Pathology Lab Assistant II

The Lab Assistant 2 is responsible for accessioning specimens, preparing slide trays, filing of blocks and slides, and assisting with all aspects of lab organization and maintenance. Lab Assistant 2 employees have the educational requirements to pursue the Histotech HT/L certification program. This position offers potential for immediate and longer-term career ladder opportunities supported by on-the-job training with corresponding increases in compensation.

• Access to health, dental, and vision insurance
• Health Savings Account $500 matching contribution
• Eligible for PTO and Holiday pay
• Company paid life insurance and long-term disability (full-time only)
• Access to voluntary short term disability insurance (full-time only)
• Access to additional life insurance
• Eligible for Accident and Critical Illness Insurance, Hospital Indemnity and Cancer Guardian
• 401K with employer contribution
• Profit sharing
• Employee discounts
• And much more!

On-the-job training (OJT) will be provided for the following job duties you will perform:

Lab Order and Materials Management

• Receive specimens and release orders using the lab information system (LIS).
• Track orders on worklists and retrieve specimen materials for technicians.
• File slides and tissue blocks.

Solution & Reagent Handling

• Prepare alcohol solutions for tissue processing.
• Change instrument staining solutions per schedule.
• Recycle, neutralize and dispose of chemicals and solutions safely.

Specimen Preperation & Slide Production

• Prepare specimens and materials for tissue grossing.
• Once trained, embed tissue samples.
• Clean, organize and prepare paraffin blocks for microtome cutting.
• Assist with slide preparation, such as load/unloading staining and cover slipping equipment.
• Assemble slide trays for delivery to pathologists.

Lab Maintenance & Quality Control (QC)

• Clean equipment and tools according to schedule.
• Record daily temperatures of lab and equipment.
• Receive, stock, and inventory lab supplies.

Additional Responsibilities

• Complete required compliance training and follow all procedures.
• Perform other related tasks as assigned.

Potential for career advancement opportunities with corresponding pay increases

• Become a Lab Technician with on-the-job training in grossing of tissue specimens.
• Become a Lab Technician with on-the-job training in cutting/ microtomy for slide preparation.
• Become a Histotechnician in approximately one year with on-the-job training coupled with completing a NAACLS certified Histology program and ASCP certification exam.

Education

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in a science related field required.
• Previous experience in a lab environment is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Must be flexible with hours to meet workflow demands.
• Knowledge of general medical terminology is preferred.
• Ability to type a minimum of 45 wpm with minimal errors is preferred.
• Must possess attention to detail.
• Must possess excellent customer service, communication and organizational skills.
• Must display a friendly, cheerful, tactful and polite demeanor and must be compassionate and caring in dealing with others.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize appropriately, and work well both individually and as part of a team.
• Ability to use time productively and contribute to high levels of company operational efficiency and effectiveness.
• Ability to understand physician’s instructions/handwriting and know when to seek additional information or clarification.
• Ability to respond positively to constructive criticism and direction from supervisors.
• Must demonstrate professional appearance and manner at all times.
• Must remain compliant with HIPAA, OSHA, and CLIA requirements.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of information.

Physical Demands

• Ability to communicate in an active multi-office environment.
• Ability to efficiently operate all job-related office equipment (telephone, computer, calculator, fax, copier).
• Ability to communicate via telephone.
• Ability to sit for large portions of a workday.