Advanced Histotechnician/Histotechnologist

Department: Anatomic Pathology – Histology
Location: Bergen County, NJ
Shift: Monday-Friday, 9:00am-5:30pm (subject to change based on business needs)

Position Summary

The Advanced Histotechnician/Histotechnologist performs routine and advanced histology procedures while serving as a technical resource within the Anatomic Pathology laboratory. This role combines strong bench expertise with responsibilities supporting quality management, assay validation, process improvement, instrument maintenance, regulatory compliance, and staff development.

The Advanced Histotechnician/Histotechnologist collaborates with laboratory leadership to maintain high-quality laboratory operations, support implementation of new assays and technologies, and ensure compliance with CAP, CLIA, and other applicable regulatory standards. This position provides opportunities to develop the knowledge and skills required for advancement into Quality Specialist, Assay Development, Technical Specialist, or laboratory leadership roles.

Essential Responsibilities

Histology Operations

• Perform routine and advanced histology procedures according to established policies and procedures.
• Prepare, embed, section, stain, coverslip, and scan tissue specimens while maintaining high-quality standards.
• Perform immunohistochemistry (IHC), in situ hybridization (ISH), and special stains as assigned.
• Maintain proficiency with laboratory instrumentation, digital pathology platforms, and staining systems.
• Ensure specimen integrity and accurate documentation throughout the testing process.

Quality Management

• Support the laboratory Quality Management System (QMS).
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives and departmental quality meetings.
• Assist with internal audits, proficiency testing, quality metrics, and inspection readiness.
• Assist in investigation, documentation, and resolution of nonconforming events, deviations, corrective and preventive actions (CAPA), and customer complaints.
• Ensure laboratory documentation remains accurate, current, and compliant with regulatory requirements.

Assay Development & Validation

• Assist with validation and verification of new assays, instrumentation, and laboratory procedures.
• Perform validation testing according to approved protocols.
• Prepare validation summaries and supporting documentation.
• Participate in IQ/OQ/PQ activities for laboratory instrumentation.
• Support maintenance and enhancement of existing laboratory assays.
• Assist with specimen procurement and reagent preparation for validation studies.

Technical Support

• Troubleshoot assay performance, staining quality, and instrumentation issues.
• Coordinate instrument maintenance and service activities.
• Assist with biannual instrument and assay correlations.
• Monitor reagent quality and inventory.

Regulatory & Documentation

• Maintain laboratory records in compliance with CAP, CLIA, and organizational policies.
• Assist with document control and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) updates.
• Support implementation and maintenance of laboratory quality documentation systems.

Leadership & Professional Development

• Serve as a technical resource for laboratory staff.
• Assist with onboarding and training of new employees.
• Mentor less experienced Histotechnicians and Histotechnologists.
• Demonstrate initiative by identifying opportunities to improve laboratory efficiency, workflow, and quality.
• Participate on departmental committees and special projects.

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical, Biological, Clinical Laboratory Science, Medical Technology, Histotechnology, or related laboratory science

OR

Associate degree in Laboratory Science or Medical Laboratory Technology

OR

Equivalent education meeting CLIA requirements.

Certification

HT (ASCP) or HTL (ASCP) required.

Experience

• Minimum two years of experience in Histology or Anatomic Pathology.
• Experience performing moderate/high complexity testing preferred.
• Experience with IHC, ISH, special stains, and digital pathology preferred.
• Experience participating in quality improvement activities, validations, or regulatory inspections preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Advanced understanding of histology principles and laboratory techniques.
• Working knowledge of quality management systems.
• Knowledge of CAP, CLIA, and laboratory regulatory requirements.
• Understanding of assay validation methodology.
• Strong troubleshooting and critical-thinking skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining quality standards.
• Proficiency with laboratory information systems and digital pathology platforms.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams.

Career Development Opportunities

This position is designed to prepare high-performing Histotechnicians/Histotechnologists for advancement into roles such as:

• Quality Specialist Technologist
• Assay Development Specialist
• Technical Specialist
• Lead Histotechnologist
• Laboratory Supervisor

Development opportunities include participation in assay validation, quality systems, process improvement, regulatory readiness, technical training, and cross-functional laboratory initiatives.