Histology Technician

Job Basic Details

Job Title:

Histology Technician I Agency

Employer:

Texas A&M University

Department:
Vet Med Pathobiology

Location:

College Station, Texas

Job Type: Staff Job

Salary: $18/hour

Schedule:

Full-time

Our Commitment Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experiences. Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values which are:
Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.

Who we are The Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (VMBS) is an institution that represents 100 years of growth from a small school of veterinary medicine in 1916 to its present role as a major veterinary educational, medical, and research center. Today, we are one of the largest schools of veterinary medicine in the United States, training nearly 600 Doctor of Veterinary Medicine students each year.

We support collaboration and teamwork that turns today's discoveries into proactive solutions for animals, humans, and the environment. Together, we strive to support the goals of the faculty, staff and students in teaching, research and outreach programs.

The IHC/IFC Technician I will focus mainly on advanced immunohistochemistry, which includes optimizing complex protocols, validating antibodies, and staining slides for diagnostic and research cases. This position will cross train in the diagnostic histology lab to handle routine tasks like receiving, processing, and preparing tissue specimens for Pathologist review. This role combines core histology processes such as embedding, microtomy, and routine staining with specialized automated and manual IHC and IFC techniques.

In addition, the technician helps with quality control, equipment maintenance, and supporting student workers and other techs.

• High school diploma.
• Two years of experience in laboratory work or related areas.

• 2 years of related laboratory experience including microtomy, tissue processing, and basic IHC/IFC staining techniques.
• HT (ASCP), HTL (ASCP), or equivalent certification.
• Experience with antibody optimization, image analysis/fluorescence microscopy, automated IHC stainers, and digital scanning software.
• Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences or related scientific field.
• Working knowledge of histology related equipment and procedures.

• Strong understanding of tissue processing, antigen retrieval, sectioning, and staining techniques.
• Ability to troubleshoot routine equipment and staining artifacts.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to prioritize daily task workflows under deadlines.
• Customer-service oriented with strong verbal and written communication skills for interacting with pathologists, residents, and lab personnel.

• Performs manual and automated Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Immunofluorescence (IFC) staining protocols on tissue sections.
• Assists with testing, validating new antibodies, and optimizing protocol parameters for veterinary diagnostic and research needs.
• Assists in maintaining procedural logs, updating laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and documenting antibody cross-reactivity and specs.

• Receives tissue specimens for clinical/diagnostic cases; sorts and prioritizes tissues based on urgency and lab standards.
• Operates tissue processing instrumentation for dehydration, clearing, and paraffin infiltration.
• Sorts and embeds tissue specimens into paraffin blocks.
• Performs microtomy (cutting tissue sections via microtome) for FFPE tissue.
• Mounts and performs routine staining (automated and manual) and cover slipping.
• Plans and prepares solutions required for special staining procedures.

• Evaluates and QC-checks slides prior to delivering cases to Pathologists and residents to ensure high-quality sectioning and staining.
• Performs routine maintenance, cleaning, and basic troubleshooting on lab instrumentation (microtomes, tissue processors, embedding units, auto-stainers, and solvent recyclers).
• Records output and calibration logs.
• Monitors inventory levels of reagents, chemicals, and lab supplies.
• Uses laboratory tracking systems to place reorders to ensure uninterrupted workflow.

• Operates and maintains…