Lab Histotech II Lead

Jobtailor; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor is seeking a Histotechnician to perform histology duties per SOPs, embed skin specimens, and prepare slides with accuracy and professionalism. The role requires adhering to safety culture while performing microtomy, staining, and IHC on standard equipment.

Candidates should have a high school diploma or GED (associate degree preferred) and 30 days to 6 months of histology training; ASCP HT/HTL certification is preferred.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required; an Associate Degree is preferred.
• Specialized histology training of 30 days to 6 months is required.
• ASCP-type accredited training is preferred as a quality standard.
• Prior six months work experience in histology is desirable.
• Familiar with major staining techniques and safety procedures.
• Analytical thinker able to process slides under deadlines.
• Ability to identify specimens for supervisory follow-up.

Responsibilities

• Perform duties of the Histotechnician per SOPs.
• Adhere to SOPs with accuracy, safety, and professionalism.
• Embed skin specimens including shaves, punches, nails and excisions.
• Perform microtomy on histology blocks and stain slides.
• Stain and coverslip hematoxylin and eosin slides.
• Execute special stains (PAS, AFB, Gram, etc.).
• Carry out IHC staining on Bond Max and Ventana systems.
• Assist with slide distribution and file blocks/slides per procedures.
• Operate and maintain tissue processors; document QC logs.
• Monitor inventory and ensure reagent documentation; dispose biohazards properly.
• Maintain a safe, clean work environment and comply with PPE rules.

Skills

Attention to detail

Analytical skills

Histology techniques

Quality control mindset

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate Degree preferred

Tools

ASCP HT/HTL certification preferred

Job description

• Perform the duties of the Histotechnician per the Laboratory’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Adhere to and support our culture of compliance and safety by following all SOPs with attention to detail, accuracy, and professionalism
• Embed skin specimens such as shaves, punches, nails and excisions
• Perform microtomy on histology blocks
• Stain and coverslip hematoxylin and eosin slides
• Perform special stain techniques such as, but not limited to, PAS, AFB and Gram stain
• Perform immunohistochemistry stains on the Bond Max and the Ventana Ultra Cut control slides for IHC and special stains
• Assist with slide distribution if needed
• File paraffin blocks and H/E slides in accordance with procedures
• Operate and maintain tissue processors
• Trouble‑shoot lab equipment and ensure proper routine maintenance
• Ensure quality control procedures are followed and appropriate documentations are maintained
• Monitor inventory and assure proper reagent documentation techniques
• Biohazard and hazardous waste disposal in accordance with policy and regulations
• Maintain a safe, clean work environment
• Observe blood‑borne pathogens policy and proper personal protective equipment
• Adhere to all company and laboratory specific SOPs and complete quality control (QC) logs as required on a daily, weekly, monthly or annual basis (per individual SOPs)

Requirements

• High School Diploma/GED minimum required; Associate Degree preferred
• Special training of at least 30 days to six months in histology techniques required to achieve familiarity with handling specimens and staining
• Formal ASCP-type accredited training is preferred as a quality standard
• Prior work experience of six months is desired in order to gain familiarity on-the-job with histology techniques
• Familiar with most major techniques for staining and special staining
• Analytical skills necessary for processing slides under tight deadlines and general supervision
• Ability to identify specific specimens for supervisory follow-up
• Certification is not required for this position; however, ASCP HT or HTL Certification is preferred
• Competency assessments will be performed upon hire and throughout the year per the laboratory’s Competency Assessment SOP.