Laboratory Assistant- Histology Lab

About the role

The Histology Laboratory Assistant provides specimen processing, gross room, histology, and administrative support to the Anatomic Pathology department. Through accurate specimen handling, documentation, slide and block management, and support of pathology workflows, this position helps ensure efficient diagnostic services and exceptional patient care throughout Cooper University Health Care.

Responsibilities

• Receives, verifies, prioritizes, and accessions surgical pathology, biopsy, cytology, autopsy, and consultation specimens
• Reviews specimen labeling and requisitions for completeness, resolves discrepancies, maintains specimen identification throughout processing, monitors surgical schedules, and maintains required logs and documentation
• Supports daily pathology operations by preparing grossing workstations, obtaining specimen measurements and weights, labeling cassettes, managing specimen storage and disposal, transporting specimens, assisting with gross room workflow, and ensuring timely specimen processing
• Provides support for pathology processes, including slide preparation, coverslipping, reagent changes, slide and block filing and retrieval, basic equipment maintenance, quality documentation, and other non-complex laboratory procedures performed under established protocols
• Coordinates pathology consultations and send-outs; prepares, packages, tracks, and documents specimens, slides, and blocks sent to reference laboratories or consulting pathologists
• Maintains pathology records, scans and files reports, and ensures accurate tracking and chain-of-custody documentation
• Answers phones, responds to inquiries, communicates with physicians, healthcare facilities, and reference laboratories, routes issues appropriately, and assists with clerical and operational functions to support efficient pathology services
• Maintains laboratory inventory and supplies, orders and stocks materials, organizes reagents, washes glassware, performs section maintenance activities, documents quality and maintenance records, and participates in competency assessments, continuing education, and quality improvement activities

Requirements

• 0–2 years preferred experience in histology, anatomic pathology, clinical laboratory, medical office, or specimen accessioning environment
• High School Diploma or GED
• Associate degree or college coursework in Biology, Anatomy & Physiology, Medical Laboratory Science, or related science field

Skills

• Strong attention to detail and specimen identification accuracy
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and multitasking abilities
• Ability to work independently and prioritize competing demands in a fast-paced environment
• Knowledge of confidentiality and HIPAA requirements
• Experience with Epic Beaker, SoftPath, Sunquest, Copia, or laboratory information systems (preferred)

Pay

USD $18.00 – $29.00 per hour