Lead Histotechnologist - Exact Sciences

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At Exact Sciences, we're helping change how the world prevents, detects and guides treatment for cancer. We give patients and clinicians the clarity needed to make confident decisions when they matter most. Join our team to find a purpose-driven career, an inclusive culture, and robust benefits to support your life while you're working to help others.

Position Overview

The Lead Histotechnologist (Tuesday - Saturday 12:00pm - 8:30pm) is responsible for performing highly skilled histology and operational activities in a fast paced and complex operation and will provide supervision of the laboratory staff in the absence of the supervisor.

Essential Duties

Include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Perform complex and/or nonroutine histology procedures, and regularly review work performed in area to ensure work is carried out in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Write new procedures and revise existing procedures.
• Prepare department for a CAP inspection, as well as participate as an inspector with the laboratory inspection team.
• Stay knowledgeable of the CAP Anatomic Checklist.
• Assess the competency of peers and evaluate new equipment.
• Act as a resource for technical personnel and respond to workplace questions and concerns.
• Assist with new employee orientation and training.
• Write and review standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Maintain stringent standards for quality, identify any issues which might adversely impact the quality of test results and/or employee safety, and immediately communicate these to the appropriate management representatives as necessary for prompt resolution.
• Perform routine and non-routine activities involved in histology; including, but not limited to, sectioning and H&E staining.
• Execute IHC assays with appropriate controls on submitted tissue specimens.
• Conduct and document qualification of incoming reagent lots and instrumentation.
• Monitor and process the histology queue for various tasks that need to be performed and perform these tasks independently or with minimal supervision.
• Perform microdissection of unstained slides in accordance with markings of stained slides provided by pathologists.
• Prepare reagents, solutions, and controls.
• Perform and document equipment maintenance and calibration.
• Assist in sample returns, as necessary.
• Interact with pathologists, laboratory staff, and external customers in accordance to SOPs to ensure specimens are processed in a timely manner with high quality.
• Participate in and process specimens for clinical, R&D, and process improvement studies, including development and validation of new IHC assays and protocols for internal use.
• Assist in the identification of opportunities for histology process improvements, including lab workflows and associated SOPs.
• Assist in equipment specification, installation, and maintenance.
• Provide guidance and training to R&D staff relating to histology.
• Provide summary reports on process metrics, as needed.
• Identify opportunities for improvements in histology processes, materials, suppliers, and other areas.
• Contribute to preparation and participate in conduct of internal and external inspections and audits.
• Apply and integrate feedback in a professional manner.
• Provide and receive open and regular feedback and adjust accordingly.
• Prioritize and drive results with a high emphasis on quality.
• Display ability to work as part of a team.
• Adapt to a fast-paced environment.
• Apply strong communication skills with ability to maintain open communication with internal employees, managers, and customers.
• Display high attention to detail with strong quality orientation.
• Uphold company mission and values through accountability, innovation, integrity, quality, and teamwork.
• Support and comply with the company's Quality Management System policies and procedures.
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance.
• Ability to act with an inclusion mindset and model these behaviors for the organization.
• Ability to work nights and/or weekends, as needed.
• Ability to work seated for approximately 20% of a typical working day. Ability to work standing for approximately 80% of a typical working day.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds for approximately 5% of a typical working day.
• Ability to grasp with both hands; pinch with thumb and forefinger; turn with hand/arm; reach above shoulder height.
• Ability to comply with any applicable personal protective equipment requirements.
• Ability to use various types of laboratory equipment; including H&E and IHC stainers, microtomes, tissue water bath, embedding station, and coverslipper.
• May perform repetitious actions using lab tools.
• Ability to use near vision to view samples at close range.
• May be exposed to hazardous materials, tissue specimens, and instruments with moving parts, lasers, heating and freezing elements, and high-speed centrifugation.
• May use various chemicals to perform duties.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate Degree in a scientific field, 8+ years of laboratory experience or Bachelor Degree in a scientific field, 6+ years of laboratory experience.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office programs, such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Demonstrated ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation.
• Authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications

• HT(ASCP) or HLT(ASCP) certification.
• Possession of active QIHC (Qualification in Immunohistochemistry) through the ASCP Board of Certification.

Salary Range:

The annual base salary shown is for this position located in US - AZ - Phoenix on a full-time basis. In addition, this position is bonus eligible, and is eligible to receive company stock upon hire as well as annually.

Exact Sciences is proud to offer an employee experience that includes paid time off (including days for vacation, holidays, volunteering, and personal time), paid leave for parents and caregivers, a retirement savings plan, wellness support, and health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage. Learn more about our benefits .

Our success relies on the experiences and perspectives of a diverse team, and Exact Sciences fosters a culture where all employees can develop personally and professionally with a sense of respect and belonging. If you require an accommodation, please contact us here .

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We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, creed, disability, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and any other status protected by applicable local, state, or federal law. Any applicant or employee may request to view applicable portions of the company's affirmative action program.

To view the Right to Work, E-Verify Employer, and Pay Transparency notices and Federal, Federal Contractor, and State employment law posters, visit our compliance hub . The documents summarize important details of the law and provide key points that you have a right to know.