Histotechnologist II

Summary

The Histotechnologist is responsible for performing, on a daily and weekly basis, histological work, including embedding, sectioning and staining.  The Histotechnologist will also participate in routine laboratory maintenance (preparing solutions, ensuring workstation and laboratory cleanliness) and routine administrative tasks (i.e. ordering supplies).

The career track for Histotechnologists at The Jackson Laboratory includes three levels generally described as follows:

Histotechnologist I:  A person at Level I works under general supervision, performs routine histological procedures, has 2-3 years of experience and typically has a post-secondary Associate's degree and may have an HT(ASCP) certification. Histotechnologist II: A person at Level II performs more advanced histological techniques, has 3-5 years of experience and works with minimal supervision.  This person may also research and develop new protocols. Histotechnologist III: A person at Level III works independently, interacts more frequently with the PIs to develop highly specialized applications and has at least 5-10 years of experience which should include IHC/IMF experience as well as some ISH/FISH experience. 

Key Responsibilities:

Tissue Processing: Following required histological procedures, process and embed tissues for sectioning. Sectioning: Prepare tissues for microscopic study by sectioning tissue blocks (paraffin, frozen) and preparing microscope slides for staining.  Sectioning methods include standard paraffin sectioning as well as cryosectioning. Staining: Prepare and maintain dyes, stains and other solutions needed for routine and special stains. Perform staining protocols as per the request of the investigator. Facility Operations/Administrative/Professional Development: Participate in routine laboratory maintenance. Record data pertinent to histology projects. Carry out administrative duties (assist with reports, etc.) regularly.  Continue professional development through attendance at workshops, seminars, conferences and other continuing education classes. 

Minimum Qualifications (All Levels):

Knowledge of basic sciences (biology, chemistry, math) and routine histological techniques (embedding, sectioning and staining) that would normally be acquired through the attainment of an Associate's degree in a biological science with HT (ASCP) certification and not less than 2 years of experience working in a histology laboratory.  An individual with a Bachelor's degree in biological science who has experience in a Histology Lab and the willingness to obtain HT (ASCP) certification within 2-3 years may be considered.Skills in processing, embedding, sectioning (paraffin, frozen) and staining tissue sections.Skills in proper operation and maintenance of histology equipment (microtomes, tissue processors, cryostats, stainers, coverslippers, slide labelers, etc.).Knowledge of safety protocols and SOPs needed to carry out all job responsibilities in a safe manner in order to protect one's self and those around them, minimizing or eliminating exposure to hazardous materials and/or conditions.Current computer skills including use of spreadsheet, word processing, e-mail and internet tools. Ability to communicate effectively with others verbally and in writing to clearly and effectively exchange information.Ability and willingness to function effectively in a team environment. Ability to work with frequent changes in schedules and priorities.

Pay Range: $28.57- 41.43 per hour, dependent on experience.

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About JAX:

The Jackson Laboratory is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institution with a National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center and nearly 3,000 employees in locations across the United States (Maine, Connecticut, California), Japan and China. Its mission is to discover precise genomic solutions for disease and empower the global biomedical community in the shared quest to improve human health.

Founded in 1929, JAX applies over nine decades of expertise in genetics to increase understanding of human disease, advancing treatments and cures for cancer, neurological and immune disorders, diabetes, aging and heart disease. It models and interprets genomic complexity, integrates basic research with clinical application, educates current and future scientists, and provides critical data, tools and services to the global biomedical community. For more information, please visit www.jax.org​​​​​​​.

EEO Statement:

The Jackson Laboratory provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, age, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition, gender, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, national origin, veteran status, and other classifications protected by applicable state and local non-discrimination laws.