Histology Technician 1

Histology Technician 1

Inova Research Department is looking for a dedicated Histology Technician 1 to join the team. This is a fulltime Day Shift: Monday to Friday (8:00am-4:30pm).

This position supports laser microdissection within a translational research laboratory. The role applies core histology knowledge, including tissue morphology, H&E-stained slide review, specimen handling, and evaluation of pathologist-designated tissue regions. Primary responsibilities include microscope-based review of tissue sections, isolation of selected cellular populations using laser microdissection technology, detailed specimen tracking, and completion of project-specific research workflows.

Prior laser microdissection experience is neither required nor expected. Comprehensive, competency-based, on-the-job training in laser microdissection techniques and laboratory workflows will be provided.

Featured Benefits

• Committed to Team Member Health: offering medical, dental and vision coverage, and a robust team member wellness program.
• Retirement: Inova matches the first 5% of eligible contributions – starting on your first day.
• Tuition and Student Loan Assistance: offering up to $5,250 per year in education assistance and up to $10,000 for student loans.
• Mental Health Support: offering all Inova team members, their spouses/partners, and their children 25 mental health coaching or therapy sessions, per person, per year, at no cost.
• Work/Life Balance: offering paid time off, paid parental leave, flexible work schedules, and more!

Job Responsibilities

• Responsible for cutting, staining and preparing tissue samples for the Pathologist to review.
• Responsible for prioritizing/completing testing procedures in an accurate and timely manner while maintaining proper accurate records of all tests done in accordance with established policies, procedures and regulations.
• Follows the standard operating procedures for embedding, to ensure quality of blocks and proceeding steps in the production of slides and utilizes a microtome to section paraffin blocks and consistently produce high quality slides for routine/special staining procedures is required.
• Communicates to maintain team knowledge, demonstrating knowledge of regulatory standards in order to satisfy compliance requirements and participating in professional growth opportunities to enhance personal, team and department development is appropriate and performs proper and timely specimen collection by confirming patient, collecting specimens in proper tubes, utilizing venipuncture/capillary techniques, and accurately labeling the specimens to ensure accurate patient results.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: High School diploma or equivalent.
• Experience: 1 year Histology Tech experience OR Successful progression/productivity for 1 year in the Inova Histology Tech Trainee position OR Inova HT/HTL program graduate eligible for ASCP certification.
• Certification: (Histotechnician) ASCP HT/HTL is not required with 1 year Histology Tech or Inova Histology Tech Trainee position experience. Exception: Inova HT/HTL program graduates are to obtain a minimum certification of ASCP HT after six months of completion of Inova Health System Histology program.

Preferred Qualifications

• At least one year of hands‑on microscopy experience in an academic, clinical, research, pathology, biotechnology, or industrial laboratory setting.
• Experience working with tissue specimens, histology slides, H&E staining, tissue morphology, digital pathology, or image‑guided tissue review.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to maintain accuracy during prolonged microscope-based and repetitive fine‑motor work.
• Experience maintaining detailed specimen records, Excel-based tracking tools, laboratory databases, and equipment or quality‑control logs.
• Ability to follow written procedures, apply project-specific instructions consistently, and promptly communicate specimen or technical discrepancies.
• Ability to work independently following training while contributing effectively within a structured, collaborative research laboratory.
• Experience performing routine instrument quality control and basic troubleshooting.