Histotechnologist 1 or 2

UCSF Health; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

UCSF Health is seeking a Histotechnologist to receive, gross, process and prepare surgical specimens including biopsies for histology. You will examine specimens grossly, weigh and cut samples, and submit blocks for processing under the supervision of pathologists.

You may perform frozen sections, assist with complex specimens, and support morgue duties as needed. Strong biology background and precise data handling are essential.

Qualifications

• Degree in a biological science with coursework in anatomy or equivalent science background.
• Excellent data entry, word processing, spelling, grammar and editing skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of medical terminology.
• Ability to organize and prioritize responsibilities and perform under pressure to meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Receive, accessions, gross and process surgical specimens including biopsies.
• Dictate clinical descriptions for report transcription and liaise with clinicians.
• Prepare specimens for histology, weigh, measure, fix, ink, and section; submit for processing.
• Assist with autopsies and Morgue duties and support histology/electron microscopy labs.

Skills

Biological science degree

Data entry

Communication skills

Medical terminology

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in biological science

Job description

Job Description

Under the general supervision of the Medical Directors, Site Manager and the Gross Room Supervisor / Morgue Supervisor depending on rotation, the incumbent receives, accessions, and prepares or “grosses in” specified surgical specimens which includes biopsies and larger specimens: examines the specimen grossly, weighs, measures, fixes, inks, cuts representative samples, cassettes and submits the specimens for histological processing, dictates clinical description for report transcription, contacts clinicians / surgeons regarding clinical information, and enters information into the Pathology computer system. Processes a wide variety of specimen types, primarily biopsies (HT I level), at the higher level (HT II), grosses in specified complex specimens, while functioning at a higher level of independence, and at the much higher level (HT III, HT Lead), performs independently in the absence of the Gross Room Supervisor, working closely with the attending pathologists regarding complex specimen handling. Picks up frozen section requests from surgeons in the operating room, performs frozen sectioning/staining for rapid diagnosis by the pathologist; assists with specimen photography; and other technical duties as needed. Must be able to work variable schedules and rotate at other sites as needed. Incumbent may also assist with autopsies and other Morgue duties, embed tissues and other duties in Histology or Electron Microscopy Laboratories. Other duties as assigned.

NOTE: The classification of Histotechnologist 1 or Histotechnologist 2 will be determined based upon the qualifications of the selected candidate.

Qualifications

• Completion of a degree in a biological science including course-work in Anatomy or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience to include 2 years of coursework with a minimum of 60 semester hours of college courses, including 24 semester hours of relevant science courses (chemistry, biology, anatomy) plus experience as a surgical gross-room technician.
• Excellent data entry, word processing, spelling, grammar, and editing skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills required.
• Knowledge of medical terminology.
• Ability to organize and prioritize responsibilities and perform well under pressure to meet deadlines.

Technologist Classification Series

• Histotechnologist Lead: Four year college degree in a biological science or equivalent including 5 years surgical pathology experience cutting in (grossing) biopsies, performing frozen sections, with at least 4 years of that experience cutting in complex specimens.
• Histotechnologist III: Four year college degree in a biological science or equivalent including 3 years surgical pathology experience cutting in (grossing) biopsies, performing frozen sections, with at least 1 year of that experience cutting in complex specimens.
• Histotechnologist II: Four year college degree in a biological science or equivalent including 2 years surgical pathology experience cutting in (grossing) biopsies, performing frozen sections and expected successful completion of department training program cutting in complex surgical specimens.
• Histotechnologist I: Four year college degree in a biological science or equivalent combination education and experience in a hospital surgical pathology laboratory, including some demonstrated experience performing cryostat sectioning, staining or histology techniques.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biological science with experience in hospital gross room setting.

About Us

About UCSF

The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a leading university dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care. It is the only campus in the 10-campus UC system dedicated exclusively to the health sciences. We bring together the world’s leading experts in nearly every area of health. We are home to five Nobel laureates who have advanced the understanding of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, aging and stem cells.

Pride Values

UCSF is a diverse community made of people with many skills and talents. We seek candidates whose work experience or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence – also known as our PRIDE values . In addition to our PRIDE values, UCSF is committed to equity – both in how we deliver care as well as our workforce. We are committed to building a broadly diverse community, nurturing a culture that is welcoming and supportive, and engaging diverse ideas for the provision of culturally competent education, discovery, and patient care. Additional information about UCSF is available here .

Join us to find a rewarding career contributing to improving healthcare worldwide.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

Salary Information

The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy. Your placement within the salary range is dependent on a number of factors including your work experience and internal equity within this position classification at UCSF. For positions that are represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range will be guided by the rules in the collective bargaining agreement. To learn more about the benefits of working at UCSF, including total compensation, please visit: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html