Lead Histology Technician

Job Title: Histology Technician - Lead

Department: Histology


Location: Bakersfield

Shift: Monday - Friday 6:00am - 2:30pm

Full-Time / Part-Time: Full-Time

Classification: Non-Exempt

Reports to: Assistant Director of Laboratory Services

Yosemite Pathology is a private independent pathologist owned and operated surgical pathology and cytology laboratory based in Modesto, CA. YP provides comprehensive state of the art, reliable, and accurate diagnostic services to its physicians and major area hospitals in the Alameda, Amador, Calaveras, Contra Costa, Kern, Mariposa, Merced, San Joaquin, Solano, Stanislaus and Tuolumne counties.


YP offers a full spectrum of tissue pathology, cytology, and histology services, including examination of gynecologic specimens, body fluids and fine needle aspiration specimens. We also offer an extensive array of special stains and immunohistochemistry to assist in the management of oncologic and non-oncologic diseases. The laboratory is supported by highly qualified Histotechnologist, Cytotechnologist, Technicians and office staff who offer excellent service.

Summary/Objective

The Histology Technician - Lead must have a deep understanding of workflow and priorities and uphold the company values of Yosemite Pathology. They are responsible for cutting, staining, quality control, and preparing tissue samples for the pathologist to review. They are also responsible for prioritizing testing procedures and completing those procedures in an accurate and timely manner and maintaining proper accurate records of all tests done in accordance with established policies, procedures and regulations. The Histology Technician - Lead is also responsible for the oversight of training of new Histology Technicians.

Essential Functions

• Daily cleaning of work area
• Embedding of routine anatomical specimens
• Cutting of embedded tissue
• Cutting of "levels", "recuts", "reembeds" and stains which are requested by Pathologist or secretaries
• Check "H&E" Control for stain quality
• Setting up and cleaning of autostainer and coverslipper
• Retrieving correct blocks and slides for any request from Pathologist
• Set-up water baths
• Maintain special stain controls by cutting them if short staffed
• Training new staff
• Assist in inventory maintenance for the histology department
• Basic understanding of H&E stain
• Knowledge and understanding of special stains and IHCs
• Ability to QC special stains and IHC
• Ability to troubleshoot Prisma, Link 48, and Benchmark stainer issues
• Ability to troubleshoot processor/issues with tissue at embedding
• Deep understanding of workflow and priorities
• Communicate clearly with manager/lead of workflow during shift changes
• Quick decision-making abilities
• Ability to troubleshoot issues

Job Requirements and Skills

• 2 - 4 years of Histology experience
• ASCP HT Certification (or in process of obtaining)
• Associates Degree in Biology or related field (Preferred)
• Intermediate computer skills
• Strong communication skills, verbally and written.
• Manual Dexterity and strong attention to detail

Compensation and Benefits

• The compensation is $83,200 - $93,600 annually paid semi-monthly on an eight (8) hour per day, forty (40) hour per week. Final salary offer subject to multiple factors including candidate experience and expertise, geographic location of the role, and current market data.
• 401(k) includes an employer match up to 4%
• Robust health plans including dental, vision, life, and mental health support.
• Offer generous annual vacation and sick time.
• 10 paid holidays
• Annual scrub allowance for Lab roles