Histotechnologist - Anatomic Pathology Core Lab - Days

VCU Health System Authority; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

VCU Health System Authority is seeking a Histotechnologist to process pathology specimens, stain slides, and prepare materials for pathologist review. You will label, track, and ensure proper progression of specimens until diagnosis.

Responsibilities include complex staining, immunohistochemical techniques, and maintaining equipment and records. Weekend rotation and on-call shifts may be required.

Qualifications

• Must be certified asHistotechnician (HT) or Histotechnologist (HLT) by ASCP or equivalent.
• New graduates must obtain certification within 12 months of hire.
• Minimum of one year of work experience in a Histology laboratory or graduate from an accredited Biology program.

Responsibilities

• Perform histological procedures including complex staining and immunohistochemical techniques.
• Determine handling and prioritization of tissue samples for microscopic analysis.
• Utilize appropriate equipment for histological protocols.
• Microscopically analyze stained slides and controls; adjust procedures as needed.
• Perform preventive maintenance, cleaning, and troubleshooting of lab equipment.
• Maintain archive of slides and blocks.
• Assist in maintaining laboratory accreditation standards (quality control/assurance).
• Monitor laboratory supplies to maintain inventory.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Attention to detail

On-call ability

Problem solving

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Bachelor's Degree in Biological Science (preferred)

Histotechnician/Histotechnologist certification (HT/HLT)

Tools

Histology equipment operation

Staining systems

Immunohistochemistry techniques

Job description

$7,500 Sign On Bonus for offers accepted by November 30, 2026. Terms and Conditions apply

The Histotechnologist receives histology specimens and processes them using various methodologies, complex machinery, and staining systems. Histotechnologists perform a variety of tasks, consisting primarily of preparing and processing pathology specimens in preparation for pathologist review and diagnosis. Histotechnologists are responsible for appropriately staining the slides whether with routine, special or immunohistochemical stains. The Histotechnologist is responsible for labeling, entering, and tracking the progress of the specimen until it reaches the Pathologist for diagnosis.

Essential Job Statements

• Responsible for performing and demonstrating competency of histological procedures including complex staining and immunohistochemical techniques.
• Determines appropriate handling and prioritization of tissue samples submitted for microscopic analysis.
• Utilizes appropriate equipment for histological protocols.
• Microscopically analyzes all stained slides and controls to verify the accuracy of the testing and adjusts procedures as necessary.
• Performs routine preventative maintenance, cleaning, and troubleshooting of lab equipment.
• Helps maintain archive of filed slides and blocks.
• Assists in maintaining laboratory accreditation standards, to include quality control and quality assurance documentation.
• Monitors laboratory supplies to maintain proper inventory.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Patient Population

• Neonates (0-4 weeks)
• Infant (1-12 months)
• Pediatrics (1-12 years)
• Adolescents (13-17 years)
• Adults (18-64 years)
• Geriatrics (65 years and older)

Required Education: High School Diploma or equivalent

Preferred Education: Bachelor's Degree in Biological Science

Licensure/Certification Required: Certified as a Histotechnician (HT) or Histotechnologist (HLT) by the American Society for Clinical Pathology or an equivalent certification agency.

New graduates of an accredited Histotechnology program must obtain certification within 12 months of hire.

Licensure/Certification Preferred: N/A

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of one (1) year of work experience in a Histology laboratory if not a graduate from an accredited Bachelors of Biological Science Program

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required: Rotating weekends as required. Holiday scheduling as required. On-call availability as required.

Cultural Responsiveness: N/A

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred: N/A

Working Conditions

• Periods of high stress and fluctuating workloads may occur.
• General office environment.
• May be exposed to adverse weather conditions; cold, hot, dust, wind, etc.
• May be exposed to high noise levels and bright lights.
• May be exposed to limited hazardous substances or body fluids.
• May be exposed to human blood and other potentially infectious materials.
• May have periods of constant interruptions.
• Prolonged periods of working alone.
• Individuals in this position are required to exercise universal precautions, use personal protective equipment and devices, and learn the policies concerning infection control.

Physical Requirements

• Physical Demands: Lifting/ Carrying (0-50 lbs.), Lifting/ Carrying (50-100 lbs.), Push/ Pull (0-50 lbs.), Push/ Pull (50-100 lbs.), Stoop, Kneel, Squat, Climbing, Balance, Bending
• Work Position: Sitting, Walking, Standing

Additional Physical Requirements/ Hazards

• Physical Requirements: Manual dexterity (eye/hand coordination), Perform shift work, Hear alarms/telephone/tape recorder, Reach above shoulder, Repetitive arm/hand movements, Finger Dexterity, Color Vision, Acuity - far
• Hazards: Depth perception, Use of Latex Gloves, Exposure to toxic/caustic/chemicals/detergents, Exposure to moving mechanical parts, Exposure to dust/fumes, Exposure to potential electrical shock, Exposure to high pitched noises, Gaseous risk exposure

Mental/Sensory - Emotional

• Mental / Sensory: Strong Recall, Reasoning, Problem Solving, Hearing, Speak Clearly, Write Legibly, Reading, Logical Thinking
• Emotional: Fast-paced environment, Steady Pace, Able to Handle Multiple Priorities, Frequent and Intense Customer Interactions, Noisy Environment, Able to Adapt to Frequent Change

Compensation Range

$28.22 - $42.28 Actual salary offers will be based on several key factors to include relevant work experience, credentials, and qualifications.

EEO Employer/Disabled/Protected Veteran