Lab Assistant II - Histology

Lab Assistant II - Histology - Grand Rapids, MI, Monday to Friday, 5:00 AM to 1:30 PM

Benefits Information:
We are proud to offer best-in-class benefits and programs to support employees and their families in living healthy, happy lives. Our pay and benefit plans have been designed to promote employee health in all respects – physical, financial, and developmental. Depending on whether it is a part-time or full-time position, some of the benefits offered may include:

• Day 1 Medical, supplemental health, dental & vision for FT employees who work 30+ hours 
• Best-in-class well-being programs
• Annual, no-cost health assessment program Blueprint for Wellness®
• healthyMINDS mental health program
• Vacation and Health/Flex Time
• 6 Holidays plus 1 "MyDay" off
• FinFit financial coaching and services
• 401(k) pre-tax and/or Roth IRA with company match up to 5% after 12 months of service
• Employee stock purchase plan
• Life and disability insurance, plus buy-up option
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Matching gifts program
• Education assistance through MyQuest for Education
• Career advancement opportunities
• and so much more!

Performs routine and limited non-routine functions to assist in the preparation of histopathology samples. 

• Perform routine and limited non-routine activities involved in the preparation of slides for microscopic evaluation by pathologist(s) (under general supervision and according to policies and procedures). 
• Receive/collect, label and prepare tissue specimens for gross dissection. 
• Perform routine maintenance and cleaning of equipment. 
• Perform cover slipping of stained slides either manually and automated. 
• Perform routine H&E staining either manually or automated. 
• Prepare reagents for tissue processing and routine slide staining, under direct supervision. 
• Process paperwork associated with accessioning and reporting. 
• Responsible for all assigned clerical duties. 
• Run and/or monitor pending lists, if applicable. 
• Generate and maintain department statistics, if applicable. 
• Monitor inventory, requisition supplies prior to depletion; stock and maintain laboratory supplies. 
• Clean, sterilize, organize and maintain work area, glassware and laboratory equipment (e.g., refrigerators, freezers and supply cabinets, as needed). 
• Comply with all health, quality and safety policies, procedures and practices. Required to use personal protective equipment. 
• May assist technical staff with limited technical functions, with appropriate education and training. (Contact MQA-AP for specific guidance). 
• Other duties as assigned. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities, but rather a general description of work performed by the position. 

Required Work Experience:

One (1) year of histopathology or other laboratory experience 

One (1) year of experience handling PHI and other patient information using an LIS 

Preferred Work Experience:

Three (3) years of histopathology or other laboratory experience, including providing support to pathologists. 

Physical and Mental Requirements:

• The normal performance of duties may require lifting and carrying objects: Objects 1 to 10 pounds are lifted and carried frequently; objects 11 to 25 pounds are lifted and carried occasionally; objects 36 to 50 pounds are seldom lifted or carried and objects over 50 pounds are not to be lifted or carried without assistance. 
• Ability to stand and work at the bench for long periods of time. 
• Frequent walking and/or standing. 
• May be required to use a wide variety of laboratory instruments and apparatuses all of which demand significant manual dexterity. 

Knowledge:

• Basic knowledge of operating non-complex instrumentation. 

Skills:

• Must demonstrate the ability to follow a series of steps without confusion or errors on an ongoing basis and retain the information once learned. 
• Must be detail-oriented, have the ability to work independently, establish work priorities and handle several tasks simultaneously for maximum department efficiency. 
• Communication and interpersonal skills necessary to deal courteously and effectively with supervisors, co-workers and clients. 
• Ability to deal with client information in a confidential manner. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Outlook) and Laboratory Information Systems. 
• Ability to enter 6,000 alphanumeric keystrokes/hour. 

Education

• High School Diploma or Equivalent (Required)
• Some College Courses Science courses preferred (Preferred)