Histology Technician Lead at Veracyte – San Diego, California

The Histology Technician III/Lead supervises and coordinates daily histology operations including embedding, microtomy, staining, and slide distribution. Core duties include sample management specific to site operations, performing staining procedures, equipment maintenance, sample capture, and/or supporting digital pathology. The role requires expertise in all aspects of microtomy, ensuring compliance with state and national regulatory standards, and effective collaboration with laboratory teams, pre-analytical staff, and pathologists. Flexibility in scheduling and section assignments is essential to meet laboratory needs.

This role will have a schedule of Tuesday - Saturday, 2pm - 10:30pm.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The main duties and responsibilities include the following, but are not limited to:

• Prepares microscopic slides for diagnostic purposes, including processing, embedding, microtomy, and/or mounting of paraffin-embedded samples.
• Assists in training new personnel and may perform competency assessment.
• Responsible for specimen reconciling, sample return, sample capture, and ensuring quality throughout the pre-analytical processes; other duties as assigned, (if performed at the specific laboratory location).
• Performs and quality review of routine H&E staining.
• Recut blocks as requested by the Pathologist in a manner that meets TAT and quality expectations.
• Maintains histology equipment per laboratory Standard Operating Procedures and manufacturer recommendations.
• Files paraffin blocks and microscope slides; pulls slides/ blocks from storage, as requested. Prepares and monitors solutions and reagents for the automated stainers.
• Participates in projects, research, and validation activities as assigned.
• Restocks the laboratory to ensure appropriate inventory levels as maintained to meet workload.
• Maintains equipment and quality records in a manner that meets laboratory and compliance standards; ensures records are accurate and available for audits and review.
• Must be able to troubleshoot areas of processing, microtomy, staining and equipment.
• Performs and documents scheduled preventative maintenance.
• Understands and follows all safety guidelines.
• Participates in all continuing education programs required to keep certification current, if applicable.
• Must be able to flex schedule to accommodate workload, including weekend coverage.
• Respects and maintains the confidentiality of information relative to clients and patients.
• Compliant with company policies, procedures, safety requirements quality systems, and regulations.
• May perform other assigned duties as directed by management.
• May supervise direct reports

QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or abilities required.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associates or bachelor's degree preferred
• 4-8 years of experience in a histology laboratory, including microtomy and H&E staining
• Knowledge of CLIA, New York, CAP and OSHA regulatory requirements
• HT(ASCP) or HTL(ASCP) certification a plus.

OTHER SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES

• Ability to follow detailed instructions and maintain accurate records
• Strong attention to detail and organization skills
• Excellent problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to work independently and exercise good judgement
• Demonstrates interpersonal skills required to successfully perform as a team member and leader in a constantly changing environment.
• Demonstrated self-starter
• The ability to navigate efficiently through, or have familiarity with, various laboratory information systems (LIS) and have proficiency in Microsoft Office products (Excel, Word, Access and PowerPoint)
• Strives to maintain a positive work environment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Exposure to general laboratory environment conditions
• Handling and disposing of hazardous and non-hazardous materials.
• Repetitive movement of hands, arms, and legs
• Ability to stand or sit for extended periods of time
• Manual dexterity and visual acuity for handling and processing specimens
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment, including gloves, lab coats, and safety glasses
• Repetitive movement of fingers (typing and/or writing)
• Sitting, with occasional walking, standing, stooping, and moving about

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