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Job Summary
The Histology Specialist II reports to the Laboratory Supervisor. Under the supervision of the Laboratory Supervisor or Senior Histology Specialist this role performs routine laboratory functions to produce histologic preparations for examination by residents and staff pathologists.Qualifications
Job Duties:
Fix tissues in appropriate fixatives dehydrate with graded alcohols clear with xylene and impregnate with paraffin wax using an automated tissue processor.
Embed specimens ensuring proper orientation.
Produce 4-micron sections using a microtome and appropriate knives; float sections on a water bath; collect sections on a glass slide; dry in a slide dryer for the specified time.
Stain slides with routine and special stains according to approved procedures to enhance tissue elements required for diagnosis.
Coverslip and label stained slides.
Examine slides with a microscope to ensure satisfactory results.
Ensure all blocks and slides are clerically correct.
Assemble and collate slides distributing them to residents and staff pathologists.
Determine when prescribed techniques and apparatus should be modified to meet required quality standards.
Prepare specimens for rapid frozen section diagnosis using liquid nitrogen and a cryostat microtome.
Cut and stain frozen sections using various stains including H&E toluidine blue Oil Red O and others.
Share responsibility for preparation of solutions and reagents in accordance with approved procedures.
Maintain quality control records and accurate records of blocks and slides produced.
File tissue blocks ensuring proper labeling.
Learn to use the LIS system to perform daily lab operations.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Be responsible for off-hours pager coverage on a rotating basis.
Key Skills and Competencies:
Ability to accurately and efficiently embed a wide variety of tissues.
Meet national cutting standards of 50 blocks per hour embedding and 30 slides per hour cutting.
Ability to cut artifact-free four-micrometer sections.
Perform high-quality manual H&E stains.
Perform special stains (e.g. AFB Alcian blue Brown-Hopps Congo red Elastic Iron LHE Mucicarmine PAS with/without diastase GMS Thiazine Trichrome).
Ability to follow established technical safety and clerical procedures.
Manual dexterity and motor coordination with an attention to detail and precision in performing technical tasks.
Fundamental knowledge of basic histotechniques including fixation decalcification processing embedding microtomy routine and special stains and frozen sections.
Sound understanding of laboratory instrumentation (e.g. pH meter balances hydrometers microtomes cryostats coverslippers tissue processors).
Ability to prepare percent molar and normal solutions and stains.
Qualifications:
Minimum of a high school degree (required). Associates degree preferred.
2 years of histology experience in a research setting or Histology Specialist A (required).
Graduate of an NCCLS-approved school of Histotechnology (preferred).
Additional Job Details (if applicable)
Remote Type
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Pay Range
- /Grade
5EEO Statement:
At Mass General Brigham our competency framework defines what effective leadership looks like by specifying which behaviors are most critical for successful performance at each job level. The framework is comprised of ten competencies (half People-Focused half Performance-Focused) and are defined by observable and measurable skills and behaviors that contribute to workplace effectiveness and career success. These competencies are used to evaluate performance make hiring decisions identify development needs mobilize employees across our system and establish a strong talent pipeline.
Required Experience:
IC
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