Senior Histologist

North American Science Associates, Inc. is seeking a highly skilled Senior Histologist to join our team. As a Senior Histologist, you will be responsible for preparing microscopic slides for research and diagnostic purposes, including fixation, dehydration, infiltration, embedding, microtomy, and mounting.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct general housekeeping of laboratory and clean slides.
• Dispose of biohazards, glass, sharps, and other materials appropriately.
• Label slides and cassettes.
• Box slides or samples for shipment to pathologists, archives, and/or clients.
• Change processors and stainers.
• Bag/dispose of tissues for completed studies.
• May perform tissue grossing for routine studies.
• Prepares microscopic slides for research/diagnostic purposes; includes fixation, dehydration, infiltration, embedding, microtomy, and mounting to include both paraffin and plastic processed tissues, in addition to frozen sectioning.
• Performs and maintains proficiency in histochemical staining procedures and troubleshooting techniques.
• Performs quality control procedures on all samples (slides, blocks, forms, etc.) to ensure accuracy and excellence.
• May develop procedures for tissue handling.
• Process tissues appropriately for review by a pathologist.
• May organize and participate in necropsies.
• May perform photography and high-resolution x-ray imaging and film developing.
• Maintains records according to good laboratory practices.
• Coordinates and performs the shipping of all pathology-related specimens, including slides, blocks, and wet tissues, to the appropriate designated facility.
• May perform tissue trimming according to established guidelines.
• Maintains proficiency in all appropriate designated departmental SOPs with knowledge of lab processes.
• Maintains a clean, GLP-compliant lab and ensures all logbooks are reviewed and correct, and maintains laboratory equipment according to applicable SOPs.
• Performs calibration or validation activities applicable to specialized equipment.
• Assists with reviewing and revising histology-related SOPs and forms as necessary.
• Capable of conducting hard and soft plastics processing, embedding, and staining.
• Assists in the completion of complicated client requests/projects.
• Trains new Associates on pathology techniques and on equipment SOPs.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• HT or HTL ASCP certification preferred.
• 2+ years of histology experience required, with four years' experience with plastic procedures preferred.
• Associate's degree and/or Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Biological Sciences or related discipline, with a degree in histology, or curriculum that includes hands-on histology techniques is preferred.

Working Conditions:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to sharp objects, toxic or caustic chemicals, and a variety of livestock, domestic, and laboratory animals.
• The employee is occasionally exposed to fluoroscopy and biohazards such as blood-borne pathogens and zoonotic diseases.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, reach with hands and arms, and use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; talk or hear; and work/type at a computer.
• The employee is frequently required to walk and sit.
• The employee is regularly required to use hand-held cutting knives and blades for precise cutting of materials.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and up to 75 pounds with assistance.
• Employee may be required to view computer monitors, look through microscopes, and stand for extended periods of time.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.