Lead Laboratory Histologist

Lighthouse Lab Services; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Lighthouse Lab Services seeks a Lead Histotechnologist for a client located in San Jose, CA. The role reports to the Lab Manager and Lab Director, performing histology procedures per SOPs while coordinating daily workflow.

The Lead will maintain quality, safety, regulatory compliance, and supervise technical staff as needed in a dermatology-focused laboratory environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED with histology training.
• 6+ months of histology experience in a high-volume setting.
• Completion of 30 days to 6 months histology training; accredited training preferred.
• Familiar with embedding, microtomy, staining, and special stains.
• HT/HTL ASCP certification preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Assist Lab Manager with inventory management and ordering supplies.
• Monitor usage to maintain sufficient inventory levels.
• Delegate work to staff based on workload and staffing levels.
• Troubleshoot equipment and coordinate repairs with vendors.
• Perform approximately 75% bench work, depending on volume.
• Embed skin specimens and perform microtomy.
• Stain and coverslip H&E slides; perform special stains.
• Perform IHC staining with Bond Max and Ventana Ultra.
• File paraffin blocks and slides; maintain QA documentation.

Skills

Attention to detail

Team leadership

Histology knowledge

SOP compliance

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate degree in Histology

HT/HTL ASCP certification preferred

Tools

Bond Max

Ventana Ultra

Job description

Lighthouse Lab Services seeks a Lead Histotechnologist for a client located in San Jose, California.

About San Jose:

San Jose, CA is an exciting place to build your career, with a competitive job market and near-perfect year-round weather. The city's incredible diversity shines through a vibrant food scene, walkable neighborhoods, and a thriving arts and nightlife district, all with easy access to San Francisco, the Santa Cruz Mountains, and Napa Valley just an hour away. If you're looking for a dynamic city with something for everyone, San Jose delivers.

About the Client:

Join one of the fastest-growing dermatology practices in the country, a certified Great Place to Work with 110+ offices nationwide. Known for its supportive, team-oriented culture, this organization invests in your growth from day one with hands‑on training, clear advancement opportunities, and a solid benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) matching, generous PTO, and employee discounts on cosmetic services.

Summary/Objective:

Reporting to the Lab Manager and Lab Director, the Lead Histotechnologist will perform histology procedures in accordance with the laboratory's Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) while helping coordinate daily workflow and supporting laboratory operations.

The Lead Histotechnologist will maintain a strong commitment to quality, accuracy, safety, and regulatory compliance.

Lead Responsibilities:

• Assist the Lab Manager with inventory management and ordering laboratory supplies.

• Monitor laboratory supply usage to ensure sufficient inventory levels.

• Delegate technical work to staff based on productivity, specimen volume, and staffing levels.

• Troubleshoot equipment malfunctions and coordinate vendor repairs when necessary.

• Perform approximately 75% bench work, depending on volume and staffing needs.

• Assist the Lab Manager with administrative duties, including filing reports, continuing education materials, and quality assurance documentation.

Histology Responsibilities:

• Embed skin specimens, including shaves, punches, nails, and excisions.

• Perform microtomy on histology blocks.

• Stain and coverslip hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) slides.

• Perform special stains, including PAS, AFB, and Gram stains.

• Perform immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining using the Bond Max and Ventana Ultra.

• Cut control slides for IHC and special stains.

• Assist with slide distribution as needed.

• File paraffin blocks and H&E slides according to laboratory procedures.

• Operate and maintain tissue processors.

• Troubleshoot laboratory equipment and perform routine maintenance.

• Follow quality control procedures and maintain accurate documentation.

• Monitor inventory and maintain proper reagent documentation.

• Dispose of biohazardous and hazardous waste according to established policies and regulations.

• Maintain a safe, clean laboratory environment.

• Follow bloodborne pathogen safety procedures and use appropriate personal protective equipment.

• Adhere to company and laboratory SOPs and complete required QC logs.

• Perform other duties as needed to support laboratory operations.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED required; Associate degree preferred.

• At least six months of histology experience desired, preferably in a high-volume laboratory or production environment.

• Completion of 30 days to six months of training in histology techniques required, with formal accredited histology training preferred.

• Familiarity with routine histology procedures, including embedding, microtomy, staining, and special staining techniques.

• Strong attention to detail and ability to process specimens accurately under tight deadlines.

• Ability to recognize specimens or technical issues requiring supervisory follow‑up.

• Previous team leadership experience preferred; aspiring leaders with strong technical skills are encouraged to apply.

• HT or HTL certification through ASCP preferred, but not required.

• Successful completion of a pre‑hire assessment evaluating familiarity with specimen handling and staining techniques.

Training and Continuing Education:

• Complete required SOP and laboratory compliance training upon hire.

• Successfully complete competency assessments as required before performing independent laboratory work.

• Complete 12 hours of continuing education annually, in accordance with laboratory policy.

• Participate in ongoing competency assessments and required training updates.

It is the policy of Lighthouse Lab Services to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

Lighthouse Lab Services is committed to working and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including persons with disabilities. If at any time during the application process, you need accommodation, please contact [e-mail] for assistance.