DescriptionUniversity of Colorado | CU Anschutz Medical Campus
School of Medicine/Department of Pathology 
Official Job Title: Laboratory Technology II
Working Job Title: Clinical Lab (histology) Tech Assistant
Position # 00773398– Requisition #19109

* Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at www.cu.edu/cu-careers *

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus seeks individuals with demonstrated commitment to creating an inclusive learning and working environment. We value the ability to engage effectively with students, faculty and staff of diverse backgrounds.

The Department of Pathology has an opening for a full-time University Staff (unclassified) Laboratory Technology II (Clinical Lab (histology) Tech Assistant. 

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is a public education, clinical and research facility serving 4,500 students, and a world-class medical destination at the forefront of life-changing science, medicine, and healthcare. CU Anschutz offers more than 42 highly rated degree programs through 6 schools and colleges, and receives over $500 million in research awards each year. We are the single largest health professions education provider in Colorado, awarding nearly 1,450 degrees annually. Powered by our award-winning faculty, renowned researchers and a reputation for academic excellence, the CU Anschutz Medical Campus drives innovation from the classroom to the laboratory to the delivery of unparalleled patient care. Read CU Anschutz Quick Facts here. 

Nature of Work

The Clinical Laboratory (Histology) Technologist Assistant is a full time position that performs a variety of routine and non-routine technical and administrative/clerical duties in the clinical histology laboratory setting under minimal supervision. This position requires independent judgment in selection of methodologies utilized in processing specimens and in solving non-routine problems. The Clinical Laboratory (Histology) Technologist Assistant contributes to the overall efficiency of the laboratory or pathology practice in a cost effective manner by performing a variety of tasks, consisting primarily of preparing all surgical pathology specimens in preparation for pathologist review and diagnosis. Clinical Laboratory (Histology) Technologist Assistant receives all histology specimens while checking paperwork for complete and accurate clinical information. Clinical Laboratory (Histology) Technologist Assistant will then organize the specimens and assist in preparing them for processing using various methodologies, complex machinery and staining systems. This is extremely important in overall patient care. Inappropriate processing, lost specimens, or incorrectly labeled specimens can result in incorrect or unavailable diagnoses which can cause repeat procedures or life threatening treatment choices. Clinical Laboratory (Histology) Technologist Assistant must be familiar with many laboratory policies and procedures. The position also assists in maintenance of the histology area by stocking supplies, cleaning and organizing of work stations, disposal of biological waste, adherence to all compliance and operational procedures.  

Professional Field

 Clinical Laboratory (Histology) Technologist Assistant

Supervision Received

Reports to Histology Supervisor and receives direction and or input form one the Histotechnologist (Certified ASCP/HT/ HTL) in the lab. The employee will demonstrate communication of all problems and concerns to the Histotechnology Supervisor  and/or pertinent senior lab personnel.  If there are no superiors present at the time, the employee shall handle the situation and immediately inform the supervisor and or Histologists  upon arrival of the corrective actions taken.

Supervision Exercised

This is not a supervisory position.  

Examples of Work Performed

Essential Duties: 

• Determines appropriate handling and tissue processing for specimens, and priorities on requested procedures.
• Prepare and maintain surgical blocks.  Stain, coverslip, label and deliver materials.   Work will be reviewed as part of QA program.  Logs will also be reviewed to ensure accurate entry for labels.
• Prepare and organize specimens for permanent storage.  Blocks are regularly pulled from storage and problems will be readily identified.  Performs computer data entry, recall, and labeling on complex pathology network (LIS).
• Take temperatures of paraffin baths, pots, ovens, cryostats, refrigerators and maintain charts of temperatures Performs routine preventative maintenance, cleaning, and minor adjustments on all lab equipment.
• Make and change staining solutions for H&E stain in frozen section areas and in Histology lab.  Wash glassware and assist in identifying outdated chemicals, stock shortages and ordering supplies Prepares and examine solutions for contamination, impurities, or instability.
• Assist in cleaning and maintaining all Histology equipment including recording temperatures, and changing solutions according to the daily maintenance schedule.  Observe all safety and infectious disease protocol 
• Maintains archived Histological slides and blocks.
• Performs all procedures in a timely manner.
• Answer laboratory phone properly and take information correctly.
• Assists in the ordering of laboratory supplies to maintain proper inventory.
• Knowledgeable of all lab procedures and specimen submission requirements.
• Understand and use proper safety practices.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned.

