Histotechnologist 2 Per Diem

About the Role

This position supports departmental goals by processing patient samples and preparing slides for histologic analysis. At the HT II level, the incumbent will be competent in the full range of tissue preparation assignments, including the most specialized techniques, such as immunohistochemical stains. They also serve as a lead for technical expertise in troubleshooting and development of new techniques.

Responsibilities

• Embedding and cutting tissue samples (60% of time)
• Performing routine H&E and a variety of special histochemical stains (30% of time)
• Laboratory maintenance (5% of time)
• Other duties as assigned (5% of time)

Key technical skills include tissue processing and embedding, preparing tissue sections for microscope slides, routine H&E staining, and performing special stains.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent work experience or training
• Experience working as a histotechnician in a Histology laboratory setting
• Experience with embedding various types of fresh and fixed tissues
• Experience cutting paraffin embedded and fresh tissue blocks using a microtome
• Experience performing routine H&E and a variety of special histochemical stains simultaneously
• Ability to work with hazardous materials and chemicals
• Ability to work well under pressure and remain flexible in a changing work environment
• Knowledge and ability to operate a personal computer
• Organizational and time management skills to independently manage and prioritize an extensive and varied workload, meet multiple deadlines, and achieve timely progress in specimen processing
• Ability to function and work in a diverse work environment
• Ability to maintain the security of confidential information, exercise judgement, tact, and discretion in handling sensitive or confidential information and situations

Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications:

• American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) HT or HTL Certification
• Associate's Degree or Bachelor's Degree in a science-related field
• Experience working as a histotechnician in a Hospital Histology laboratory setting
• Eligibility to perform high-complexity testing
• Ability to recognize processes that could lead to failures
• Knowledge of hospital and laboratory regulations and requirements (e.g., CDPH, CAP, TJC, NAACLS, OSHA)
• Knowledge of basic chemistry and biology applicable to the surgical pathology laboratory
• Experience with preparing molar solutions
• Experience performing general histology laboratory maintenance
• Knowledge of Laboratory and Hospital Information Systems (LIS/HIS) and other basic computer programs
• Excellent organization, time management, and prioritization skills

Department Overview

In support of UC Davis Health's mission of "improving lives and transforming health care," the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine provides high-quality diagnostic and therapeutic care to patients through the examination and interpretation of tissue, blood, and other body fluids. The Histology Laboratory is the receiving and processing point for tissue and cytology specimens taken from surgical and biopsy procedures. The department is accredited by the College of American Pathology (CAP) and operates across three facilities with over 250 employees and 18 distinct units.

Pay

$60.42 per hour

Schedule

• Shift: Night
• Percentage of Time: 20% (Per Diem)
• Location: Histology Building (PATH-V ST) (HSP015)
• Union Representation: EX-Patient Care Technical
• Benefits Eligible: No
• On-site: 100%

Benefits

• High-quality and low-cost medical plans for you and your family
• UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
• Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
• Paid Holidays annually
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities
• WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including free mental health services
• Supplemental insurance including additional life, short/long-term disability, pet insurance, and legal coverage
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program
• Retirement benefit options including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans

Physical Demands

• Standing: Frequent (3 to 6 Hours)
• Walking: Frequent (3 to 6 Hours)
• Sitting: Occasional (Up to 3 Hours)
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 lbs: Occasional (Up to 3 Hours)
• Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs: Occasional (Up to 3 Hours)
• Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs: Occasional (Up to 3 Hours)
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 lbs: Occasional (Up to 3 Hours)
• Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs: Occasional (Up to 3 Hours)
• Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs: Occasional (Up to 3 Hours)
• Bending/Stooping: Occasional (Up to 3 Hours)
• Squatting/Kneeling: Occasional (Up to 3 Hours)
• Twisting: Occasional (Up to 3 Hours)
• Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders): Occasional (Up to 3 Hours)
• Reaching overhead: Occasional (Up to 3 Hours)
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion: Occasional (Up to 3 Hours)

Environmental Demands

• Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes: Frequent (3 to 6 Hours)
• Loud noise levels: Continuous (6 to 8+ Hours)
• Marked changes in humidity or temperature: Frequent (3 to 6 Hours)
• Microwave/Radiation: Occasional (Up to 3 Hours)
• Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment: Frequent (3 to 6 Hours)
• Extreme Temperatures: Occasional (Up to 3 Hours)
• Uneven Surfaces or Elevations: Frequent (3 to 6 Hours)

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration: Continuous (6 to 8+ Hours)
• Complex problem solving/reasoning: Frequent (3 to 6 Hours)
• Ability to organize & prioritize: Continuous (6 to 8+ Hours)
• Communication skills: Continuous (6 to 8+ Hours)
• Numerical skills: Occasional (Up to 3 Hours)
• Constant Interaction: Frequent (3 to 6 Hours)
• Customer/Patient Contact: Continuous (6 to 8+ Hours)
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks: Occasional (Up to 3 Hours)