IHC Lead Technologist

Key Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day activities and workflow of the clinical IHC laboratory.
• Perform Automated Immunohistochemistry (IHC) using Dako Autostainer Link 48 and Ventana Benchmark Ultra Staining Systems.
• Operate a microtome to produce slides from paraffin blocks.
• Perform QC and/or verification steps for receiving and delivering specimens for IHC staining.
• Perform assigned tests in accordance with assay run schedule, accurately, and within TAT and in compliance with written SOPs.
• Finalize test orders to deliver to requesting pathologist.
• Lead or coordinate tissue, reagent, and assay quality control and validations as needed.
• Perform routine H&E staining with possible other histological staining methods.
• Maintain proper sample chain of custody including specimen handling, labeling, and preparation of batch records.
• Maintain adequate stock and efficient use of supplies and preparation of reagents.
• Assist in maintaining an organized lab space.
• Follow written lab Standard Operating Procedures for handling and processing of specimens.
• Maintain a deep understanding of laboratory processes to ensure effective troubleshooting of assays and instrumentation.
• Serve as a technical resource for problem solving and process improvement.
• Identify problems that may adversely affect test performance or reporting and take appropriate action.
• Maintain and troubleshoot equipment/instrumentations.
• Communicate with Asset Management team and IHC Supervisors when equipment needs repair.
• Assist in the development of competency, training, and orientation of the IHC staff.
• Support department supervisor on employee related concerns.
• Effectively communicate deficiencies to appropriate personnel.
• Investigate Root Cause Analysis (RCA), write Incident/Event Report (INC), Non-Conformance Report (NCR), and Corrective Action & Preventative Action (CAPA).
• Troubleshoot issues while working with staff to document quality issues.
• Participate on cross-functional teams to coordinate troubleshooting, process improvements, SOP revisions, and/or implement new workflows or products.
• Monitor and communicate inventory of supply and reagent needs.
• Assist with equipment validation and work with outside vendors when required.
• Operate and maintain all IHC lab equipment in proper state of readiness and cleanliness.
• Record and monitor monthly logs for all required areas.
• Collect and publish routine processing and operational metrics and execute countermeasures to ensure daily processing goals are met.
• Ensure quality tissue specimen slides and stain results are obtained and delivered to the Pathologist within established quality standards.
• Adhere to laboratory’s quality control policies (GCP, CAP/CLIA, ISO) and document all quality control activities.
• Oversee CAP surveys and CAP checklist (IHC).
• Support lab supervisors with maintaining and publishing lab schedule and/or processing metrics.
• Participate in biohazard, chemical, and general safety and continuing education programs.
• Receive and transmit telephone calls and/or emails regarding patient sample processing.
• Resolve high volume email inquiry requests.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Comply with FMI's attendance policies.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biological or life sciences.
• 5+ years of Histology laboratory work experience in a CAP/CLIA regulated laboratory.
• 5+ years’ experience working with Dako, Leica, or Ventana Autostainer.
• Qualifies as General Supervisor according to CAP regulations.
• Certification as a Histology Technician (HT) or Histology Technologist (HTL), and/or Qualification in Immunohistochemistry (QIHC) from the American Society Clinical Pathology (ASCP) certification is required within 6 months of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• 6+ years of laboratory work experience in a CAP/CLIA regulated lab.
• 6+ years of experience in Histology.
• 6+ years of experience in Immunohistochemistry testing (manual and automated).
• Familiarity with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
• Relevant experience in a regulated laboratory environment (such as CAP/CLIA).
• Basic knowledge of laboratory safety protocols.
• Demonstrated experience working within tight timelines for successful execution of project and program goals.
• Demonstrated experience handling multiple tasks at once.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaborate with peers in a fast-paced and cross-functional environment.
• Utilize a laboratory information management system (LIMS, MS Office esp. Excel).
• Work well under pressure while maintaining a professional demeanor.
• Prioritize and thoroughly follow up on assigned tasks.
• Adapt to changing procedures, policies and work environment.
• Perform work in a lab environment in the presence of chemicals and reagents.
• Learn new tasks in appropriate timeframes.
• Understand and communicate scientific or technical information.
• Strong interpersonal skills that include excellent skills in written and oral communication, collaboration, and problem solving.
• Demonstrated attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Understanding of HIPAA and the importance of patient data privacy.
• Commitment to reflect FMI’s values: Integrity, Courage, and Passion.