Histotechnologist (Per Diem/Casual)

Socket.dev; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 52,000; Part time

Job summary

Socket.dev is seeking a part-time Histotechnologist (HT/HTL) to support a CAP/CLIA accredited laboratory. The role involves specimen processing, IHC, and collaboration with pathologists. The candidate will ensure accurate data entry, maintain equipment, and uphold high-quality standards in spatial biology workflows.

The position offers flexible scheduling with weekend possibilities and requires 5+ years in histology/IHC, CLIA qualifications, and state licensure where required.

Qualifications

• HT/HTL certification through ASCP or equivalent
• Minimum 5 years professional histology and/or IHC experience
• CLIA ’88 qualifications to perform moderate/high complexity testing as described
• Expertise in immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and assay development
• Knowledge of molecular pathology and spatial biology, with ability to manage complex tasks

Responsibilities

• Interprets physician notes and gathers missing clinical information
• Determines specimen adequacy for all histology samples
• Receives/rejects specimens following SOPs
• Data entry of case information into LIMS with accurate patient identifiers
• Performs grossing, embedding, sectioning, staining, IHC, recuts, and coverslips
• Reviews control slides for staining accuracy
• Validates reagents, antibodies, and kits before use
• Prepares stock reagents for manual and automated processes
• Evaluates tissue orientation and diagnostic criteria with pathologist
• Performs equipment calibration and maintenance as required
• Monitors solution pH, temperatures, and environmental conditions
• Maintains and documents routine QC/QA activities
• Coordinates workload to maximize productivity
• Ensures compliance with GCP, FDA, CAP SOPs
• Participates in training and committee activities

Skills

HT/HTL certification (ASCP)

Histology experience

Immunohistochemistry (IHC)

Immunofluorescence

Molecular pathology

Spatial biology

Assay development

Licensure (state)

Education

BS/BA/AS in laboratory science

High School Diploma/GED with equivalent experience

Job description

This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing, state-of the-art CAP/CLIA accredited laboratory focused on accelerating biomarker and drug development. You will have the opportunity to apply your knowledge and gain more experience in the areas of anatomic and molecular pathology. You will support a variety of projects with global reach, have access to world-class equipment and apply cutting-edge technologies in the area of spatial biology/omics. The Histotechnologist is responsible for specimen processing and producing complete, reliable and accurate products to the pathologists, both internal and external.

Note that this is a casual position, estimated at 10-20 hours per week, on a flexible schedule (weekends are a possibility!).

Laboratory Functions

• Interprets physician notes and when clinical information is contradictive or missing, obtains required information.
• Determines specimen adequacy for all histology samples.
• Receives, accesses, or rejects all specimens by following standard operating procedures (SOP’s).
• Performs data entry of case information into the appropriate computer system, ensuring that all identifying information is accurate and in the appropriate format.
• Grosses, processes, embeds, cuts, stains, performs special stains, immunohistochemistry (IHC), recuts, and coverslips all specimens received into the laboratory.
• Reviews control slides to ensure proper staining patterns.
• Validates equipment, detection kits, antibody lots, blockers, inhibitors, control tissue and new antibodies and documents before use on any specimen.
• Prepares stock reagents for use on manual and automated processes.
• Reviews cases at the microscope and discusses tissue orientation requirements and diagnostic criteria with pathologist and other histotechnician(s)/histotechnologist(s) as needed.
• Performs calibration of equipment as required.
• Checks and monitors pH of solutions, temperatures, and room environmental conditions (e.g. humidity) on a regular basis and documents the value for each on the proper chart/log.
• Performs and documents daily, monthly, quarterly, & annual maintenance activities.
• Transmits clinical trial subject data via laboratory information system protocol.
• Performs all housekeeping duties in the work area and laboratory.
• Checks, orders, and restocks supply inventory to ensure timely processing of each specimen.
• Participates actively in all laboratory quality management functions.
• Assists the supervisor in the creation, revision, retirement, implementation, and annual review of SOP’s
• Respects the confidentiality of patient records.
• Disposes of and properly handles sharps, reagents, biological and/or hazardous waste in a manner that is consistent with laboratory, state, and federal regulations.
• Utilizes, maintains, troubleshoots and documents equipment maintenance, according to checklist, to ensure proper performance of equipment.
• Follows laboratory requirements to file, retain, or destroy tissue, blocks, slides, logs, and paperwork.
• Coordinates workload to maximize productivity and quality of work based upon metrics.
• Completes all procedures expected in the scheduled time without loss of work quality.
• Notifies management regarding trends, changes, or problems as they occur.
• Adheres to SOP’s, work area instructions, and policies related to Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and FDA guidances and compliance requirements.
• Follows the College of American Pathologist (CAP) requirements for performing proficiency testing and reporting results.
• Participates in training/teaching as requested.

Other Functions

• Attends meetings and participates on committees as requested.
• Possesses high standards for organization and quality.
• Assists with departmental projects as assigned by management.
• Reviews current literature and attends training sessions to keep informed of new developments in the field.
• Checks email on a regular basis, no less than daily or as directed by management.
• Conducts business in a manner that puts the lives of our patients and the relationships with our clients as the highest priority.
• Performs other related duties and responsibilities as directed.

Qualifications

• HT or HTL certification from the ASCP or equivalent work experience.
• BS, BA, or AS in a laboratory science curriculum or High School Diploma/GED with equivalent work experience.
• Meet CLIA ’88 qualifications to perform moderate and high complexity testing/gross examination as described in Sec. 493.1489 and Sec. 493.1423
• Minimum of 5 years professional experience in Histology and/or IHC.
• State licensure where required.
• Expertise in immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and assay development.
• Demonstrated knowledge in molecular pathology and spatial biology, with the ability to independently manage complex tasks and provide innovative solutions in a laboratory setting