Histology Technician

Peraza Dermatology Group is a family-owned, general dermatology practice focused on providing patients with the best skin care and treatment. The practice has grown over the last 40 years, with offices in Claremont, Hanover/Lebanon, New London, Derry, NH, and Windsor, VT. Peraza Dermatology believes in putting patients first, is committed to honesty and integrity in all things, believes in teaching/learning with open ideas, encourages high-performance and accountability, and insists on respectful, constructive team interactions to create a rewarding place to work.

The practice provides a comprehensive compensation and benefits package, including competitive wages, a generous benefits package with health insurance, a 401(k) with a match, paid time off, opportunities for learning and advancement, and a collaborative work environment.

Practice CORE Values:

The mission of Peraza Dermatology Group (PDG) is to provide the highest quality of dermatologic care to each patient in a personal, respectful, and ethical manner. Such care recognizes the importance of quality service to patients and co-workers. In this context, each employee has the following responsibilities as an individual contributor:

• We place the interests of our patients first.
• We are committed to honesty and integrity in all our relationships with patients and colleagues.
• We are a learning practice, open to new ideas. We are honest, and we learn from our mistakes. We do not repeat them.
• We operate as a meritocracy, where high performance is encouraged, and each of us is accountable for our decisions.
• We insist on respectful, constructive team interactions to create a rewarding place to work and operate. We make decisions in a true spirit of collaboration and partnership.

Job Summary:

The Histology Technician is responsible for the accurate and timely preparation of dermatologic biopsy and surgical specimens for pathological examination, including specimen accessioning and reconciliation, gross examination and dissection, tissue processing, paraffin embedding, microtomy, H&E staining, special stains, and immunohistochemistry. The technician ensures accurate specimen identification, labeling, documentation, and quality control while collaborating with pathology coordinators, and clinical staff to produce high-quality diagnostic slides.

The position requires a B.S. degree in a relevant scientific field and HT(ASCP) or HTL(ASCP) certification, with demonstrated experience in histology, grossing, and preferably dermatopathology and/or Mohs laboratory procedures. Strong attention to detail, organization, communication, confidentiality, safety awareness, and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced healthcare environment are essential.

Primary Duties:

• Prepare biopsy tissue specimens for histological processing according to established laboratory protocols.
• Accurately reconcile biopsy specimens and ensure appropriate specimen accessioning.
• Verify and reconcile specimen identification and labeling across logs, containers, blocks, slides, and requisitions.
• Perform specimen dissection and select appropriate tissue for histological processing.
• Correlate specimen information with the pathology coordinator as needed.
• Perform gross examination and accurately document or dictate gross descriptions according to designated protocols.
• Review gross descriptions for accuracy, completeness, and consistency with the submitted specimen and requisition.
• Section paraffin-embedded tissue using a microtome and prepare high-quality slides for microscopic examination.
• Perform routine Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining.
• Perform routine tissue processing.
• Embed processed tissue appropriately to ensure optimal orientation and section quality.
• Prepare high-quality slides for microscopic examination.
• Perform special stains and immunohistochemistry procedures as required.
• Maintain accurate documentation and records throughout the specimen processing workflow.
• Identify and communicate specimen discrepancies, processing issues, or quality concerns promptly.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, supplies, and work areas in accordance with laboratory policies and safety requirements.
• Follow established quality control, infection control, safety, and regulatory procedures.
• Work collaboratively with pathologists and other laboratory and clinical personnel to ensure timely and accurate specimen preparation.
• Perform other histology and laboratory duties as assigned.

Skills:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to interact professionally and compassionately with patients, providers, and coworkers - must be fluent in English.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining accurate patient records and documentation.
• Strong understanding of specimen identification, accessioning, labeling, and chain-of-custody principles.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to specimen accuracy.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining effective communication with the laboratory pathologist and clinical team.
• Must exercise constant attention to safety practices as defined by the Safety Program's Bloodborne/Airborne Pathogen requirements.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive patient information.

Education:

• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Biology, Medical Laboratory Science, Histotechnology, or a related field.
• HT(ASCP) or HTL(ASCP) certification required.

Experience:

• Previous professional experience in histology/histotechnology.
• Demonstrated grossing experience.
• Experience with dermatopathology and/or Mohs specimens strongly preferred.
• Experience with routine histology techniques, including:
  • Tissue processing
  • Paraffin embedding
  • Microtomy/sectioning
  • H&E staining
  • Special stains
  • Immunohistochemistry (IHC)
• Dermatology or dermatopathology laboratory experience.
• Mohs laboratory experience.
• Experience grossing skin biopsies and dermatologic surgical specimens.
• Experience performing and troubleshooting special stains and immunohistochemistry.
• Familiarity with laboratory information systems and specimen tracking/accessioning processes.
• Experience working in a physician-office or in-house pathology laboratory.

Physical Requirements:

• The position requires the ability to work in a laboratory environment for extended periods, including standing and/or sitting for prolonged periods and performing repetitive fine-motor tasks associated with specimen handling, embedding, microtomy, and slide preparation.
• Must be able to safely handle biological specimens, laboratory chemicals, and equipment while following all applicable safety procedures.
• Must be able to balance certain mental and emotional stressors from working in a medical/health care environment.
• Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds (office equipment, supplies, etc.)
• Requires long periods of standing/walking/sitting.
• Requires the ability to reach, stoop, bend, kneel, and crouch.

Other:

This job description was written for Peraza Dermatology Group for the role of Histology Technician . This position is required to fulfill "other duties" as assigned by the manager as it fits within the scope of the position.

As part of our hiring process, Peraza Dermatology Group will conduct a background check, which may include criminal history, reference checks, and verification of employment or education for employment applicants, where permitted or required by applicable law.

Applicants will be provided with any required notices and authorization forms before a background check is conducted. Information obtained through the process will be handled confidentially and used only for lawful employment-related purposes.

If information from a background check may affect an employment decision, the applicant will be given any notices and opportunity to respond or dispute inaccurate information required by applicable law.

This disclaimer does not limit any additional background-check requirements that may apply to particular positions under federal or New Hampshire law.