Histology Technician I

Job Overview

A Technician I is in training to perform and become proficient in on-boarding skills, procedures, and cooperating in a team environment. The technician is learning basic skills required to conduct a study, which may include handling tissues and organs, trimming tissues, embedding, microtomy, slide preparation, staining; inventory and quality control, and shipping of tissues. The technician is working under close supervision to gain proficiency.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Ensure good welfare and humane care for all animals worked with through gentle, positive human-animal interactions.
• Train in histology skills which may include handling tissues and organs, slide preparation, staining/cover slipping; inventory, and shipping of tissues. Specific tasks will be based on each area’s training plan and business needs.
• Collect, document, review, and verify data on forms, or in electronic data capture systems.
• Review documentation of functions performed as part of quality control requirements.
• Use and maintain instrumentation and equipment.
• Learn and know anatomic terms.
• Receive, track, and prepare samples or materials, as required for department.
• Perform all other related duties as assigned.

The pay for this position is $19/hr.

Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or General Education Degree (G.E.D.) preferred. Associate (A.A./A.S.) or Bachelor’s degree (B.A./B.S.) or equivalent in a biological science, desired.
• Experience: No previous experience required.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above.
• Certification/Licensure: None, unless required by local government.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Knowledge of English.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities to achieve goals.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States without a sponsor visa, now or in the future.
• Computer skills (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite), commensurate with essential functions, including the ability to learn a validated system.
• Ability to ensure that a safe working environment is maintained by observing all safety procedures and working methods by making proper use of protective clothing and equipment, and by reading, understanding, and following all safety documents issued or notified of.
• Ability to ensure the integrity of the studies and fulfill the regulatory agencies requirements by performing the activities according to the Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), Business Operating Procedures (BOP) and the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) rules.
• Ability to work extended hours beyond normal work schedule to include, but not limited to evenings, weekends, extended shifts, and/or extra shifts, sometimes on short notice.
• Ability to work under specific time constraints.

Physical Demands

• Employees must be able to lift, move, manipulate, and/or hold heavy objects up to and including 50 pounds; this includes work materials, equipment, and/or animals.
• Must be able to perform procedures, which require, talking, hearing, standing or sitting for long periods of time, entering data into a computer, using appropriate instruments, reaching with hands and arms, working in narrow spaces, and wearing safety equipment (PPE) according to OSHA regulations and company standards.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

• Work in a research environment, which requires use of sharp objects, working around mechanical parts, working with or near known or unknown toxic or caustic chemicals and/or biological hazards, exposure to fumes and airborne particles, working at noise levels ranging from quiet to moderate.

Comments

• This position requires occasional overtime, weekend, holiday, and/or after hours shift coverage, as needed.