Histotechnologist - Histopathology Lab

City of Hope

Irvine, CA

Job posting number: #7122616 (Ref:10019951)

Posted: February 2, 2023

Salary / Pay Rate: $33.27 - $49.91 / hour

Application Deadline: Open Until Filled

Job Description

About City of Hope

City of Hope is an independent biomedical research and treatment organization for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases.

Founded in 1913, City of Hope is a leader in bone marrow transplantation and immunotherapy such as CAR T cell therapy. City of Hope’s translational research and personalized treatment protocols advance care throughout the world. Human synthetic insulin, monoclonal antibodies and numerous breakthrough cancer drugs are based on technology developed at the institution. AccessHope™, a subsidiary launched in 2019 serves employers and their health care partners by providing access to City of Hope’s specialized cancer expertise.

A National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center and a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, City of Hope is ranked among the nation’s “Best Hospitals” in cancer by U.S. News & World Report and received Magnet Recognition from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Its main campus is located near Los Angeles, with additional locations throughout Southern California and in Arizona.

City of Hope’s commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

We believe diversity, equity and inclusion is key in serving our mission to provide compassionate patient care, drive innovative discovery, and advance vital education focused on eliminating cancer and diabetes in all of our communities. Our commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion ensures we bring the full range of skills, perspectives, cultural backgrounds and experiences to our work -- and that our teams align with the people we serve in order to build trust and understanding. We are dedicated to fostering a community that embraces diversity - in ideas, backgrounds and perspectives; this is reflected in our work and represented in our people.

Position Summary

This position reports to the lead histotechnologist of the immunohistochemistry histology laboratory (IHC Lab), Division of Anatomic Pathology. This individual will possess the theoretical and practical expertise to support the operations of a busy IHC histology laboratory. The incumbent may be asked to assist with short-term and long-term strategic operational planning of a high complexity IHC histology laboratory. They must demonstrate behavioral skills that contribute to a productive work environment within a team approach and provide excellent customer service to the faculty and staff of City of Hope National Cancer Center to improve patient outcomes.

Performs all duties of a certified histotechnologist in the IHC histology laboratory. Assumes responsibility and accountability for all work task performed as delegated by the histotechnologist lead:

  • Preparation of IHC tissues and stained slides of a high quality.
  • Assists with the troubleshooting of technical, processing and IHC staining issues.
  • Assists in the maintenance of the IHC laboratory for State, CMS and CAP inspections, to include the review and assistance in writing of standard operational procedures (SOP) and participating in all laboratory inspections
  • Assists with the development of new procedures.
  • Assists with the maintenance of an adequate inventorysupplies for the day to day running of the laboratory based on LEANsix sigma, i.e. inventory management system of par levels.
  • Possess the skill sets to work within an Electronic LIS.

Key Responsibilities include:

