Lab Tech II – Histology Lab Assistant

University of Colorado; Aurora (CO); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental options

Tuition benefit

Retirement plan and paid time off

Job summary

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is seeking a Lab Tech II – Histology Lab Assistant in the Department of Pathology. This full-time role involves preparing surgical specimens for review, organizing blocks and slides, and assisting in processing with various histology methods.

Onsite in Aurora, CO, with comprehensive lab safety and quality procedures. The position requires independent judgment in method selection and has a strong emphasis on patient care and accurate pathology

Qualifications

• Proven ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally.
• Ability to organize workload and manage multiple tasks in a histology lab.
• Strong customer service and teamwork orientation.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and maintain daily surgical blocks and slides for storage.
• Operate and monitor histology equipment and ensure accurate labeling.
• Assist in processing specimens using staining systems and machinery.
• Answer lab inquiries by phone or email and document information correctly.
• Maintain laboratory supplies and inventory to support operations.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Customer service

Tools

Staining systems

Paraffin baths

Job description

Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

Department of Pathology

Lab Tech II – Histology Lab Assistant

Position # 00851260 – Requisition #: 40621

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 offer exceptional 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.