Histologist - Dermatology - Mohs Surgery-28350

Location: Chicago, Illinois – Rush University Medical Center, Mohs Surgery Clinic

About the role

This position performs all laboratory testing required to prepare slides for pathological diagnosis. The role requires teamwork to meet deadlines and deliver quality care, proficiency in identifying and resolving process issues, and serving as an expert in the assigned field. Responsibilities include instructing students, residents, and new employees, and evaluating their performance.

Responsibilities

• Utilize required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as defined by the lab area and follow all safety procedures.
• Ensure all testing is performed following Rush-approved policies and procedures.
• Disinfect work area at the beginning and end of each shift.
• Maintain a clean, clutter-free, and well-organized workspace, including cleaning the microtome, emptying the water bath, filling blocks, and preparing new solutions as defined by the rotation schedule.
• Utilize time effectively and seek additional job duties when shift tasks are complete.
• Use computers and laboratory equipment according to established protocols and follow Lab Information System downtime procedures as required.
• Adhere to defined break and lunch times.
• Obtain and document 12 hours of laboratory continuing education annually.
• Meet all departmental and laboratory proficiency and competency requirements annually.
• Accept or volunteer for method evaluations, new procedure development, or special projects, completing them within agreed-upon time frames.
• Serve as a technical expert for other laboratory staff and participate in procedure implementation and training of new staff and students.
• Serve as the owner of a quality assurance process and propose new ideas or modifications for quality and process improvement.
• Process and label specimens accurately to avoid errors.
• Embed tissue cassettes and section paraffin blocks with accuracy and quality.
• Perform H&E and other special stains according to established protocols.
• Perform required quality control (QC) procedures, preventative maintenance, corrective action, and documentation for all procedures and instrumentation.
• Troubleshoot quality problems or discrepancies to determine root causes.
• Troubleshoot equipment and processes with minimal assistance, document actions, and notify supervisors of all problems.
• Recognize acceptable specimens and document all specimen issues related to processing, embedding, or sectioning on the problem log.
• Notify supervisors of any specimen mishandling issues.

Requirements

• Associate of Science Degree in a relevant science OR High School/GED diploma with a minimum of two years of microtomy or histological technique work experience.
• HT(ASCP) or HTL(ASCP) certification or eligibility.
• Ability to cut 30-35 blocks per hour daily and meet turnaround time expectations for specimen processing 90% of the time.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certification as HT(ASCP) or HTL(ASCP).

Working Conditions

• Fast-paced, often stressful, and computerized environment.
• Ability to lift 20 lbs and perform repetitive motions.
• Works in a laboratory with exposure to potentially infectious and hazardous materials.

Pay

$27.47 - $43.27 per hour. Rush salaries are determined by factors including education, job-related experience, skills, internal equity, and industry-specific market data. Offers may vary based on individual circumstances.

Schedule

Restricted Part Time (Total FTE less than 0.5), Shift 1, 6-hour schedule (7:30 AM - 1:30 PM).