Histotechnician - Comparative Medicine Services

Tufts Comparative Medicine Services provides facilities, services, and information to facilitate effective research using laboratory animals at Tufts University and Tufts Medical Center (TMC) in Boston and Tufts University in Medford. Tufts CMS is also obligated to ensure that animal care procedures and animal experimentation comply with federal, state, and local regulations. The management and operation of the animal care activities of all sites are integral to the animal care and use program. All centralized facilities are located within a 2-block radius, either in Boston or Medford.

The Histotechnician, under the supervision of the CMS Histology Manager, will provide research histology services through the Tufts CMS Animal Histology Core laboratory and Tufts Comparative Pathology Services in support of Tufts University, Tufts Medical Center, affiliated institutions, and external clients. This includes:

• Tissue trimming.
• Cassette labeling.
• Specimen processing, embedding, sectioning (routine and cryostat, etc.), staining (routine, histochemical, immunohistochemical, etc.).
• Assists as needed with organ collection and grossing for Comparative Pathology Services.
• Participates in equipment maintenance.
• Participates in reagent and inventory maintenance.
• Participates in laboratory cleaning.
• Answers researcher questions by email, phone, and in person regarding tissue collection, fixation, and submission.
  
• Logs submissions and services provided.
• Writes standard operating procedures for the histology laboratory under the guidance of the Histology ManagerTrains CMS staff, investigative staff, and visiting students in histology techniques (trimming, processing, embedding, sectioning, staining, immunostaining).
• Instructs investigative staff in the use of shared laboratory equipment (such as the cryostat).
• Other duties as assigned.
  

Basic Requirements:

• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point and use of email.
• Must have the ability to work effectively and professionally with others.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 1-3 years of experience preferred but not required.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree preferred.
• The histotechnician should either be Histotechnician (HT) certified or eligible by the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or will be expected to become eligible during employment. Academic credit requirements and degree requirements for HT eligibility are found here: https://www.ascp.org/content/docs/default-source/boc-pdfs/exam-content-outlines/ascp-boc-us-procedures-book-web.pdf.
• Experience with biosafety level 2 (BSL-2) safety procedures and processes preferred.
• Highly developed interpersonal skills to interact with investigators, and to participate in departmental services.
• Detail oriented and superb organization skills.

Special Work Schedule Requirements:

Occasional evening and weekend work.