Lead Histology Lab Assistant (Lab Tech III)

CU Denver; Aurora (CO); On-site; USD 67,980 - 78,852; Full time

Job summary

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus seeks a Lead Histology Lab Assistant (Lab Tech III) in Aurora, CO. This full-time role supports routine and non-routine histology tasks under minimal supervision, including equipment maintenance, inventory control, and specimen handling.

Responsibilities emphasize supervising lab assistants, maintaining LIS records, adhering to safety standards, and coordinating block/slide storage.

Qualifications

• Six years combined education and/or relevant experience in a histology-related occupation.
• Minimum qualifications must be met at time of hire.
• Preferred: six months organizing specimens and assisting in processing using various methodologies, complex machinery and staining systems.

Responsibilities

• 80% Monitoring inventory and supply ordering; labeling and stocking supplies; logging into Lab Guru; ensuring par levels.
• 10% Overseeing and leading all lab assistants; scheduling; training; coverage during absences; high workload management.
• 5% Adherence to daily, monthly, and quarterly maintenance of histology equipment (Sakura Prisma, Peloris III, VIP 6).
• 5% Maintains all patient materials: filing blocks, slides, and coordinating storage and archives.

Skills

Histology procedures

Equipment maintenance

LIS data entry

Independent judgment

Safety compliance

Tools

Sakura Prisma

Peloris III

VIP 6

Paraffin processor

Lab Guru

Job description

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

Department of Pathology

Lead Histology Lab Assistant (Lab Tech III)

Position #: 00843605 - Requisition #: 38689

Job Summary

The Lead Clinical Laboratory (Histology) 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 Lead 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. The Lead 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 ordering, receiving and stocking supplies, cleaning and organizing supply storage areas, disposal of biological waste, adherence to all compliance and operational procedures.

Key Responsibilities

80% Monitoring inventory and supply ordering

• Ordering all supplies accurately and in a timely manner
• Receiving supplies and logging them into the Lab Guru laboratory inventory software
• Labeling and stocking supplies accurately
• Physically monitoring supplies to ensure adequate par levels
• Identifying organizational storage needs for laboratory supplies

10% Overseeing and leading all lab assistants in their duties and responsibilities

• Maintaining and posting the lab assistant work schedule
• Training new lab assistants on duties and responsibilities
• Filling in for lab assistants when necessary
• When down a lab assistant due to vacation or call-in
• High workload

5% Ability to adhere to established daily, monthly, and quarterly maintenance of Histology laboratory equipment.

• has strong working knowledge of the Sakura Prisma and Prisma Plus stainer and coverslipper maintenance procedures.
• Properly documents all maintenance performed
• Has strong working knowledge of the Peloris III and VIP 6 tissue processor's program schedules as well as daily and monthly maintenance.
• Properly take and records temperatures of ovens, paraffin pots and tissue processors.

5% Maintains all patient materials properly

• Filing all blocks in appropriate drawers and in order
• Filing and maintaining the unstained slide storage
• Scheduling and coordinating block storage from drawers to boxes then to the basement
• Scheduling and coordinating large scale block and unstained slides archives through the path archives.

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.

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

• A combination of related education and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to the position equal to six (6) years.

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Six (6) months of experience organizing specimens and assisting in preparing them for processing using various methodologies, complex machinery and staining systems.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of histology laboratory procedures and protocols, including specimen preparation, staining techniques (e.g., H&E), and quality assurance standards for surgical pathology.
• Skill in operating and maintaining laboratory equipment, such as paraffin baths, cryostats, ovens, and staining systems, including performing routine preventive maintenance and minor adjustments.
• Ability to apply independent judgment in selecting methodologies and troubleshooting non-routine problems, ensuring accurate and timely specimen processing under minimal supervision.
• Skill in data entry and information management using Laboratory Information Systems (LIS), including accurate labeling, logging, and retrieval of specimens and archived materials.
• Ability to adhere to safety and compliance protocols, including proper handling of biological waste, chemical solutions, and infectious materials, while maintaining a clean and organized work environment.
• 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

How to Apply

For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):

1. Curriculum vitae / Resume
2. Three to five professional references, including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address

Questions should be directed to:

Jeana Marks at [e-mail]

Screening of Applications Begins

Applications will be accepted until finalists are identified, but preference will be given to complete applications received by January 27, 2025. Those who do not apply by this date may or may not be considered.

Anticipated Pay Range

The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as $67,980 - $78,852

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

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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.

Application Materials Required: Cover Letter, Resume/CV, List of References

Job Category: Health Care

Primary Location: Aurora

Department: U0001 -- Anschutz Med Campus or Denver - 20112 - SOM-Pathology

Schedule: Full-time

Posting Date: Jan 15, 2026

Unposting Date: Ongoing

Posting Contact Name: Jeana Marks

Posting Contact Email: [e-mail]

Position Number: 00843605