HISTOLOGY SPECIALIST, IMMUN,SR Job in Boston, Massachusetts US

HISTOLOGY SPECIALIST, IMMUN,SR

Job Description Senior Histology Specialist, Molecular Position Reports To: Biomarker Lab Supervisor GENERAL SUMMARY/ OVERVIEW STATEMENT: The Histology Specialist II Molecular reports in a direct line to Biomarker Laboratory Supervisor and the Technical Director of the Immunopathology/Molecular Pathology Units. Incumbent is responsible for cutting paraffin sections for molecular testing and for performing various automated immunohistochemical (IHC), Molecular ISH, CISH, and FISH techniques in order to provide molecular pathologists with important results needed for supporting cancer early phase clinical trials and translational research. Need to be able to perform these techniques without supervision. PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Must have thorough understanding of the theories, practice and techniques used in histology to include fixation, decalcification, processing, embedding, microtomy, routine and special stains, immunohistochemistry staining and frozen sections. Must be able to trouble shoot and rectify problems with minimal supervisory intervention. Performs immunoperoxidase (IHC) staining procedures on paraffin sections by manual techniques or automated techniques. Performs in-situ hybridization, chromogenic in-situ hybridization (CISH), and fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) by automated techniques. Evaluates positive and negative staining patterns for IHC/ISH/CISH/FISH test validation. Records and maintains IHC/ISH/CISH/FISH staining results and evaluates staining results with a staff molecular pathologist. Responsible for daily, weekly, monthly and quarterly maintenance and calibration for Ventana Automated Immuno-stainers. Maintains quality control records for IHC/ISH/CISH/FISH including protocols for antibodies and probes performed on Ventana automated Immuno-stainers. Able to provide instruction in IHC/ISH/CISH/FISH staining techniques, methodology, and the reading and interpreting of staining results. Able to trouble shoot IHC/ISH/CIS/FISH techniques when problems arise or when unexpected results are obtained. Maintains adequate inventory of chemicals and reagents and order lab supplies. Must be fully competent with all laboratory instrumentation to include pH meter, balances, microtomes, tissue processors, automated immuno-stainers, and cover-slippers. Knowledge of tissue fixation; dehydration for automated tissue processor. Embed specimens ensuring proper orientation. Produces 4 micron sections using a microtome and appropriate knives; floats sections on a water bath; collects sections on a glass slide; dries in a slide dryer for a specified time. Ensures all blocks and slides are clerically correct. Assembles and collates slides. Responsibility for preparation of solutions and reagents in accordance with approved procedures. Maintains quality control records. Keeps accurate records of blocks and slides produced. Files tissue blocks, ensuring each is properly labeled. Other Duties as assigned. SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED: Must be realistic, objective, measurable and related to essential functions of this job. Must be able to review slides for quality control. Must be able to correctly and accurately embed all human tissue to include skin and or animal tissues. Must follow minimum national cutting standards of 50 blocks per hour embedding and 30 slides per hour cutting. Must be able cut artifact free two micrometer paraffin sections Must be able to perform a high quality manual HE stain Must be able to competently perform all immunohistochemistry, and molecular ISH/CISH/FISH techniques with minimum supervision using both manual and automated methodologies Must have the ability to follow established technical, safety and clerical procedures Must have manual dexterity and motor coordination Be attentive to detail and precise in performing technical tasks Must have thorough understanding of the theories, practice and techniques used in histology to include fixation, decalcification, processing, embedding, microtomy, and immunohistochemistry Must be able to trouble shoot and rectify problems with minimal supervisory intervention. LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, and/or REGISTRATIONS (if applicable): Specify minimum credentials and clearly indicate if preferred or required Must be registered HT(ASCP) or HLT(ASCP) EDUCATION: Specify minimum education and clearly indicate if preferred or required Minimum of a high school degree or graduate of a NCCALS approved school of Histotechnology or Associates Degree; Bachelors Degree preferred. EXPERIENCE: Specify minimum creditable years of experience and clearly indicate if preferred or required 1-2 years as a Senior Histology Specialist in Pathology Laboratory SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY (if applicable): List the number of FTEs supervised. None FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY (if applicable): Indicate financial ?scope? information, i.e.: size of budget, volume, revenue, etc.; Indicate total physician/non-physician FTE scope None WORKING CONDITIONS: Describe the conditions in which the work is performed. May be exposed to disease bearing specimens, hazardous chemicals or fumes, and other hazards normally associated with a pathology laboratory setting. APPROVAL: (NAME) Department Mgr. A. Bernard Collins Title: Technical Director Immunopathology/Molecular Pathology Units Date: 03/13/2012 (NAME) Other, As Appropriate: The above is intended to describe the general contents and requirements of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive statement of all duties, responsibilities or skills of personnel so classified.