Histotechnologist, Surgical Pathology – Precision Diagnostics

Northwestern Medicine; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition reimbursement

Loan forgiveness

401(k) matching

Job summary

Northwestern Medicine seeks a Histotechnologist to perform routine histology procedures and prepare slides for microscopic review by pathologists. The role includes specimen processing, embedding, sectioning, staining, and quality control within a regulated laboratory environment.

You will collaborate with pathologists, residents, and coordinators, participate in the laboratory occurrence management program, and contribute to safety and infection control initiatives while supporting training of

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in the biological, physical, chemical, life sciences, medical laboratory technology, or histology.
• HTL (ASCP) certification or HTL (ASCP) eligible. If eligible must take and pass the national certifying exam within one year of employment.

Responsibilities

• Performs cassette-log reconciliation. Initiates appropriate programs on conventional and microwave tissue processors. Recognizes, resolves, and documents standard processor alarms.
• Embeds biopsy, routine surgical, and autopsy tissues, if applicable, per SOP. Recognizes adequacy of processing.
• Identifies and orients tissues correctly. Documents tracking and quality issues on embedding log.
• Performs and documents routine paraffin block reconciliation. Prioritizes blocks based on established guidelines.
• Operates microtome per SOP, and determines appropriate block orientation and alignment, knife angles, and settings to obtain representative sections.
• Recognizes acceptable vs. unacceptable sections; evaluates instances in which specific tissue might require a deviation from standard procedures to ensure diagnostic sections are produced.
• Appropriate documentation including specimen identification throughout all technical and clerical processes including in the laboratory information system, as well as cassettes, slides and logs, as required by regulatory compliance.
• Operates automated instrumentation to stain and coverslip microscopic slides.
• Performs manual methods during instrument downtimes.
• Recognizes, resolves, and documents unacceptable staining, coverslipping results and/or instrument failure.
• Performs special staining techniques using automated instrumentation and manual methods.
• Identifies appropriate positive and/or negative controls. Evaluates stains microscopically for acceptable results.
• Executes sectioning and staining of frozen tissue.
• Identifies and corrects staining deficiencies. Documents stains and quality issues.
• Performs and/or assists with gross examination, dissection, and selection of representative tissue for microscopic examination for designated specimen, if applicable by site. Resolves discrepancies prior to gross examination and escalates to supervisor or Pathologist when necessary.
• Utilizes dictation equipment to document description per procedure, if applicable.
• Investigates, escalates, and documents any discrepancies or unresolved issues appropriately.
• Prioritizes technical workload based on assignment or established priorities, responds effectively to changes in workflow adjusting work to incorporate STAT requests or fluctuations in work volume.
• Exercises independent judgment in the performance of technical responsibilities.
• Practices the proficient and safe use of all equipment necessary for the completion of all duties and responsibilities within defined turn-around times.
• Performs required Quality System responsibilities including initiating “Quality Investigation Reports”.

Education

Bachelor's degree in biological, physical, chemical, life sciences, medical laboratory technology, or histology

HTL (ASCP) certification or HTL (ASCP) eligible

Job description

Northwestern Medicine seeks a Histotechnologist to perform routine histology procedures and prepare slides for microscopic review by pathologists. The role includes specimen processing, embedding, sectioning, staining, and quality control within a regulated laboratory environment.

You will collaborate with pathologists, residents, and coordinators, participate in the laboratory occurrence management program, and contribute to safety and infection control initiatives while supporting training of