Immunohistochemist

GENERAL SUMMARY:

Responsible for performing immunohistochemistry (IHC), in-situ hybridization (ISH), and histochemical staining and testing. Processes specimens for analysis and performs specified laboratory procedures under the supervision of department leadership. Follows the proper procedure in conjunction with the established quality control and instrument maintenance as defined by procedure manuals.

PRINCIPAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. *Commits to the mission, vision, beliefs and consistently demonstrates our core values.

2. *Completes cases for pathologists in a timely manner, following stated guidelines and methodologies.

3. *Stains slides of specimens to enhance visibility under microscope.

4. *Accurately embeds surgical specimens in a timely effective manner with high quality.

5. *Sections surgical paraffin block tissue utilizing a microtome in a timely effective manner with high quality.

6. *Operates, rotates and cleans laboratory equipment (i.e. microtomes, tissue processors, recyclers, H&E stainers, histochemical stainers, immunohistochemistry stainers, etc.).

7. *Performs stains and quality control on routine, histochemical and immunohistochemistry stains.

8. *Examines slides under a microscope to ensure tissue preparation meets laboratory requirements.

9. *Studies slides under a microscope to detect deviations of technical and stain quality and report abnormalities for further study to department leadership or a pathologist.

10. *Critically evaluates antibody targets, control tissues and detection reagents to ensure proper experimental design, including use of appropriate positive and negative controls.

11. *Conducts antibody, protein target and protocol-related background research including evaluation of antibody spec sheets, review of relevant published literature and other available resources to assist in the development and validation IHC, in situ hybridization, and histochemical staining protocols and methods.

12. *Prepares antibody dilutions, probes, and reagents with a high degree of accuracy for IHC and histochemical staining. Assists with inventory management for histochemical and IHC methods.

13. *Maintains accurate and detailed records.

14. Assists in departmental troubleshooting under guidance of department leadership.

15. Works collaboratively with all laboratory staff to ensure completion of testing and communication of necessary information to assist testing completion.

16. Provides direction and serves as a resource for department staff.

17. Maintains professional growth and development through seminars, workshops, and professional affiliations to keep abreast of the latest trends in field of expertise.

18. Participates in meetings, committees and department projects as assigned.

19. Performs other related projects and duties as assigned.

(Essential Job functions are marked with an asterisk "*". Refer to the Job Description Guide for the definition of essential and non-essential job functions.) Attach Addendum for positions with slightly different roles or work-specific differences as needed.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

1. Thorough knowledge of IHC and histochemistry principles and techniques.

2. Knowledge of computer hardware equipment and software applications relevant to work functions.

3. Skill in attention to detail and a commitment to producing quality results.

4. Ability to work independently and is cross-trained in all areas of histology surgical department.

5. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

6. Ability to perform crucial conversations with desired outcomes.

7. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of personnel and medical staff.

8. Ability to problem solve and engage independent critical thinking skills.

9. Ability to maintain confidentiality relevant to sensitive information.

10. Ability to prioritize work demands and work with minimal supervision.

11. Ability to perform high-quality and accurate data analysis.

12. Ability to design and execute experiments with accuracy.

13. Ability to maintain detailed records of experiments and research findings.

14. Ability to adapt quickly, learn new skills, and think creatively to address evolving research priorities.

15. Ability to maintain regular and punctual attendance.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Education and training must meet or exceed the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) standards for High Complexity Testing equivalent to 60 semester hours from an accredited institution that, at a minimum, includes either 24 semester hours of medical laboratory technology courses or 24 semester hours of science courses that include:

* Six (6) semester hours of chemistry

* Six (6) semester hours of biology

* Twelve (12) additional semester hours of chemistry, biology or medical laboratory technology courses in any combination.

Bachelor's degree in life sciences or successful completion of a formally recognized Histotechnician/Histotechnologist training program required.

Three (3) years recent experience in a histology laboratory required, ideally with a focus on IHC expertise.

OTHER CREDENTIALS / CERTIFICATIONS:

Histotechnologist (HTL) American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) certification maintenance required.

Qualification in Immunohistochemistry (QIHC) ASCP certification maintenance required or eligibility to obtain certification within 6 months of hire

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

(Physical Requirements are based on federal criteria and assigned by Human Resources upon review of the Principal Job Functions.)

(DOT) Characterized as medium work requiring exertion of 20-50 pounds of force occasionally and/or 10-25 pounds of force frequently, and/or a greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Must be able to distinguish and discriminate between colors