Summary

Prepares histologic slides from human or animal tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologist. Provides ancillary morphology services for hospital, forensic, or anatomical research cases, as appropriate to the objectives of the position.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Prepares sections of human and/or animal tissue for immediate examination, using rapid tissue processing and frozen section technique to cut, mount, and stain tissue specimens.
2. Prepares slides or specimens, using special cutting and specified stain, to enhance visibility under microscope.
3. Operates computerized laboratory equipment to fix, dehydrate, and infiltrate with wax, tissue specimens to be preserved for study by pathologist; maintains and troubleshoots delicate electronic histological equipment.
4. Performs computerized data entry of all work performed and generates reports as required.
5. May supervise and train technicians, residents, or fellows in relevant and proper histology procedures, including tissue cut down, embedding, cutting, and staining.
6. Maintains all histologic manuals in the laboratory; recommends and develops new services, projects, and procedures.
7. Follows established departmental policies, procedures, and objectives, continuous quality improvement objectives, and safety, environmental, and/or infection control standards.
8. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements

• High school diploma or GED; at least 3 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
• Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Ability to process computer data and to format and generate reports.
• Knowledge of laboratory operations and/or procedures.
• Records maintenance skills.
• Ability to maintain quality, safety, and/or infection control standards.
• Knowledge of rapid tissue processing and frozen section techniques.
• Ability to prepare slides and/or specimens for microscopy using established protocols and techniques.
• Ability to utilize, troubleshoot and maintain computerized laboratory and/or histological equipment.
• Knowledge of related accreditation and certification requirements.

Conditions of Employment

• Successful candidate must submit to post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• Work involves almost constant exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, toxic chemicals, biohazardous materials, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, and/or loud noises.
• Moderate physical activity. Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 25 pounds or standing and/or walking for more than four (4) hours per day.
• Work environment involves exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that require following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment.

The University of New Mexico provides all training required by OSHA to ensure employee safety.

Revised Date: 03/20/2017