Histotechnologist - IHC - Oregon Health & Science University

Department Overview:

OHSU is proud to be designated a Magnet hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Just 9 percent of U.S. healthcare organizations hold this designation. We pride ourselves in not only serving our community with the highest of accolades but also pushing a multifaceted mission that strives for excellence within the OHSU Culture.

 

OHSU is hiring! We offer a variety of benefits on top of joining a thriving organization:

• Medical, dental and vision coverage at low or no cost to employees
• Covered 100% for full-time employees and 88% for dependents
• Several retirement plans to choose from! – Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan and University Pension Plan, voluntary savings plans (403b, 401a and 457b)
• Up to 200 hours (equal to 25 full days) a year of paid time off 
• 96 hours of sick leave a year (prorated by FTE status) 
• Commuter subsidies
• Tuition reimbursement 
• Access to group life insurance, disability insurance and other supplemental benefits
• Annual Raises
• Employee discounts to local and major businesses
• Childcare service discounts
• Growth/Development Opportunities

We want you, apply and work with us today! https://www.ohsu.edu/

 

The purpose of the IHC Histotechnologist is to provide technical assistance for high quality patient care testing services that support the overall patient care activities of OHSU Hospitals and Clinics and the Department of Pathology. The IHC Histotechnologist produces histologic slides for pathologist review by, microtomy, special stains, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescent stains and in situ hybridization; and performs quality control and improvement activities after appropriate training.

Function/Duties of Position:

Staining and slide preparation:

• Uses automated or manual methods to perform special stains.
• Performs immunohistochemical methods including in situ hybridization, and immunoperoxidase techniques by hand and on the automated instruments following laboratory procedures and manufacturers protocols.
• Performs immunofluorescent staining and PGP9.5 staining following laboratory procedures and manufacturer’s protocols.
• Reviews slides for adequate staining following written procedures, comparing with positive and/or negative controls.
• Coverslips manually and using the automated equipment.
• Reconciles finished slides with the work lists and/or LIS following up on discrepancies, documenting unresolved discrepancies and reporting them to lead personnel.
• Organizes slides and ensures that they are delivered to the appropriate Pathology staff or faculty.
• Prepares reagents as needed, and evaluates suitability of reagents, stains and solutions, maintaining quality control records. Prepares buffers and fixatives.
• Operates analytical balances, pH meter, pipettors and other equipment as needed.
• Maintains all required documentation in all aspects of laboratory function.

Preparation, processing, and microtomy:

• Prepares specimens for microtomy, and staining following biohazard, chemical hygiene and departmental procedures.
• Performs microtomy on frozen and paraffin embedded tissue per departmental procedures, evaluating tissue for completeness of processing and implementing immediate reprocessing procedures as required.
• Procures specimens from accessioning or on site in hospital clinic setting in a timely manner, recording dimensions; removing and fixing specimens for electron microscopy as required.
• Provides technical assistance during renal biopsies.
• Prioritizes specimens and seeks assistance when delays are incurred, to meet established deadlines.
• Follows established lab protocols concerning safety issues, demonstrating knowledge by using appropriate PPE and handling and storage of specimens accordingly.
• Communicates effectively with all customers including physicians, nurses, coworkers and outside clients.
• Communicates clearly promoting excellent customer service and teamwork.

Equipment maintenance:

• Maintains a neat and clean work area, around all equipment and workstations.
• Follows manufacturers and laboratory protocols for cleaning, maintenance and servicing of instrumentation, performing monitoring procedures to ensure consistent equipment function and arranges for service and repair as needed.

Other Duties:

• Prioritizes work according to established procedures.
• Learns new techniques and procedures as needed.
• Understands and uses the laboratory information system/computer correctly.
• Demonstrates competency in assigned duties.
• Trains new employees and other personnel in job duties, as assigned.
• Assists in monitoring for Quality Improvement, including the completion of incident forms, investigating system variances, keeping audits, and suggesting system improvements.
• Attends staff meetings, provides input, and fully participates in planning and feedback in the work group.
• Follows all safety procedures when carrying out duties.
• Performs duties as assigned by Lead Worker and Manager for special studies and projects.
• Performs requirements for employee staff members as outlined in Compliance Roles and Responsibilities in OHSU Hospitals and Clinics
• Adheres to the OHSU Code Of Conduct.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical or Biological science and one year of experience in a histology laboratory and HT/HTL (ASCP) certification within 90 days of hire;
• OR 2 years of experience performing embedding, microtomy and histologic staining; preparing reagents, and stains, and performing other related tasks, and HT/HTL (ASCP) certification within 90 days of hire;
• OR Completion of a certified histotechnology training program and one year of training and experience in a clinical histology laboratory and HT/HTL (ASCP) certification within 90 days of hire.
• General knowledge of laboratory terminology
• Skill in handling laboratory specimens, ensuring their completeness and documentation of same.
• Skill in using the hospital and laboratory computer systems.
• Ability and willingness to follow written and oral instructions accurately.
• Ability to recognize and initiate procedures and policies to improve work flow and accuracy.
• Ability to demonstrate performance of job duties to trainees
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with a variety of clients, including physicians, nurses, pathology employees, Material Transportation employees, outside customers, and maintain a customer service focus at all times.
• Ability to work independently within established guidelines, to adjust to rapidly changing priorities, to communicate and work effectively within a group.
• HT/HTL (ASCP) at time of hire, or within 90 days of hire.
• Compliance with Code of Conduct, Respect in the workplace and Applicable policies, procedures and agreements related to position, department or OHSU as a whole
• Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without accommodation

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in immunohistochemistry and neuromuscle processing preferred

Additional Details:

Pay Range: $31.17 - $42.16 per hour (Additionally, a 5% increase is effective at the start of the first full pay period after July 1, 2024)

 

Working Conditions

• Positions in the laboratory and environs may require working flexible schedules including nights weekends and holidays; working at multiple laboratory or hospital sites; traveling between laboratories and sites by stairs, elevator, tram, shuttle or other means; exposure to blood and body fluids, chemical hazards, radiation; working in a somewhat noisy and crowded environment; wearing gloves and other Personal Protective Equipment for long periods of time; experiencing occasional temperature fluctuations in building.

Physical Demands and Equipment Usage

• Positions in laboratory departments require the ability to carry and lift up to 30 lbs.; ability to stand or sit for 4-8 hours depending on the tasks assigned; ability to bend, reach, and carry as required for assigned tasks; ability to utilize simple and complicated laboratory equipment and computers; ability to utilize multi-line phones, pagers, dictation equipment, and office equipment.

All are welcome:Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or aaeo@ohsu.edu.