Lead Histotechnician Technologist

Merrimack Health is currently offering a sign-on bonus for Lead Histotechnician Technologist roles, with the amount depending on scheduled hours. Part-time (32 hours) positions are eligible for a $9,600 bonus.

At Merrimack Health, we are committed to pay transparency and equity. The base salary range is $34.49 (Min) — $46.75 hourly (Max), excluding fringe benefits and potential bonuses.

Your final base salary will be determined based on your education, experience, licensure, and internal equity considerations. Offers are typically made below the top of the range to support future salary growth.

Merrimack Health is the regional health care provider of the Eastern Merrimack Valley, serving communities across Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire. Our integrated system includes hospitals in Lawrence, Haverhill, and Methuen, as well as a network of community-based physician practices. We are a recognized leader in heart and stroke care, maternal and child health, orthopedics, surgical services, trauma and emergency care, and outpatient programs. Committed to delivering trusted, compassionate care close to home, Merrimack Health is advancing a unified and patient-centered approach to health care for the region.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Lead Histotechnician is responsible for overseeing daily operations within the histology section of the pathology laboratory. This role ensures high-quality specimen preparation, embedding, sectioning, and staining to support accurate pathological diagnoses. The incumbent provides technical expertise, supervises staff, maintains compliance with regulatory standards, and drives continuous improvement in laboratory processes. In the absence of the Anatomic Pathology Supervisor, the Lead Histology Technician assumes full responsibility for managing laboratory operations and staff.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Direct daily operations of the histology section.

• Assign tasks, monitor workflow, and ensure timely completion of cases.

• Train, mentor, and evaluate histology staff.

• Assume responsibility for laboratory operations in the absence of the supervisor.

• Perform advanced histological procedures including tissue processing, embedding, microtomy, special stains, and immunohistochemistry.

• Troubleshoot technical problems and implement corrective actions.

• Maintain proficiency in new techniques and emerging technologies.

• Oversee quality control programs and maintain accurate documentation.

• Ensure compliance with CLIA, CAP, and hospital regulatory standards.

• Monitor laboratory safety practices and enforce adherence to protocols.

• Manage inventory of reagents, supplies, and equipment.

• Manage and implement the laboratory’s Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP), ensuring safe handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals.

• Support administrative functions related to specimen handling and documentation.

• Coordinate with pathologists and other laboratory leaders to optimize workflows.

• Serve as a liaison between histology staff, pathologists, and hospital administration.

• Provide regular updates on laboratory performance and issues.

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science, Biology, or a related field OR

• An Associate degree in Histotechnology paired with significant experience and completion of a NAACLS accredited Histotechnician or Histotechnologist program is preferred.

• Certification preferred:

• Histotechnologist (HTL) – American Society for Clinical Pathology

• Histotechnician (HT) – American Society for Clinical Pathology

• At least 4 years of laboratory experience in the designated specialty or subspecialty areas of service for which the individual is responsible