Histology Laboratory Research Technician IV- PBC in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at University of Pittsburgh

Histology Laboratory Research Technician IV- PBC

Health Sciences Core Research Facilities - Pennsylvania-Pittsburgh - (26005092)

The Pitt Biospecimen Core (PBC) Histology Lab is an institutional resource for processing, paraffin embedding and sectioning of tissues and other samples dedicated to serving the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC Faculty in meeting their research needs. The histology lab is located within Shadyside Hospital, but satellite pick up and drop off stations are located within Scaife Hall and Magee Women’s Hospital to support the research facilities located on the upper campus of the University. The histology duties consist of the following tasks. The incumbent will perform gross dissection of samples when applicable. Manually writes cassettes when necessary. Print slides with proper sample identifiers prior to sectioning. Paraffin embed samples according to histological guidelines and/or customer preferences. Section paraffin blocks with high quality microtomy techniques without compromising samples. Provides customer service and support to select the appropriate test methods to achieve the customer’s expectation. Reviews the control tissues for appropriate staining and quality of stain. Maintains the supply inventory and chemical inventory. Utilizes laboratory integrated software for accessioning projects, ensure proper billing charges and pending log tracking. Suggest process improvements and works with leadership for implementation. Program, maintains and performs routine maintenance of equipment. Utilizes a cryostat to perform all aspects of frozen sectioning. Design/create layouts for tissue microarrays (TMA) as well as the construction of TMAs. As needed, meets with customers to discuss the details of the project to ensure a clear understanding of the anticipated outcome. Performs project compilation and distribution upon completion. Receive and forward imaging projects to the Digital pathology resource center (DPRC) and retrieve completed projects. Excellent attention to detail, strong communication skills, adept to multi-tasking, and organizational skills are necessary to be successful in this position.

Job Summary

Performs a variety of independent and complex laboratory work and experiments. Analyzes and interprets data, compiles results, and prepares reports. Maintains inventory, ordering, and logs. Writes manuscripts and grant proposals and prepares data visualizations.

Essential Functions

The Pitt Biospecimen Core (PBC) Histology Lab is an institutional resource for processing, paraffin embedding and sectioning of tissues and other samples dedicated to serving the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC Faculty in meeting their research needs. The histology lab is located within Shadyside Hospital, but satellite pick up and drop off stations are located within Scaife Hall and Magee Women’s Hospital to support the research facilities located on the upper campus of the University. The histology duties consist of the following tasks.The incumbent will perform gross dissection of samples when applicable. Manually writes cassettes when necessary. Print slides with proper sample identifiers prior to sectioning. Paraffin embed samples according to histological guidelines and/or customer preferences. Section paraffin blocks with high quality microtomy techniques without compromising samples. Provides customer service and support to select the appropriate test methods to achieve the customer’s expectation. Reviews the control tissues for appropriate staining and quality of stain. Maintains the supply inventory and chemical inventory. Utilizes laboratory integrated software for accessioning projects, ensure proper billing charges and pending log tracking. Suggest process improvements and works with leadership for implementation. Program, maintains and performs routine maintenance of equipment. Utilizes a cryostat to perform all aspects of frozen sectioning. Design/create layouts for tissue microarrays (TMA) as well as the construction of TMAs. As needed, meets with customers to discuss the details of the project to ensure a clear understanding of the anticipated outcome. Performs project compilation and distribution upon completion. Receive and forward imaging projects to the Digital pathology resource center (DPRC) and retrieve completed projects. Excellent attention to detail, strong communication skills, adept to multi-tasking, and organizational skills are necessary to be successful in this position.

Physical Effort

Walking around campus, sitting and standing for long periods of time. Lifting up to 40 pounds. Bending and lifting to put away supplies. Reading small print on tubes and vials. Working under standard office and laboratory overhead lighting. Ability to walk up a minimum of 2 flights of stairs.

Assignment Category: Full-time regular

Job Classification: Staff.Laboratory Research Technician IV

Job Family: Research

Job Sub Family: Laboratory

Campus: Pittsburgh

Minimum Education Level Required: Bachelor's Degree

Minimum Years of Experience Required: 3

Will this position accept substitution in lieu of education or experience: Combination of education and relevant experience will be considered in lieu of education and/ or experience requirement.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., schedule as set with supervisor

Work Arrangement: On-Campus: Teams that work on campus, in an office, or in a lab.

Hiring Range: TBD Based Upon Qualifications

Relocation_Offered: No

Visa Sponsorship Provided: Yes

Background Check: For position finalists, employment with the University will require successful completion of a background check

Child Protection Clearances: Not Applicable

Required Documents: Resume, Cover Letter

Optional Documents: Not Applicable