Oregon Health & Science University
Department Overview
The Histotechnologist provides technical assistance for high‑quality patient care testing services that support overall patient care activities at OHSU Hospitals, Clinics and the Department of Pathology. The role produces histologic slides by performing embedding, microtomy, routine and special stains, and performs quality control and improvement activities.
Function/Duties
Prepare and embed tissue specimens in paraffin, orienting correctly and labeling cassettes.
Perform microtomy on paraffin‑embedded tissue, evaluating processing completeness and reprocessing as needed.
Execute routine and special staining using automated or manual methods, ensuring adequate staining controls.
Maintain quality control records, monitor instrument performance, and reconcile finished slides with work lists.
Follow safety protocols, demonstrate knowledge by using appropriate PPE and handling specimens.
Communicate effectively with physicians, nurses, coworkers, and outside clients, promoting excellent customer service and teamwork.
Prioritize specimens and seek assistance when delays are incurred to meet established deadlines.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Chemical or Biological science and one year of experience in a histology laboratory, plus HT/HTL (ASCP) certification within 90 days of hire; OR
Two years of experience performing embedding, microtomy and histologic staining, preparing reagents and stains, and HT/HTL (ASCP) certification within 90 days; OR
Completion of a certified histotechnology training program and one year of training and experience in a clinical histology laboratory, plus HT/HTL (ASCP) certification within 90 days.
Job Related Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities (Competencies)
General knowledge of laboratory terminology.
Skill in handling laboratory specimens, ensuring completeness and documentation.
Skill in using hospital and laboratory computer systems.
Ability and willingness to follow written and oral instructions accurately.
Ability to recognize and initiate procedures and policies to improve workflow and accuracy.
Ability to demonstrate performance of job duties to trainees.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with physicians, nurses, pathology employees, and maintain a customer service focus at all times.
Ability to work independently within established guidelines, adjust to rapidly changing priorities, and work effectively within a group.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in immunohistochemistry and neuromuscle processing preferred.
Additional Details Positions may require working flexible schedules including nights, weekends and holidays; working at multiple laboratory or hospital sites; traveling between laboratories and sites; exposure to blood and body fluids, chemical hazards, radiation; working in a somewhat noisy and crowded environment; wearing gloves and other personal protective equipment for long periods of time; experiencing occasional temperature fluctuations.
Benefits
Healthcare Options – Covered 100% for full‑time employees and 88% for dependents, and $25K of term life insurance provided at no cost to the employee.
Two separate above‑market pension plans to choose from.
Vacation – up to 200 hours per year depending on length of service.
Sick Leave – up to 96 hours per year.
8 paid holidays per year.
Substantial Tri‑met and C‑Tran discounts.
Additional Programs including tuition reimbursement and employee assistance program (EAP).
Equal Opportunity Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the affirmative action and equal opportunity department at 503‑494‑5148 or aaeo@ohsu.edu.
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Function/Duties
Prepare and embed tissue specimens in paraffin, orienting correctly and labeling cassettes.
Perform microtomy on paraffin‑embedded tissue, evaluating processing completeness and reprocessing as needed.
Execute routine and special staining using automated or manual methods, ensuring adequate staining controls.
Maintain quality control records, monitor instrument performance, and reconcile finished slides with work lists.
Follow safety protocols, demonstrate knowledge by using appropriate PPE and handling specimens.
Communicate effectively with physicians, nurses, coworkers, and outside clients, promoting excellent customer service and teamwork.
Prioritize specimens and seek assistance when delays are incurred to meet established deadlines.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Chemical or Biological science and one year of experience in a histology laboratory, plus HT/HTL (ASCP) certification within 90 days of hire; OR
Two years of experience performing embedding, microtomy and histologic staining, preparing reagents and stains, and HT/HTL (ASCP) certification within 90 days; OR
Completion of a certified histotechnology training program and one year of training and experience in a clinical histology laboratory, plus HT/HTL (ASCP) certification within 90 days.
Job Related Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities (Competencies)
General knowledge of laboratory terminology.
Skill in handling laboratory specimens, ensuring completeness and documentation.
Skill in using hospital and laboratory computer systems.
Ability and willingness to follow written and oral instructions accurately.
Ability to recognize and initiate procedures and policies to improve workflow and accuracy.
Ability to demonstrate performance of job duties to trainees.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with physicians, nurses, pathology employees, and maintain a customer service focus at all times.
Ability to work independently within established guidelines, adjust to rapidly changing priorities, and work effectively within a group.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in immunohistochemistry and neuromuscle processing preferred.
Additional Details Positions may require working flexible schedules including nights, weekends and holidays; working at multiple laboratory or hospital sites; traveling between laboratories and sites; exposure to blood and body fluids, chemical hazards, radiation; working in a somewhat noisy and crowded environment; wearing gloves and other personal protective equipment for long periods of time; experiencing occasional temperature fluctuations.
Benefits
Healthcare Options – Covered 100% for full‑time employees and 88% for dependents, and $25K of term life insurance provided at no cost to the employee.
Two separate above‑market pension plans to choose from.
Vacation – up to 200 hours per year depending on length of service.
Sick Leave – up to 96 hours per year.
8 paid holidays per year.
Substantial Tri‑met and C‑Tran discounts.
Additional Programs including tuition reimbursement and employee assistance program (EAP).
Equal Opportunity Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the affirmative action and equal opportunity department at 503‑494‑5148 or aaeo@ohsu.edu.
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