Lab Tech II - Histology Lab Assistant

CU Denver; Aurora (CO); On-site; USD 53,796 - 64,548; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical options

Dental options

Disability, Life, Vision

401(a) Employer contributes

Paid Time Off

Vacation 22/year

Sick Days 15/year

Holiday 10/year

Tuition Benefit

ECO Pass

Job summary

The Histology Laboratory Technologist Assistant at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is a full-time role based onsite in Aurora, CO. The position supports the histology lab by preparing surgical pathology specimens for pathologist review and diagnosis, maintaining blocks and slides, and ensuring proper specimen handling and safety practices.

Minimum qualifications include five years of related experience, with preferred experience organizing specimens and operating staining

Qualifications

• Five (5) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position.
• Six months of experience organizing specimens and assisting in preparing them for processing using various methodologies, complex machinery and staining systems.
• Knowledge of lab procedures and specimen submission requirements.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally.
• Ability to establish and maintain relationships with staff at all levels.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and maintain daily surgical blocks and slides for storage.
• Take temperatures of paraffin baths, pots, ovens, cryostats, refrigerators and maintain charts.
• Perform procedures in a timely manner.
• Answer laboratory phone and histology email correctly.
• Assist in maintaining laboratory supplies and inventory.
• Understand and use proper safety practices.
• Set up tissue processors daily and communicate with gross room staff.
• Communicate with lab staff, leadership, residents, pathologists and patients with professionalism.

Skills

Communication skills

Customer service

Workload organization

Following protocols

Basic computer skills

Ability to work with lab staff

Verbal written communication

Job description

Job Summary

The Histology Laboratory Technologist Assistant is a full-time position that performs a variety of routine and non-routine technical and administrative/clerical duties in the clinical histology laboratory setting under minimal supervision. This position requires independent judgment in selection of methodologies utilized in processing specimens and in solving non-routine problems. The Clinical Laboratory (Histology) Technologist Assistant contributes to the overall efficiency of the laboratory or pathology practice in a cost effective manner by performing a variety of tasks, consisting primarily of preparing all surgical pathology specimens in preparation for pathologist review and diagnosis. Clinical Laboratory (Histology) Technologist Assistant receives all histology specimens while checking paperwork for complete and accurate clinical information. Clinical Laboratory (Histology) Technologist Assistant will then organize the specimens and assist in preparing them for processing using various methodologies, complex machinery and staining systems. This is extremely important in overall patient care. Inappropriate processing, lost specimens, or incorrectly labeled specimens can result in incorrect or unavailable diagnoses which can cause repeat procedures or life threatening treatment choices. Clinical Laboratory (Histology) Technologist Assistant must be familiar with many laboratory policies and procedures. The position also assists in maintenance of the histology area by stocking supplies, cleaning and organizing of work stations, disposal of biological waste, adherence to all compliance and operational procedures.

Key Responsibilities

• (80 %) Prepare and maintain daily surgical blocks, organize and maintain blocks and unstained slides for temporary and permanent storage.
• (10%) Take temperatures of paraffin baths, pots, ovens, cryostats, refrigerators and maintain charts of temperatures. Performs routine preventative maintenance, cleaning, and minor adjustments on all specified lab equipment and documenting appropriately
• (2%) Performs all procedures in a timely manner.
• (1%) Answer laboratory phone and histology email properly and takes information correctly.
• (1%) Assists in maintaining laboratory supplies to ensure proper inventory.
• (1%) Knowledgeable of all lab procedures and specimen submission requirements.
• (1%) Understand and use proper safety practices.
• (2%) Performs other duties as assigned.
• 1% sets up the tissue processors daily and ensures direct and complete communication with gross room staff.
• 1% communicates with lab staff, leadership, resident's, pathologists and patients with respect and professionalism.

Work Location

Onsite - this role is expected to work onsite and is located in Aurora, CO.

Why Join Us

Welcome to the Department of Pathology of the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. The Department has grown substantially in the past 15 years, from 40 to 120 faculty in parallel with the remarkable growth of our hospital based affiliates as well as the city and county of Denver. Our work is value driven and focused on scientific investigation, lifelong learning and a balance of personal and professional values. In addition to a vibrant and highly competitive residency program with 25 positions, we offer 9 fellowships and participate in numerous graduate school and the MD/PhD program of the CU School of Medicine. Our faculty and staff are diverse and gender balanced, with women comprising 50% of our residents, Assistant, Associate and Full Professors (including those with tenure).

Why work for the University?

We have AMAZING benefits and offerexceptional amounts of holiday, vacation and sick leave! The University of Colorado offers an excellent benefits package including:

• Medical: Multiple plan options
• Dental: Multiple plan options
• Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision
• Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10% of your gross pay
• Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year
• Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)
• Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)
• Holiday Days: 10/year
• Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuses
• ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service

There are many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Five (5) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position

• Substitution: A combination of related education and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position equal to five (5) years

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Six months of experience organizing specimens and assisting in preparing them for processing using various methodologies, complex machinery and staining systems.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution.
• Outstanding customer service skills.
• Ability to organize workload effectively
• Ability to follow proper protocols and procedures
• Basic computer skills in data entry, Word, and Excel

Conditions of Employment

• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship. We are unable to provide work visa sponsorship or employment authorization for this position now or in the future.

Anticipated Pay Range

The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as $53,796 - $64,548

The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position may be eligible for overtime compensation, depending on the level.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Total Compensation Calculator: http://www.cu.edu/node/153125

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Colorado (CU) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

ADA Statement

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at [e-mail].

Background Check Statement

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.

Vaccination Statement

CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and other vaccine preventable diseases. If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, you must enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program.