Histotechnologist (H)

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The department of Surgery- Histo & Immuno has an exciting opportunity for a Histotechnologist position. The incumbent performs a wide variety of routine and complex procedures to prepare and analyze tissues in support of clinical trials research. More specifically, the Histotechnologist performs routine and complex analysis of patient specimens according to standard operating procedures.

CORE JOB FUNCTIONS                                                                                           

• Prepares and cuts histological sections of good quality for morphological and immunohistochemical analyses.

• Evaluates specimen acceptability upon receipt and during the review of analysis results.

• Performs secondary review of patient results to ensure accuracy of primary result entry.

• Assists with gross examination and maintains an accurate log of specimens.

• Answers questions and resolves problems pertaining to test requisitions.

• Performs a variety of specialized chemical and immunohistochemical stains using appropriate controls.

• Maintains records of prepared specimens by labeling stained and finished slides.

• Examines sample and stained slides with microscope to ascertain results.

• Prepares solution and reagents in accordance with standard procedures.

• Maintains laboratory equipment and ensures tissue preparation meets laboratory requirements.

• Adheres to University and unit-level policies and procedures and safeguards University assets.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities as necessary.

CORE QUALIFICATIONS                                                                                        

Education:

Associate’s degree in relevant field

Certification and Licensing:

Certification in relevant specialty or field

Experience:

Minimum 1 year of relevant experience

DEPARTMENT ADDENDUM

Department Specific Functions

Prepare routine and non-routine surgical specimens for morphological and immunohistochemical (IHC, ISH, IF) microscopic analyses by pathologist(s) in accordance to established policies and standard operating procedures in a timely and efficient manner. Maintains records of prepared specimens and cross checks all labels and patient documentation. Verifies identification of specimen with pathologist’s orders, prepares specimens for testing, and handles all specimens in a safe and careful manner. Assists with test development and methodology/equipment evaluation, selection, and implementation. Recognizes factors that affect all steps of specimen processing and recognizes critical, abnormal, and unacceptable results during each step. Follows-up according to established protocols. Operates and maintains equipment within the scope of training utilizing defined schedules and written instructions to perform preventative maintenance, verifications, and calibrations as applicable. Troubleshoot minor equipment failures and document remedial actions (e.g., repairs or repeated tests). Performs, verifies, and records quality control testing according to procedure. Ensures all quality control and quality assurance standards are met. Identifies problems with instrumentation, methodology, specimens, supplies, or results and acts as outlined by established protocols. Documents all corrective actions taken. Uses reagents and supplies in a cost-effective manner; monitors and maintains an appropriate supply inventory. Follows all safety precautions and regulatory rules to safeguard patient confidentiality. Maintains records of samples including LIS accessioning of clinical and research specimens when applicable and paraffin block and slide files. Performs tissue gross examination of surgical biopsy specimens and research specimens. Identifies glomeruli in fresh kidney specimens via use of stereoscope. Identifies morphology of non-human research specimens. Performs tissue embedding with appropriate orientation. Performs paraffin microtomy and OCT cryotomy for slide preparation. Performs microtomy to create paraffin scrolls for molecular studies as per the SOP. Prepares solutions and reagents for special stain procedures. Perform all manual and automated histochemical/special stain procedures. Performs antibody serial dilutions and prepares solutions and reagents for IHC, Immunofluorescence (IF), and in-situ hybridization (ISH) procedures. Performs verification and validation of control tissues used in IHC and ISH procedures. Performs antibody optimization, validations, and lot-to-lot comparisons. Performs IHC and ISH procedures on the Leica BOND III and BOND MAX. Performs manual IF procedures on frozen tissues. Review stained slides with microscope and provide judgement of quality through control tissue comparison to ensure tissue preparation meets laboratory requirements. Submits prepared slides with all pertinent patient data to the pathologist for evaluation and sign-out. Uses professional judgment to accept quality of stain, reject unacceptable stains, and repeat the procedure as applicable. Troubleshoots to Identify problem(s) that might adversely affect test performance and determine the cause of errors. Process and embed specimens for electron microscopy.

Meets Turn Around Time (TAT) for all tests assigned. Performs On-Call duties in the assigned area/rotation, responding promptly to any call-back situation. Participates in Proficiency testing, instrument verification, and method comparisons as assigned. Meets deadline for these other projects/assignments. Orients and trains employees on laboratory techniques and operations, as assigned. Provides technical assistance as needed. Maintains inventory of disposable supplies and reagents. Adheres to University and unit-level policies and procedures and safeguards university assets.

Department Specific Qualifications                                                                 

Education:

• Associate’s degree in relevant field, required.

• Graduate of a NAACLS accredited histotechnology program, required.

Certification and Licensing:

• Florida Clinical Laboratory Technologist license, required

• American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Histotechnician (HT) or Histotechnologist (HTL) certification, required

Experience:

No experience required.

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The University of Miami offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, tuition remission and more.

UHealth-University of Miami Health System, South Florida's only university-based health system, provides leading-edge patient care powered by the ground breaking research and medical education at the Miller School of Medicine. As an academic medical center, we are proud to serve South Florida, Latin America and the Caribbean. Our physicians represent more than 100 specialties and sub-specialties, and have more than one million patient encounters each year. Our tradition of excellence has earned worldwide recognition for outstanding teaching, research and patient care. We're the challenge you've been looking for.

Patient safety is a top priority. As a result, during the Influenza ("the flu") season (September through April), the University Of Miami Miller School Of Medicine requires all employees who provide ongoing services to patients, work in a location (all Hospitals and clinics) where patient care is provided, or work in patient care or clinical care areas, to have an annual influenza vaccination. Failure to meet this requirement will result in rescinding or termination of employment.

The University of Miami is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Females/Minorities/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities are encouraged to apply. Applicants and employees are protected from discrimination based on certain categories protected by Federal law. Click here for additional information.

Job Status:

Full time

Employee Type:

Staff

Pay Grade:

H8