Immunohistochemistry/Histology Supervisor

Overview

The Supervisor of Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Histology is responsible for the daily operational oversight of technical staff performing IHC, ISH, immunofluorescence, surgical histology, special stains, tissue processing, embedding, microtomy, and frozen section procedures within Anatomic Pathology. This position ensures high-quality technical performance, regulatory compliance (CAP, CLIA, State, and Joint Commission), and efficient workflow. The Supervisor reports to the AP Lab Director and collaborates closely with faculty, residents, and laboratory leadership to maintain excellence in diagnostic services. The Supervisor is expected to maintain operational flexibility and the technical competency to cross-cover within both Immunohistochemistry and Histology services.

Operational Supervision

• Supervises day-to-day workflow of IHC and Histology laboratories.
• Oversees IHC staining, ISH staining, immunofluorescence, special stains, frozen sections, embedding, microtomy, and tissue processing.
• Maintains competency to provide cross-coverage in both IHC and Histology sections as required.
• Monitors turnaround times, workload distribution, and production standards.
• Addresses technical and operational issues and escalates concerns appropriately.
• Performs technical procedures as necessary to support workflow continuity.

Cross-Coverage & Workforce Flexibility

• Maintains competency to provide cross-coverage in both IHC and Histology sections as required.
• Supports laboratory operations during staffing shortages, high-volume periods, or emergent situations.
• Participates in structured cross-training programs to maintain operational resiliency.
• Ensures all cross-coverage duties are performed in accordance with CAP, CLIA, and institutional competency requirements.

Regulatory & Quality Compliance

• Ensures compliance with CAP, CLIA, State, and Joint Commission standards.
• Oversees documentation of quality control, corrective actions, validations, and maintenance logs.
• Assists in validation of new antibodies, assays, procedures, and instrumentation.
• Conducts annual review of laboratory procedures and SOPs.
• Participates in quality assurance initiatives and prepares quality and workload reports.

Staff Supervision & Development

• Supervises exempt and non-exempt technical staff.
• Sets daily work assignments and monitors workload distribution.
• Ensures documentation of training, onboarding, and continuing education.
• Promotes cross-training to enhance team flexibility and operational continuity.

Equipment & Resource Oversight

• Maintains functionality and preventive maintenance of laboratory equipment.
• Monitors inventory levels and supply ordering.
• Ensures compliance with laboratory safety, chemical storage, and hazardous waste procedures.
• Supports evaluation and implementation of new technologies and instrumentation.

Administrative & Financial Support

• Affords assistance with supply utilization monitoring and cost efficiency initiatives.
• Provides workload and performance data for reporting purposes.
• Supports continuous quality and process improvement initiatives.

Required Skills And Abilities

• Proven experience with progressively more responsibility in a Histology Laboratory.
• Strong technical expertise in IHC, ISH, special stains, embedding, sectioning, and frozen section techniques.
• Experience in a histology laboratory with special emphasis on immunohistochemistry and special stain procedures as well as a detailed knowledge of more specialized embedding, sectioning and histochemical techniques.
• Knowledge of CAP, CLIA, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Experience with antibody validation, quality control, and troubleshooting.
• Demonstrated leadership and communication skills.
• Ability to manage workflow in high volume clinical environments.

Required Education and Experience

• Minimum requirement of Bachelor’s Degree in related field and five years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.