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At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better health care, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. We pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, our goal is to take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?

The Histology Lab Assistant reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization's Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

The Histology Lab Assistant provides support to the histology and surgical pathology laboratory with entry-level histology tasks related to specimen processing and routine preparation of surgical and autopsy microscopic slides.  This position is responsible for communication with pathologists, residents, and coordinators regarding specimen problems. The position is also required to participate in the laboratory occurrence management program.

Responsibilities:

• Provides histology laboratory support using automation and manual methods to stain and coverslip microscopic slides.  Labels slides, collates with paperwork, and submits to appropriate pathologist or resident.  Documents appropriate tracking information.  Submits slides and protocols to appropriate resident, pathologist, or staff.
• Reviews protocol files for Gross Only specimens and/or outstanding paperwork.  Monitors logs to ensure all routine H&E slides are submitted.
• Performs and documents basic embedding procedures for routine surgical and autopsy tissues.
• Performs and documents routine paraffin block reconciliation.  Prioritizes blocks based on established guidelines.
• Records all documentation consistently and legibly.  Maintains manual and electronic records for easy retrieval of data as necessary.  Investigates, escalates, and documents any discrepancies appropriately.
• Answers routine inquiries related to blocks, slides, and case status.  Direct inquiries regarding technical information to the appropriate laboratory staff.
• Practices the proficient and safe use of all equipment necessary for the completion of all duties and responsibilities within defined turn-around times (i.e., tissue processor, embedding center, automated stainer and cover slipper, etc).
• Cleans, disinfects, performs, and documents routine instrument maintenance per SOP.    Reports equipment or instrument malfunctions appropriately.
• Files paraffin blocks on a daily basis.
• Transports specimens, blocks, and slides as necessary.
• Maintains a clean and safe work environment to ensure efficient workflow and compliance with all regulatory requirements.  Cleans and disinfects laboratory areas per SOP.  Perform minor spill cleanup per SOP when necessary.
• Monitors laboratory inventory in the front histology area to ensure supply levels are appropriate and adequate.  Promptly notifies coordinator of any supply issues.
• Fosters department and laboratory teamwork through effective communication.
• Participates in Safety and Infection Control activities.
• Assists with orientation and training of new staff in front histology area.
• Takes initiative for personal development by attending teleconferences, educational sessions, and required meetings, etc.
• Performs other duties as assigned

Required:

• High School diploma. 
• Computer experience with keyboard proficiency. 
• Familiarity with medical terminology.

Preferred:

• A.S. degree in the biological, life sciences, medical laboratory technology, or other related field.
• Prior work experience in laboratory support or health related experience

Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.

Background Check

Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check.  Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act.

Artificial Intelligence Disclosure

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person. 

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.

Sign-on Bonus Eligibility (if sign-on bonus offered for position): Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position at NM may be eligible depending upon the job family.