume academic environment.
• TMA control creation and maintenance
• Maintain accurate records of quality assurance and quality control.
• Maintain all laboratory equipment safely and efficiently, following established guidelines.
• Perform specimen accessioning, including all manual and computerized data entry.
• Knowledgeable in general laboratory practices and programs.
• Professional and collegial communication skills necessary to work closely with peers in an academic teamwork environment.
• Training new students/hires.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Adapt quickly to change.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications*

• Education: Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology or other related science field or an equivalent combination of education and clinical experience.
• Be competent in one of the following specialties:
  • Immunohistochemical stains, direct immunofluorescence, muscle histochemistry, histochemical stains (special stains), electron microscopy, microtomy of secondary cuts (recuts), microtomy of dermatology squares.
• Knowledge of relevant aspects of Surgical Pathology (grossing if CLIA qualified).
• Histology laboratory experience is required.
• Professional and collegial communication skills to work closely with peers in an academic teamwork environment.
• Ability to receive and adapt quickly to change.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Requires frequent standing, walking, sitting, fine motor skills with hands for long periods of time and the ability to lift 45 lbs.

Desired Qualifications*

• HT (ASCP) or HTL certification preferred and an equivalent combination of clinical histology experience of all relevant aspects of Surgical Pathology (grossing if CLIA qualified).

High Complexity Testing (CLIA grossing, immunohistochemical stains, direct immunofluorescence, and EM)-Require the following qualifications listed below to perform-

• An earned associate degree in a laboratory science or medical laboratory technology, obtained from an accredited institution, OR
• Education/training equivalent to the above that includes the following:
• 60 semester hours or equivalent from an accredited institution. This education must include 24 semester hours of medical laboratory technology courses, OR 24 semester hours of science courses that includes six semester hours of chemistry, six semester hours of biology, and 12 semester hours of chemistry, biology or medical laboratory technology in any combination, AND
• Laboratory training including either completion of a clinical laboratory training program approved or accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), or the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) (note that this training may be included in the 60 semester hours listed above), OR at least three months of recorded laboratory training in each specialty in which the individual performs high complexity testing. OR
• Successfully completed an official U.S. military medical laboratory procedures training course of at least 50 weeks duration and currently hold the military enlisted occupational specialty of medical laboratory specialist (laboratory technician).

Why Join Michigan Medicine?

Michigan Medicine is one of the largest health care complexes in the world and has been the site of many groundbreaking medical and technological advancements since the opening of the U-M Medical School in 1850. Michigan Medicine is comprised of over 30,000 employees and our vision is to attract, inspire, and develop outstanding people in medicine, sciences, and healthcare to become one of the world's most distinguished academic health systems. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. Work at Michigan Medicine and become a victor for the greater good.

What Benefits can you Look Forward to?

• Excellent medical, dental and vision coverage effective on your very first day
• 2:1 Match on retirement savings

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Work Schedule

This full time, 40 hour position is on the evening shift Sunday - Thursday and may participate in rotating weekends, holidays and on-call.

Additional Information

Working Conditions

• Works with infectious disease and/or hazardous materials.
• May have exposure to noise from laboratory equipment.

Union Affiliation

This position is covered under the collective bargaining agreement between the U-M and the United Michigan Medicine Allied Professionals (UMMAP), which contains and settles all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment.

Background Screening

Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background screenings. Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Report Act. Pre-employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including new or additional faculty and staff appointments, as well as transfers from other U-M campuses.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.