Histology Technician

Histology Technician II
Louisville, KY
6+ Month Contract 
Strong potential for temp-to-perm conversion based on performance and fit.
Pay: 25 - 36/hr, W 2

Shift & Flexibility:
Initial Shift: 11:00 PM – 7:00 AM.
Shift Change: Possible after some time based on performance and team needs.

Interview Process:
Prefers streamlined interviews.
Focus on technical skills and personality fit with the team.
On-site or virtual interviews are possible.
Candidates may meet current histology techs during the process.

Description:

A Histology Tech II is responsible for performing routine laboratory tests to support the diagnosis and treatment of animal health conditions. Key responsibilities include working under minimal supervision on embedding tissue, cutting and staining of samples, operating laboratory equipment, and maintaining accurate records. This role supports the Global Diagnostics division at client and will work closely with internal veterinary pathologists, and other lab personnel to ensure the highest standards of quality and accuracy in our diagnostic services.

Role Overview
Animal reference laboratory.
The Histology Technician role involves processing tissue biopsies, specimens, and necropsies from animals.
The lab is fast-paced and highly manual compared to other labs.

Key Responsibilities & Workflow
Sample Reception: From veterinary clinics; includes urgent cases like herd illness or euthanasia decisions.
Grossing: Describing and dissecting tissue samples; placing sections into labeled cassettes.
Tissue Processing: Using formalin, alcohols, xylene, and molten wax to prepare tissue for embedding.
Embedding: Placing tissue in molds with paraffin wax and attaching labeled cassettes.
Microtomy: Cutting thin sections from paraffin blocks onto microscope slides.
Staining: Hematoxylin & Eosin (H&E): Standard stain; must-have experience.
Special Stains: Client, trichrome, reticulin.
Immunohistochemistry: Not required but a plus.
Coverslipping: Protecting stained slides with transparent film.
Digital Scanning: Philips scanners used; experience preferred but not required.

Position Responsibilities:
• Under minimal supervison, prepare thin slices of tissue for analysis
• Cut various tissue types using microtomes and operate the automated tissue stainer
• Examine, adjust, and process the tissue for proper sample preservation
• Independently perform tissue embedding of various tissue types
• Mount the tissue sample on the slide and stain or dye the sample to emphasize abnormalities
• Prepare and troubleshoot special stains and IHC slides
• Recognize factors that affect procedures and quality results, and taking appropriate action when corrections are necessary
• Review histology slides for quality and consistency
• Perform special stains as requested by pathologists
• Assist with using advanced techniques like molecular pathology or electron microscopy
• Clean and operate all equipment within the anatomic pathology lab
• Perform quality control checks on daily H&E stain
• Complete other relevant tasks as required

Education and Experience:
Associate’s degree in biology/anatomy or related field. Bachelors preferred
Microtomy: Comfort with microtomes; ideally 1–2 years.
Embedding: Attention to detail and tissue orientation.
H&E Staining: Automated staining experience preferred.
Grossing: A plus but not mandatory.

Skills to Highlight on Resume:
Microtomy
Embedding
H&E and special staining
Histology instrumentation

Technical Skills:
• Strong attention to detail
• Proficiency in using laboratory equipment and software
• Team-oriented with excellent collaboration skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Robust organizational and time management abilities
• Excellent data entry skills
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Ability to complete tasks with minimal supervision
• Fluency in English language.

Conversion Opportunity:
Strong potential for temp-to-perm conversion based on performance and fit.
Patricia aims to retain skilled staff due to the specialized nature of the role.