Histotechnician, Laboratory Technician II

JOB SUMMARY

The University of Connecticut is seeking an experienced histotechnologist for the Histology Laboratory within the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (CVMDL), a part of the Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Science in the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources. The Connecticut Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory provides top-quality diagnostic services to our clients, who are comprised of veterinarians, members of the agricultural industry, owners of companion, zoo, and aquatic animals, stewards of Connecticut wildlife, and residents of Connecticut, New England, and beyond. Through their work, they strive to work cooperatively with federal and state veterinary agencies to enhance disease surveillance and response in an appropriate and effective manner

The Histology Technician II is responsible for receiving, processing, and preparing animal tissue specimens sent to CVMDL for histopathological analysis. The histotechnologist receives specimens from external clients and prepares the received tissues for the requested histopathological analysis. Tissue specimens are sorted, logged, and prioritized according to the difficulty of the procedures required. Preparation of tissues includes trimming tissues as required for further testing; embedding tissues in paraffin; mounting of tissues; and immunohistochemical staining of tissues, to prepare the specimen for histopathological analysis by the CVMDL pathologist.

The histotechnologist is responsible for the preparation of any stains, reagents, or other chemical agents required to conduct the preparation of the tissue. They are responsible for the maintenance of all tissue, block, and slide quality control specimens for CVMDL, as required by the laboratory, university, and industry standards, and have the authority to adjust established procedures. Additionally, the histotechnologist is expected to autonomously research, enact, and modify any existing laboratory procedures, in accordance with shifting industry standards, with limited supervision. The histotechnologist is also expected to stay abreast of local, state, and federal law, as well as remain aware of disease trends in the areas served.

The work performed by the histotechnologist directly impacts the ability of the CVMDL pathologist to correctly diagnose and recommend effective solutions and/or courses of treatments to external clients, dependent on the laboratory's accuracy.

The Connecticut Veterinary Medical Diagnosis Laboratory offers a staff of highly trained faculty, technicians, and facilities to support clients from across New England. Our multidisciplinary approach is aimed at providing critical solutions for our clients, which include animal owners, veterinary practitioners, agriculturalists, owners of companions, zoo, and aquatic animals, stewards of Connecticut wildlife, as well as local, state, and federal agencies. The histotechnologist is a critical component for the ability of CVMDL to provide top-quality diagnostic services to public and private clients.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Receives in, appropriately logs, and batches specimen samples from clients.
Sorts specimens according to priority and difficulty of requested procedures.
Prepares specimens for microscopic evaluation, including tissue trimming, processing, embedding, and microtomy.
Embed specimens into blocks and fix tissues in paraffin.
Operates instrumentation, such as a Leica Tissue Processor, for dehydration of tissues, clearing paraffin, cutting tissue, impregnation with sections, and staining of slides.
Prepares all reagents, stains, and solutions required for both routine and complex histological procedures.
Operates and maintains all histology lab equipment in the proper state of readiness and cleanliness.
Performs quality control review of all slides and assesses established controls and troubleshoots performance, prior to releasing to pathologist.
Conducts manual cover slipping.
Maintains control block, block, and slide inventory samples.
Creates, updates, and maintains all histology activity records manually and systematically in the Laboratory Information Management System.
Operates, tests, cleans, and calibrates automatic and manual instruments according to written procedures, with the authority to modify procedures as needed.
Identifies and troubleshoots instrument and equipment problems and assists with routine and preventative maintenance of equipment.
Performs and monitors inventory of supplies, equipment, and reagents used, and places orders for inventory as needed.
Assists in creating, updating, and maintaining Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the lab and Work Instruction Sheet requirements regarding all laboratory activities in the Histology Laboratory.
Assists in developing and modifying, as needed, laboratory safety standards.
Utilizes laboratory supplies in a conscious, non-wasteful manner.
Maintains laboratory and chemical supplies in accordance with the chemical hygiene plan and other institutional requirements to maintain a safe working environment. Submits requisition requests for chemicals as needed.
Responds to client inquiries regarding pricing, status of requests, specimen type, histology capabilities/testing options, and test development.
Supervises and trains students and special payroll employees in the Histology Laboratory.
Assists and/or performs more complex histological analyses as needed.
Keeps abreast of industry changes in the histological field and applies those changes as they apply to CVMDL.
May perform other related duties as directed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A bachelor's degree in medical terminology, chemistry, biology, or any related life science field of study with 3 years of related laboratory experience OR;
Certified in HT (Histotechnician) with 7 years of experience in a related field OR;
The completion of a formal education training program in Histology (720 hours that is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) with 7 years of experience OR;
Related equivalent education, certification, and training equating to 7 years of experience.
Must be an HT (Histotechnician) or HTL (Histotechnologist) eligible candidate; must be able to obtain HT or HTL certification from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) within 8 months of hire.
Exhibits strong attention to detail. Performs work with minimal errors, regardless of daily volume.
Ability to use Excel, Word, Access, and SharePoint.
Demonstrated ability to handle unexpected situations and exercise appropriate independent thought and action to resolve the situation.
Strong interpersonal skills demonstrated in positive working relationships with colleagues and clients.
Ability to observe client confidentiality.
Demonstrated time management and organizational skills, needed to prioritize specimen processing promptly.
Must be physically capable of performing all noted duties, including:Ability to lift specimens and lab equipment (up to 50 lbs.)
Finger dexterity is required to manipulate the micro-thin tissue sections and to mount them successfully onto slides.
Spatial ability is required to perceive three-dimensional and geometric relationships when cutting paraffin blocks and embedding tissue into molds.
Able to perform work wearing respiratory protection and/or other personal protective equipment (PPE) as required.
Able and willing to work in a biosafety level 2 (BSL2) environment.
Demonstrated ability to adhere to strict safety protocols, including the donning and doffing of PPE.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree in medical terminology, chemistry, biology, or any related life science field of study with 5 years of related laboratory experience OR;
Certified in HTL (histotechnologist) with 3 years of experience in related field OR;
Demonstrated Immunohistochemistry staining experience.
Experience with digital slide scanning technology.
Ability to provide clear and professional correspondence to colleagues and external clients.
Demonstrated knowledge of Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), CLIA, AAVLD (American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians), or ISO in support of non-clinical studies.
Prior experience working in a Veterinary Histology Laboratory.
APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, end-dated position with the possibility of renewal subject to performance and funding. The successful candidate must be able to obtain and maintain HT or HTL certification from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) within 8 months of hire.

The University offers a competitive salary, and outstanding benefits, including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn, and a highly desirable work environment. For additional information regarding benefits visit: https://hr.uconn.edu/employee-benefits-overview/. Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA).

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Staff Positions, Search #498501 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references.

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on August 14, 2024.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics, which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee's unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.