  • Use comprehensive knowledge of scientific theory and departmental policies and procedures to function as a certified histotechnologist in a busy IHC lab.
  • Facilitates verification of IHC histological procedures performed and maintain the test performance characteristics.
  • Resolve technical problems encountered in the IHC histology laboratory by applying problem solving and decision making skills to complex technical issues and evaluating outcomes.
  • Assist with the evaluation of new IHC methods and instrumentation in conjunction with the histology laboratory leadership.
  • Provides the theoretical and practical knowledge to support the day-to-day operations and functions of the IHC histology laboratory.
  • Works diligently to maintain and improve the IHC workflows within the histology laboratory.
  • Assists in maintaining the upkeep of the IHC histology laboratory.
  • Participates in activities within the IHC histology laboratory to assist with short-term and long-term planning in collaboration with the AP Leadership.
  • Promote and assist with IHC quality assurance activities to ensure the highest quality outcomes.
  • Performs and evaluates patient and quality control testing through visual and cognitive interpretation of outcomes, properly operating equipment and taking appropriate action on results to ensure accurate, appropriate and timely reporting of patient tissues specimens.
  • Assists with the training of staff to ensure compliance, Document completion of quality control (QC)/quality assurance (QA) procedures as needed.
  • Assists the Supervisor in the preparation for and participate in internal audits, external inspections (CAP, CMS, CDPH, FDA etc.), proficiency testing surveys, and properly maintain records to fulfill the requirements of accrediting agencies.
  • Maintain continued involvement in professional development through participation in educational opportunities to ensure continued adherence to standards and provision of quality laboratory care.
  • Actively seek out relevant educational experiences to stay current with immunohistochemistry histology development of technologies and practices to maintain professional growth.
  • Willingly accept assignment of new employees’ andor students and strives to strengthen their understanding of theory and practice.
  • Demonstrate professional responsibility and accountability by completion of training, competencies and maintaining the required continuing educational units (CEU’s) within the established deadlines, (12 CEU’s year).
  • Comply and follow all departmental and organizational policies and procedures in addition to regulations according to the laboratory regulatory agencies, i.e. CAP, ASCP, CMS FDA and OSHA etc.) And participate in COH enterprisedepartmental safety and quality activities.
  • Perform other duties assigned to maintainsustain and improve the quality of care and better patient outcomes.
  • Participate in the maintenance and assistance of the disaster preparednessrecovery plan for the Division of Anatomic Pathology.
  • Keep open communication lines to laboratory leadership to maintain operational efficiencies and affectability.
  • Identifies critical issues, communicate the situations and give concise and precise information for appropriate action.
  • Keep direct supervisor apprised of progress on assigned projects.
  • Meet the daily workflow functions of a high workload throughput IHC histology laboratory.
  • Manage time effectively for proper balance of responsibilitiesduties. Promote a team environment in which team members can work cooperatively towards objectives of the laboratory.
  • Maintain the appropriate specimen IHC processing of patient samples, testing of samples for diagnostic purposes.
  • Assist with the maintenance of a good inventory management process based on LEANSix Sigma (Kanban) ensuring supplies of reagents and other material are at par levels.
  • Performs data entry into the LIS.
  • Assists with maintaining the performance and daily maintenance of equipmentinstrumentation
  • Assists with the validation and maintenance of the appropriate QAQC records for all tests performed according to the SOP’s and other regulatory bodies.
  • Creates and maintains an environment of trust, support, and open communication to effectively deal with issues related to change and transition as part of a highly motivated team.
  • Any other duties required to sustain and maintain services of the highest quality to promote exceptional patient care and outcomes.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned or requested.

Basic education, experience and skills required for consideration:

  • Minimum Education: Associates degree and completion of a certified clinical program in medical laboratory sciences in histopathology or equivalent educationyears of experience
  • Minimum Experience: 0 - 1 years of experience in a histology laboratory

Required Certification/Licensure:

  • ASCP HT or HTL

Additional Information:

  • Hours: 09:00am - 05:30pm (subject to change)

Salary / Pay Rate Information:
Pay Rate: $33.27 - $49.91 / hour

The estimated pay scale represents the typical [salary/hourly] range City of Hope reasonably expects to pay for this position, with offers determined based on several factors which may include, but not be limited to, the candidate’s experience, expertise, skills, education, job scope, training, internal equity, geography/market, etc. This pay scale is subject to change from time to time.



City of Hope is a community of people characterized by our diversity of thought, background and approach, but tied together by our commitment to care for and cure those with cancer and other life-threatening diseases. The innovation that our diversity produces in the areas of research, treatment, philanthropy and education has made us national leaders in this fight. Our unique and diverse workforce provides us the ability to understand our patients' needs, deliver compassionate care and continue the quest for a cure for life-threatening diseases. At City of Hope, diversity and inclusion is a core value at the heart of our mission. We strive to create an inclusive workplace environment that engages all of our employees and provides them with opportunities to develop and grow, both personally and professionally. Each day brings an opportunity to strengthen our work, leverage our different perspectives and improve our patients’ experiences by learning from others. Diversity and inclusion is about much more than policies and campaigns. It is an integral part of who we are as an institution, how we operate and how we see our future.


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