Description
University of Colorado | CU Anschutz Medical Campus

School of Medicine, Department of Pathology

Job Title Histotechnologist

Position #00685491, Requisition #20526

* 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) Histotechnologist position.

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 Histotechnologist position is responsible for processing all specimens received in the Histology laboratory under minimal supervision. This position requires independent judgment in selection of methodologies utilized in processing tissue specimens and in solving routine problems.  Histotechnologists contribute 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 and Histological processing of all surgical pathology specimens in preparation for pathologist review and diagnosis. The Histotechnologist receives all histology specimens and processes them using various methodologies, complex machinery and staining systems. The Histotechnologist will then prepare the slides for Pathologist review by cutting prepared blocks of tissue utilizing complex machinery.  Histotechnologists are then responsible for appropriately staining the slides whether with routine, special or immunohistochemical stains.  Throughout this process the Histotechnologist is responsible for labeling, entering and tracking the progress of the specimen until it reaches the Pathologist for diagnosis.  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.  The Histotechnologist must be familiar with all laboratory policies and procedures.  The position is also responsible for the maintenance of the histology area by maintaining inventory and supplies, cleaning and organizing of work stations, disposal of biological waste, adherence to all compliance and operational procedures. 

This Histotechnologist will participate in the management of the histology area by maintaining inventory of supplies, cleaning and organizing of work, stations, disposal of biological waste, and adherence to all compliance and operational procedures. This position requires independent judgment in selection of methodologies utilized in processing tissue specimens and in solving routine problems. The Histotechnologist must be familiar with all laboratory policies and procedures. This position requires excellent interpersonal skills where customer service and responsibility to patient care is the priority.

Additional duties include documentation per CAP guidelines, communication with pathologists/residents and troubleshooting equipment malfunctions. This is not a supervisory position.  However, this position will demonstrate communication of all problems and concerns to the Lead Histotechnologist and/or pertinent superiors.  If there are no superiors present at the time, the employee shall handle the situation and immediately inform the Lead Histotechnologist upon arrival of the corrective actions taken.

Examples of Work Performed:

• Determines appropriate handling and tissue processing for specimens, and priorities on requested procedures.
• Utilizes appropriate equipment with precision for all histological protocols.
• Performs complex staining techniques and demonstrates competency with immunohistochemical procedures to include in situ hybridization reactions.
• Performs computer data entry, recall, and labeling on complex pathology network (LIS).
• Performs routine preventative maintenance, cleaning, and minor adjustments on all lab equipment.
• Prepares and examine solutions for contamination, impurities, or instability.
• Follows procedures on all lab tests.
• Examines microscopically all stained slides and controls to determine accuracy of the last test and make modifications to the procedures as needed.
• Retrieves and stores specimens properly for long term storage.
• Assists in maintaining accreditation standards, to include all check sheets and quality control information sheets.
• 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.
• Complete all UCD required training and compliance courses.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

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:

The salary range (or the hiring range) for this position has been established at $ 56,000 to $61,772.

The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.

The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

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.

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in a biological, health or social science or a directly related field from an accredited institution.
• Two (2) years of experience working in a clinical histology lab.
• Histotechnician or Histotechnologist Certification (HTL, ASCP), or eligible for certification.

Substitution: Experience as a clinical histologist may be substituted for the education requirement on a year for year basis. 

Required: Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

PLEASE NOTE: Candidates will be responsible for travel expenses related to the interview process and any relocation expenses, if applicable.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Three (3) years’ of experience in a clinical histology lab. 
• Immunohistochemistry Certification (QIHC, ASCP).
• Experience using laboratory equipment such as complex machinery and staining systems. 
• Experience calculating lab results and data using math and analytical skills. 
• Experience using MS Word and Excel. Preferred experience will include developing reports, spreadsheets, and databases using the mentioned software programs. 
• Experience entering data into an electronic system.
• Experience with medical terminology, human anatomy and physiology. 
• Experience purchasing and maintaining lab supplies. 
• Experience cleaning and maintaining laboratories and lab equipment. 
• Experience working within an educational medical lab environment in laboratories. 

Competencies/Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Highly motivated individual looking to pursue a long term career in histology.Excellent interpersonal skills where customer service and responsibility to patient care is the priority. Self-starter that demonstrates the ability to work individually with minimal supervision as well as part of a team of technologists, show proficiency at solving complex problems, and exhibit excellent computer skills (all Microsoft products and preferably QuickBooks).Willing and capable of learning new techniques relating to histology and molecular pathology.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills with the ability to establish rapport with persons of diverse backgrounds which also includes experience working with students, staff, and faculty, within a higher education and/or academic medical environment. 
• Ability to interpret complex rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and guidelines. 
• Ability to listen and follow precise protocols and written instructions. 
• Demonstrated ability to organize workload, file correctly by alphabetical and numerical order.
• Must possess a professional demeanor and have experience that demonstrates problem solving skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks and work independently with minimal supervision. 
• Detail oriented, self-motivated, a fast learner and possess excellent time management, organizational, written and verbal communication skills. 
• Ability to take direction and use independent judgment to coordinate and meet multiple deadlines. 
• Familiarity with HIPAA and security compliance requirements.
Demonstrated commitment and leadership ability to advance diversity and inclusion.

Job Category: Health Care
Primary Location: Aurora
Schedule: Full-time
Posting Date: Mar 15, 2021
Unposting Date: Ongoing