Electron Microscopists

Position Summary

Participates in the day-to-day operations of the laboratory with regard to Electron Microscopy specimen processing. Provides quality preparation of diagnostic biopsies for clinical electron microscopy examination according to departmental procedures utilizing a specialized skill set and knowledge. Supports continuous improvement of laboratory services ensuring timely and high quality results for ultrastructural pathological diagnosis.

Position Key Accountabilities

• Performs supportive duties, providing direction to wide range of clinical staff to assure efficient, high quality test results; instructs physicians and nurses in proper collection of procedures for specimens and correct handling of request forms.
• Processes and embeds patient biopsies received for electron microscopy.
• Performs ultramicrotomy to prepare semi-thin sections on a wide range of specimens: kidney, nerve, muscle, skin, blood, tumors, etc.
• Prepares ultra-thin sections for ultrastructural screening by EM staff.
• Complies with all departmental SOPs and adheres to all rules and protocols
• Performs daily QC on all patient biopsy slides and grids
• Performs basic troubleshooting of errors associated with instrument failures
• Utilizing SOP, prepares and performs QC of various solutions and reagents assuring laboratory is well stocked at all times ensuring quality Electron Microscopy Testing.
• Identifies any problems that may adversely affect performance of ultrastructural results and immediately notifies management team
• Maintains a secure proper filing system for all logs, records, digital images, semi-thins, and ultrathins.
• Helps maintain gross tissue storage area and assists in discarding tissue per established policy.
• Maintains laboratory in a clean, functional state, as well as cleaning or performing scheduled equipment and instrument /calibration / certifications, as required
• Responds to emergency situations
• Performs other duties as assigned

Certification/Skills

• American Society of Clinical Pathologists HT (ASCP) certification preferred.

Minimum Education

• Bachelor's degree in biology or chemistry.

Minimum Experience

• One (1) year of laboratory experience. Experience in clinically based laboratory preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Exerts up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.

Security Sensitive

• This job class may contain positions that are security sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of Texas Education Code § 51.215

Residency Requirement

• Employees must permanently reside and work in the State of Texas.