Histotechnologist II

The Pathology Department is seeking a Histotechnologist II who under the direct supervision of the Laboratory Supervisor/Manager or Medical Director or Principal Investigator or designee, performs a variety of both routine and complex laboratory tests in accordance with established standards and procedures. This individual will perform a variety of technical procedures on clinical and research specimens in the histology laboratory.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Responsible for performing the day-to-day technical procedures on clinical and research specimens.

• Prepares tissue samples for microscopic examination by a pathologist.
• Accessions and bills specimens.
• Maintains laboratory equipment.
• Programs tissue processors.
• Performs special stain techniques; embeds specimens; prepares various staining solutions; decalcification and staining of bone specimens using a modified H&E stain technique; operating automated slide and cassette printers.
• Performs quality assurance procedures such as block and slide match, reports discrepancies per standard operating procedure.
• Maintains and troubleshoots equipment, routine repairs or notifying service personnel when more complex problems occur.
• Performs related general duties such as ordering supplies, general lab housekeeping, and maintaining safety records.
• Maintains accurate and detailed records. Provide accurate information on work conducted for client billing purposes.

Special Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Work produced is subject to precise measure of quantity and quality; Attention to detail is critical to the successful performance of this job as it directly affects research outcomes.
• Knowledge of normal human tissue morphology is essential. Able to perform paraffin as well as frozen sectioning, H&E staining, and to recognize discrepancies and take corrective action.
• Strong written communication and interpersonal skills. Must have the ability to read and interpret direction, both oral and written, organize and prioritize work and follow through on assignments.
• Must be able to work successfully as part of a team in a high volume, dynamic laboratory.

Specific Physical Requirements

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing) up to 60% of the time.
• Occasionally required to traverse throughout the laboratory or to retrieve equipment, supplies, or specimens from other locations on campus.
• The employee is required to operate computer keyboard, laboratory instruments, and small laboratory tools such as pipettes, cutting instruments, glass tubes, dishes, and/or slides. Constantly repositions self to perform duties at laboratory work stations, gathering specimens, and loading equipment.
• Prolonged vision requirements including viewing computer screen, paper reports/documents, charts and results.
• Visual acuity is required to distinguish fine gradation of color or structure and closely examine specimens (including via a microscope).
• Position is primarily in a laboratory environment - Exposure to toxins and infectious agents exist, but potential for personal injury or harm is minimized if established safety and health precautions are followed.
• Must refer to and are expected to comply with procedure manuals, follow proper laboratory protocols and safety policy/procedures, and be familiar with material data safety sheets in assigned work areas.
• Able to read and understand all Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) guidelines applicable to assigned work area.
• Working in laboratory where there may be discomforts due to odors, noise, temperature fluctuations, and working around lab equipment.
• Research areas may include animal, human, human products, DNA, and radiation protocols.
• Use of personal protective equipment may be advised or required.
• May transport equipment and supplies usually less than 40 pounds from one area to another (in the laboratory or on campus).
• May be required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds with proper training, or precautions/lifting aides (example: supply boxes or Formalin cubes).
• In some areas workspace is limited.
• Staff may be required to complete annual competency review, and must ensure compliance with Johns Hopkins Policy, Laboratory Policy & Procedure, Health, Safety & Environment regulations, and all applicable privacy & confidentiality laws/practices.
• Many department laboratories operate 24/7 with schedules on day, evening, or night shift.
• Rotating schedules which may include weekend work and holiday assignment.
• Where designated positions are clinical or required attendance.
• In the event of a declared emergency, including but not limited to weather events, major disasters, or community unrest/events- staff may be required to report to work and/or remain at work.
• This is a Required Attendance position: in the event of unexpected university closings including inclement weather, the employee in this position is required to report to work and/or remain at work.

• Associate’s Degree from an accredited Histotechnology Program.
• Two years of laboratory experience that includes some histology experience.
• Additional education may substitute for required experience, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

• Bachelors Degree in Biology, Chemistry, Histology or related field experience.
  

• HT(ASCP) certification preferred.

Classified Title: Histotechnologist II 
Role/Level/Range: ACRO40/E/02/CF  
Starting Salary Range: $22.50 - $40.00 HRLY ($55,162 targeted; Commensurate with experience) 
Employee group: Full Time 
Schedule: M-F, 8:30am-5:00pm 
Exempt Status: Non-Exempt 
Location: School of Medicine Campus 
Department name: ​​​​​​​SOM Pat EM Lab  
Personnel area: School of Medicine