3rd Shift Lab Assistant - Embedder

Lab Assistant - Embedder

The Lab Assistant - Embedder plays an important role in supporting daily histology laboratory operations at Clin-Path Diagnostics. This position is responsible for embedding tissue samples, loading and unloading surgical specimens on processors, performing processor and stainer chemical changes, maintaining assigned work areas, and assisting the Histology department as needed.

This position may support several laboratory areas and functions, including:

• Embedding tissue samples
• Loading and unloading tissue processors
• Filing blocks and slides as needed
• Performing quality control documentation
• Maintaining clean and organized equipment and work areas
• Assisting with processor and stainer chemical changes
• Supporting the Histology department as assigned
• Handling minimal hazardous waste in accordance with safety procedures

Employees are responsible for following all company policies and procedures. These policies and procedures include adherence to regulatory standards, including CAP, CLIA, OSHA, safety requirements, confidentiality standards, and all applicable laboratory procedures.

Essential functions of the job include, but are not limited to:

• Embeds tissue samples according to established laboratory procedures.
• Loads and unloads processor tissue samples.
• Files blocks and slides as needed.
• Assists the Histology department as assigned.
• Performs daily quality control documentation as required.
• Maintains equipment and supplies in clean condition.
• Transfers materials from stainers and tissue processors to appropriate 90-day accumulation containers in accordance with safety and hazardous waste procedures.
• Troubleshoots and assists with problem solving related to daily workflow.
• Maintains communication with the Histology Supervisor and/or Histology Manager.
• Follows all safety procedures when handling patient specimens, chemicals, hazardous waste, and laboratory equipment.
• Uses appropriate personal protective equipment, including eye protection, masks, lab coats, and gloves when required.
• Maintains attention to detail while performing repetitive and time-sensitive tasks.
• Multitasks effectively in a fast-paced laboratory environment.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Physical/mental demands, environment:

• Frequent sitting, standing, walking, bending, and repetitive hand motions.
• Must be able to lift up to 40 pounds occasionally, up to 20 pounds frequently, and up to 10 pounds routinely to move objects.
• Near visual acuity required for specimen handling, embedding, filing, computer use, labeling, and documentation.
• Employee may be exposed to blood products, patient specimens, knife cuts, hazardous waste, chemical fumes, and other laboratory-related hazards.
• Daily functions may include incidental exposure to hazards associated with laboratory equipment, chemicals, reagents, biological specimens, sharps, and waste handling.
• Appropriate precautionary measures must be followed at all times.
• Use of protective gear such as eye protection, masks, gloves, lab coats, and other personal protective equipment may be required.
• Hazardous waste training is required.

Equipment used:

• Microwave tissue processors
• Conventional tissue processors
• Embedding center
• Stainers, including H&E
• Coverslipper
• Typical laboratory equipment
• Computer
• Laboratory Information System or related laboratory systems

Supervisory responsibilities: None.

Minimum qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Prior laboratory, healthcare, specimen processing, histology, embedding, or related work experience preferred.
• Ability to accurately enter and verify information in laboratory systems.
• Ability to follow written procedures, safety standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work in a fast-paced laboratory environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors, managers, and laboratory team members.

Work environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the duties of this job. This position operates in a clinical laboratory environment and requires professionalism, accuracy, confidentiality, and adherence to safety and regulatory standards.

Clin-Path provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, and gender identity. Clin-Path complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training.

Benefits:

• Health insurance, primarily covered by the company
• Dental insurance, 100% covered by the company
• Vision insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement contributions through 401(k)
• Flexible spending account (FSA)