Laboratory Technologist I

Position Summary

The Molecular Pathology Shared Resource (MPSR) of the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center (HICCC) of Columbia University whose aim is to enable cancer and related tissue-based research is seeking a Lab Technologist I. The individual will be responsible for all routine aspects of the histology service of the MPSR.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Receiving instructions from clients as to their requests, performance of routine histology services from grossing, to processing, to embedding, cutting, and staining of tissues (routine and specialized).
• Cutting and staining frozen tissues.
• Responsible for the construction of tissue microarray, performing tissue microdissection as well as supervising and training less experienced staff.
• Tasked with ordering supplies, maintaining equipment and related laboratory records, performing billing and recording functions as needed in the laboratory as well as quality assurance-related activities.
• Extensive experience and be highly skilled as a histotechnologist and be willing to assume responsibility and managerial functions as needed, (all other outlined tasks will be trained if unfamiliar).
• Assist in Tissue Banking operations including procuring, processing, storing, and annotation of tissues, and logging to the database and other Tumor Bank-related operations including tissue retrieval and return.

Essential functions (list in order of importance, includes a percentage of effort):

• Embedding & cutting of paraffin blocks & frozen sections (50%)
• Routine staining and cover Slipping (10%)
• Assist tissue bank in specimen accession, organization, operations, and computer-related annotation (10%)
• Preparation of laboratory reagents & solutions according to detailed instructions (5%)
• Follow detailed instructions pertaining to research protocol (10%)
• Interact with research personnel & laboratory associates relating to laboratory operations (10%)
• Perform other related duties necessary to the functioning of the laboratory and related research projects (5%)

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree and New York State License - Clinical Lab Technician/Technologist License or Histology Technician License plus 0-3 years of related experience, OR
• BA/BS & New York State Department of Education Clinical Lab Technician/Technologist License or Histology Technician License plus 6 years of related experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• 10 years or more of experience in histology laboratory operations preferred but lesser will be considered based on skillset.
• Any past experience in immunohistochemistry is a plus but is not required, as the facility will back up our IHC service during vacations (must be willing to learn).

Other Requirements

• Computer skills are a major plus.