Completion of all UCD required training and compliance courses 

This description is a summary only and is describing the general level of work being performed, it is not intended to be all-inclusive. The duties of this position may change from time to time and/or based on business need. We reserve the right to add or delete duties and responsibilities at the discretion of the supervisor and/or hiring authority.

Salary and Benefits:
Salary is negotiable and commensurate with skills and experience.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.
  
Benefits: https://www.cu.edu/employee-services/benefits
Total Compensation Calculator: http://www.cu.edu/node/153125

Diversity and Equity:
The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at hr.adacoordinator@ucdenver.edu. 

The University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus is committed to recruiting and supporting a diverse student body, faculty and administrative staff. The university strives to promote a culture of inclusiveness, respect, communication and understanding. We encourage applications from women, ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities and all veterans. The University of Colorado is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment.

The University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees. 

QualificationsMinimum Requirements

Associate Degree in Biological Sciences or related field. Two years of experience organizing specimens and assisting in preparing them for processing using various methodologies, complex machinery and staining systems. 

Substitution: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a BS/BA degree in a biological science may substitute for lab experience, organizing and preparing specimens for processing. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The Clinical Laboratory (Histology) Technologist Assistant must have basic computer skills in data entry, Word and Excel.  Demonstrated ability to organize workload, file correctly by alphabetical and numerical order, attention to detail, and to follow precisely written procedural instructions.  Basic medical terminology is necessary. Ability to listen and follow precise protocols is required. The Clinical Laboratory (Histology) Technologist Assistant must be familiar with basic human anatomy and physiology. Demonstrated proficiency in teaching, communication and working well with others is desired.  

The Clinical Laboratory (Histology) Technologist Assistant  must be able to recognize discrepant information as it applies to specimen receipt and decide on a course of action – i.e. contacting the administrative office, clinician,  Histotechnologist or Histology Supervisor.  

Some other examples of problem solving:  

• Figuring out where a specimen is located if it arrives without paperwork, and vice versa.  Calling/paging certain departments about issues concerning a specimen (ex: incomplete paperwork). 
• If something breaks or is damaged how to go about fixing or replacing it (job requests through Facilities).  
• When a chemical spill occurs, follow appropriate protocol.  

Internal/external communications are frequent among coworkers, and various Pathology staff (doctors, residents, clinicians, nurses, transcriptionist, etc.).  Specimens are received from internal and external sources, so both types of communication occur often.  The purpose is to discuss policies, procedures, problems, upgrades, etc… with internal staff members.  External communication is mainly for additional information needed for a specimen, or problems with the specimen.

The Histology environment is potentially hazardous and precautions must be taken while in the lab. The activity within the room is at a high level with as many as 6-8 individuals working in the same general area simultaneously. Great attention to detail is needed as specimens arrive constantly and cannot be mixed up, misplaced, or un-necessarily delayed. . Use of sharp instruments is constant and various chemical solutions are used. Appropriate safety items (gloves, safety glasses, aprons, etc.) must be worn when working with wet tissues, performing special stains and in handling chemicals.  Frequent hand washing is mandatory as biohazardous materials may be present.  There is some lifting of boxes, large specimens, and large containers containing formalin. 

Job Category: Health Care
Primary Location: Aurora
Schedule: Full-time
Posting Date: Aug 28, 2020
Unposting Date: Ongoing