Lab Assistant - Histology

Lab Assistant - Histology

The Lab Assistant - Histology plays an important role in supporting daily histology laboratory operations at Clin-Path Diagnostics. This position is responsible for assisting the Histology department with a variety of tasks, including slide handling, preparation, organization, instrument maintenance, and general laboratory support.

This position requires strong attention to detail, the ability to multitask, and the ability to work as part of a team in a fast-paced laboratory environment. The Lab Assistant - Histology may also be involved in minimal handling of hazardous waste in accordance with company policies and applicable safety standards.

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

• Loading and unloading slides
• Preparing slides for coverslipping
• Organizing slides for technician quality control review
• Printing run reports for completed cases
• Scanning predictive marker cases using digital imaging systems
• Performing instrument maintenance
• Supporting cleaning and maintenance of assigned work areas
• Assisting 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:

• Loads and unloads slides as part of the histology workflow.
• Runs slides through a series of chemicals in preparation for coverslipping.
• Flats and organizes slides in preparation for technician quality control review.
• Prints run reports for completed cases.
• Scans predictive marker cases using digital imaging systems.
• Performs instrument maintenance, including topping off chemicals, discarding waste, and running cleaning cycles.
• Takes instruments offline and brings them back online as needed.
• Maintains assigned work areas in a clean and organized condition.
• Assists the Histology department with daily workflow and operational support needs.
• 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 slide handling, computer use, labeling, scanning, 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:

• IHC and special stainers
• Digital imaging systems
• Coverslippers
• Drying ovens
• Typical laboratory equipment
• Computer and printer
• Laboratory Information System or related laboratory systems

Supervisory responsibilities: None.

Minimum qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Prior laboratory, healthcare, specimen processing, histology, 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.
• Ability to work independently while also contributing as part of a team.

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:

Clin-Path Associates offers nationally competitive compensation and benefits. Our benefits program provides a comprehensive array of services to our employees, including but not limited to:

• 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)