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Histology Technician

University of Georgia

retirement plan

United States, Georgia, Athens

Feb 05, 2025

Posting Details

Posting Number	S13197P
Working Title	Histology Technician
Department	VetMed-Athens Diagnostic Lab
About the University of Georgia	Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia's oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 235 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University's main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly formed School of Medicine.
About the College/Unit/Department	The University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, founded in 1946, is dedicated to training future veterinarians, providing services to animal owners and veterinarians, and conducting investigations to improve the health of animals as well as people. The college benefits pets and their owners, food-producing animals, and wildlife by offering the highest quality hospital and diagnostic laboratory services. Equipped with the most technologically advanced facilities located on a university campus, the college is dedicated to safeguarding public health by studying emerging infectious diseases that affect both animal and human health. The College of Veterinary Medicine values all members of the university community, recognizing that differences in experience and culture can only lead to a more well-rounded, accepting academic environment as embodied in our Principles of Community http://vet.uga.edu/principles-of-community/
College/Unit/Department website	Vet.uga.edu/dlab
Posting Type	External
Retirement Plan	TRS
Employment Type	Employee
Benefits Eligibility	Benefits Eligible
Full/Part time	Full Time
Work Schedule
Additional Schedule Information	Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm Occasional nights, weekends, or holidays may be required
Advertised Salary	Commensurate with experience
Posting Date	02/05/2025
Open until filled	Yes
Closing Date
Proposed Starting Date	03/02/2025
Special Instructions to Applicants
Location of Vacancy	Athens Area
EEO Policy Statement	The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).
USG Core Values Statement	The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct. Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Position Information

Classification Title	Medical Technical/Paraprofessional/Professional
FLSA	Non-Exempt
FTE	1.00
Minimum Qualifications	Requires technical knowledge in the field acquired through an apprenticeship, a 2-year degree, or professional certificate. Please contact your Human Resources office for an evaluation of education/experience in lieu of the required minimum qualifications.
Preferred Qualifications
Position Summary	This position is responsible for coordination of all laboratory activities in the grossing laboratory including trimming-in biopsy and mail-in necropsy cases, preparing and submitting samples for further processing, maintenance of the laboratory trimming-in area, and organization/storage of cases.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies	Quality assurance and quality control: Understanding of the concepts and application of the Quality System and AAVLD essential requirements for accredited laboratories. Computer Skills including working knowledge of Microsoft Work and Excel. Experience with digital photography. Time Management and Organizational skills: Ability to perform all aspects of position with little supervision. Ability to accurately process, organize and maintain a large number of formalin-fixed tissues. Personnel skills: Ability to routinely interact with technical and professional staff in all sections of the laboratories Technical laboratory knowledge and skills: Possess general working understanding of biology, anatomy, and chemical techniques. Veterinary anatomy/experience. Communication skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Physical Demands	Lift up to 50 pounds. Formalin fumes are handled by the fume hoods and air scrubbers, as well as by following appropriate laboratory safety procedures. Occasionally, unpleasant odors may be encountered due to poor sample condition. Microtome blades.
Is driving a responsibility of this position?	No
Is this a Position of Trust?	Yes
Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?	No
Does this position require a P-Card?	No
Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position?	No
Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?	No
Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications)	Yes
Credit and P-Card policy	Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.
Background Investigation Policy	Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities

Cutting in representative sections of formalin fixed tissues and submitting these tissues to the histology laboratory for further processing; Maintenance of the trimming-in area and organization/storage of cases.

Coordination of laboratory activities
Trimming-in biopsy and mail-in necropsy cases on a daily basis, and transporting the resultant cassettes to the histology laboratory for further processing
Recording specific case information (number of tissues submitted, number of cassettes and tissues within the cassettes, drawings of samples as needed for clarification for the pathologists) on the submission form and daily case worksheet. Taking digital images with annotations to be uploaded to accessions in VetView for pathologists to reference when reading slides.
Determining and assigning case distribution and distributing case folders (submission forms, ancillary paperwork) to the pathologists
Maintenance of open cases and retention of closed cases for specified time period
Decalcification of mineralized tissues
Entering case information (number of slides, case coordinator, reported by) in VetView; Entering numbers of masses submitted as appropriate when greater than 2 masses are received in a single submission
Assisting in necropsy as needed
Disposal of formalin fixed tissues from cases that have been closed a minimum of four weeks
Provide specimen containers to clients as needed

Percentage of time

Duties/Responsibilities

Perform standard operating procedures for tissue processing, embedding of tissues, microtomy of tissues, routine H&E staining and frozen sections.

Check for sample submission accuracy and load tissue on tissue processors for processing
Print daily routine working list from VetView
Use embedding centers to embed tissue after processing
Number slides with slide labeler or manual labeling, if necessary
Use a microtome to produce 4 micron tissue sections that are free of major flaws
Stain tissue sections with H&E stain using automated H&E stainer or manually
Coverslip tissue sections using automated coverslipper or manually
Check cut slides for quality and accuracy
Using VetView, finalize work when completed
Produce an average work volume of 100-125 blocks per day of routine tissue specimens
File completed tissue specimens (blocks & slides)
Perform decalcifications following standard operation procedures
Perform frozen sectioning
Follow standard operating procedures in the Histology Laboratory Manual
Follow laboratory quality control procedures set according to AAVLD guidelines

Percentage of time

Duties/Responsibilities

Prepare solutions and stain tissue sections using standard operating procedures to produce quality histochemical stains.

Choose and section control tissue for the special stain
Print daily special stain working list from VetView
Using a microtome, cut 4-10 micron (depending on special stain for thickness) tissue sections for staining
Following SOPs, prepare necessary solutions for the special stain being done
Evaluate stains for adequate staining
Perform the stains to the satisfaction of the pathologist requesting them
Using VetView, finalize work when completed

Percentage of time

Duties/Responsibilities

Keep equipment in working order in accordance with operation manuals and attached documents

Includes (but not limited to) tissue processors, embedding center, microtome, cryostat, automated stainer, automated slide labeler, and automated coverslipper
Display knowledge of routine operation of equipment
Perform daily and monthly preventive maintenance procedures
Ensure equipment maintenance and performance is properly documented on equipment logs
Display ability to troubleshoot minor equipment problems
Use judgment in contacting field representative for major equipment repairs

Percentage of time

Duties/Responsibilities

Follow guidelines and procedures set by the University of Georgia for handling and storage of hazardous waste.

Perform weekly checks of the hazardous waste site accumulations areas and record checks on log
Ensure that all hazardous waste is labeled properly and stored in proper containers and/or storage cabinets
Use University of Georgia online program Chematix to submit for a hazardous waste pick up
Keep track and files all hazardous waste manifests and paperwork
Complete University of Georgia online Hazardous Waste and Right to Know training annually

Percentage of time

Duties/Responsibilities

Monitor all laboratory supplies except immunohistochemical supplies; Receive laboratory supplies when orders arrive

Monitors laboratory supplies daily and record any needed supplies on the laboratory inventory sheets
When ordered supplies are received, label items that require labeling with received date
Rotate stock and stores supplies
Assist in necropsy if needed
Other duties as assigned by Lab Manager, Section Head or Director

Percentage of time