Job Title: Histotechnologist
Location: San Diego, CA (Sorrento Valley)
Status: Per Diem
***HISTOTECHNOLOGIST TALENT POOL 2021***
- Per Diem/Casual (work on an as-needed basis)
- The number of positions to be filled has not been identified
- This recruitment process will be used to create an eligibility list to fill upcoming opportunities for the rest of 2021
- Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted
This is an exciting opportunity to join a brand new, state-of the-art CLIA laboratory focused on accelerating biomarker and drug development. You will have the opportunity to use your entrepreneurial spirit and apply your knowledge/experience to operationalize the plan for the new laboratory. You will support a variety of global clients and have access to world-class equipment. The Histotechnologist is responsible for specimen processing and producing complete, reliable and accurate products to the pathologists, both internal and external.
Job Role and Responsibilities
LABORATORY FUNCTIONS
- Interprets physician notes and when clinical information is contradictive or missing, obtains required information.
- Determines specimen adequacy for all histology samples.
- Receives, accesses, or rejects all specimens by following standard operating procedures (SOP’s).
- Performs data entry of case information into the appropriate computer system, ensuring that all identifying information is accurate and in the appropriate format.
- Grosses, processes, embeds, cuts, stains, performs special stains, immunohistochemistry (IHC), recuts, and coverslips all specimens received into the laboratory.
- Reviews control slides to ensure proper staining patterns.
- Validates equipment, detection kits, antibody lots, blockers, inhibitors, control tissue and new antibodies and documents before use on any specimen.
- Prepares stock reagents for use on manual and automated processes.
- Reviews cases at the microscope and discusses tissue orientation requirements and diagnostic criteria with pathologist and other histotechnician(s)/histotechnologist(s) as needed.
- Performs calibration of equipment as required.
- Checks and monitors pH of solutions, temperatures, and room environmental conditions (e.g. humidity) on a regular basis and documents the value for each on the proper chart/log.
- Performs and documents daily, monthly, quarterly, & annual maintenance activities.
- Transmits clinical trial subject data via laboratory information system protocol.
- Performs all housekeeping duties in the work area and laboratory.
- Checks, orders, and restocks supply inventory to ensure timely processing of each specimen.
- Participates actively in all laboratory quality management functions.
- Assists the supervisor in the creation, revision, retirement, implementation, and annual review of SOP’s
- Respects the confidentiality of patient records.
- Disposes of and properly handles sharps, reagents, biological and/or hazardous waste in a manner that is consistent with laboratory, state, and federal regulations.
- Utilizes, maintains, troubleshoots and documents equipment maintenance, according to checklist, to ensure proper performance of equipment.
- Follows laboratory requirements to file, retain, or destroy tissue, blocks, slides, logs, and paperwork.
- Coordinates workload to maximize productivity and quality of work based upon metrics.
- Completes all procedures expected in the scheduled time without loss of work quality.
- Notifies management regarding trends, changes, or problems as they occur.
- Adheres to SOP’s, work area instructions, and policies related to Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and FDA guidances and compliance requirements.
- Follows the College of American Pathologist (CAP) requirements for performing proficiency testing and reporting results.
- Participates in training/teaching as requested.
OTHER FUNCTIONS
- Attends meetings and participates on committees as requested.
- Possesses high standards for organization and quality.
- Assists with departmental projects as assigned by management.
- Reviews current literature and attends training sessions to keep informed of new developments in the field.
- Checks email on a regular basis, no less than daily or as directed by management.
- Conducts business in a manner that puts the lives of our patients and the relationships with our clients as the highest priority.
- Performs other related duties and responsibilities as directed.
Qualifications
- HT or HTL certification from the ASCP or equivalent work experience.
- BS, BA, or AS in a laboratory science curriculum or High School Diploma/GED with equivalent work experience.
- Meet CLIA ’88 qualifications to perform moderate and high complexity testing/gross examination as described in Sec. 493.1489 and Sec. 493.1423
- One year of Immunohistochemistry (IHC) experience required.
- Minimum of 5 years professional experience in Histology and/or IHC.
- State licensure where required.