Histology Specialist, Immunohistochemistry/ Immunofluorescence

General Summary/Overview Statement:
Under general supervision, performs specialized techniques for immunohistochemical (IHC) and immunofluorescence (IF) studies. These tests are conducted primarily on paraffin-embedded and frozen surgical specimens, fluids, or fine needle aspirations, utilizing various antisera. The role involves embedding and sectioning routine tissue and IHC/IF positive control tissue with a microtome or Cryostat machine, performing routine H&E stains, coverslipping, and accurate slide labeling. Responsible for logging clinical slides for IHC/IF studies and maintaining laboratory equipment, solutions, and accurate records. Identifies and reports issues and assists in training new laboratory staff.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Specimen Management:
• Maintains diagnostic viability of all specimens received.
• Ensures accurate patient labeling of all materials.
2. IHC/IF Studies :
• Performs routine immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence studies with appropriate controls for cell markers on paraffin sections.
• Utilizes monoclonal, polyclonal, and fluorescence-conjugated antibodies with various specialized techniques.
3. Tissue Processing:
• Embeds processed tissue in paraffin and freezes fresh tissue with OCT.
• Sections paraffin blocks and frozen tissue, performs H&E staining, and coverslips slides manually or using automated systems.
4. Reagent Preparation :
• Prepares reagents, buffers, and stains used in the laboratory and maintains acceptable working volumes.
5. Slide Organization and Distribution :
• Organizes slides for distribution to residents, fellows, and senior pathologists according to requisition paperwork and worksheets.
6. Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) :
• Documents daily QA/QC charts for all laboratory equipment.
• Verifies that all QA/QC tasks have been completed.
7. Inventory Management :
• Maintains inventory of reagents and supplies, ensuring proper storage and quality control compliance.
8. Equipment Maintenance:
• Maintains laboratory equipment in proper working order and schedules maintenance as necessary.
9. Problem-Solving and Troubleshooting :
• Identifies problems and escalates them to senior laboratory staff.
• Troubleshoots under supervision.
10. Safety Training :
• Assists in the safety training of all laboratory personnel, including maintaining documentation and protocols.
11. Training and Orientation :
• Assists in orienting and training new laboratory staff.
12. Continuing Education:
• Participates in department-sponsored continuing education and in-service training sessions.
13. Policy Compliance :
• Maintains established policies, procedures, and objectives, including quality assurance, safety, environmental, and infection control standards.
• Follows all JCAHO National Patient Safety Goals and related hospital policies.
14. Other Duties :
• Performs all additional duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Qualifications
Must possess a minimum of a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in a biological or physical science or equivalent, with coursework in immunology and histology or equivalent training.

Previous experience in a laboratory setting is highly desired.

Computer skills are highly desired.

Other qualifications as described in the Federal Register, 42 CFR, Subpart M 493.1351-1495.

One year of experience as a histology technician is preferred.

Eligible for HT (ASCP) certification.

Skills, Abilities, and Competencies Required
Demonstrates the ability to embed, section, and stain frozen and processed tissue with acceptable quantity and quality.

Knowledge of biology, chemistry, histology, immunology (preferred for optimal function), mathematics, and basic computer use.

Excellent organizational skills to manage a busy work schedule with a wide variety of techniques requiring accuracy and efficiency.

Ability to function independently in handling specimens and ensuring proper processing.

Initiative to identify potential problems and troubleshoot issues as necessary.

Strong interpersonal skills to interact effectively with colleagues and other professionals.
• Current MGB employees or former employees (separated from the MGB organization for less than 1 year) are not eligible for the sign on bonus.

Additional

The Brigham and Women's Hospital, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.
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