Laboratory Assistant 1 (Histology)

N

Northwest Pathology, PLLC

Posted 3 months ago

Full Time

Bellingham, Washington

In Person

Smart Summary

Responsibilities

Provides essential support for the histology laboratory, including reagent preparation, equipment maintenance, and specimen disposal. Responsible for maintaining cleanliness, managing inventory, and ensuring adherence to quality control and safety procedures.

Qualifications

You have at least one year of experience in a high-demand, fast-paced environment with strong data entry and computer skills. You possess a High School Diploma or equivalent and a valid US State-Issued Driver's License. A college degree and previous laboratory experience are considered a plus.

Must Have Skills for ATS

Data entry

MS Windows

Outlook

Word

Excel

Medical terminology

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

This is a support position, and duties vary from day to day based on the needs of the laboratory. Duties will include collation and distribution of case material, reagent preparation, equipment cleaning/maintenance, laboratory dish washing, waste handling, data entry, inventory maintenance, assisting with incoming specimen receipt and other support functions.

Avero Diagnostics operates on a 24/7/365 basis; individuals may be required to work various shifts, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays. It is required to have schedule flexibility with and without advanced notice.

 ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

  • Maintains cleanliness of histology area, including but not limited to gross room, embedding and microtomy areas, storeroom, etc.
  • Maintains processors according to policies and procedures. Prepares processing reagents. 
  • Performs specimen disposal.
  • Maintains the file room, files blocks and slides according to policies and procedures.
  • Maintains processors, stainers, cover slippers and embedding equipment.
  • Adheres to QC procedures established in the department.
  • Exhibits complete understanding of policies and procedures within areas of the Histology lab.
  • Cross-trains in other areas of the lab as workload permits. 
  • Complies with established departmental policies, procedures, objectives, quality assurance, cleanliness, safety and infection control procedures.
  • Maintain inventory and supply levels for histology and gross room.
  • Appropriately communicates information within the laboratory between shifts with regards to tasks or notifications as needed.
  • Attends and productively engages in designated team and/or department meetings, which may or may not occur outside of scheduled shift.
  • Participate in training and other learning opportunities to expand knowledge of company and position.

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION/LICENSE

  • High School Diploma or equivalent required; college degree is a plus
  • Active and valid US State-Issued Driver’s License with acceptable motor vehicle record as defined and approved by the company’s vehicle insurance carrier. 

EXPERIENCE

  • Minimum 1 year of experience required:
    • High demand, fast paced, exceptional customer/patient service environment.
    • Proficiency with computers and strong, accurate data entry/typing skills.
  • Laboratory and/or healthcare environment experience is a plus.

 KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES 

  • Basic knowledge of medical terminology.
  • Exhibits patience and approachability, sets positive tone and example for team member behavior, work ethic & quality, abilities, skills and overall performance.
  • Maintains confidentiality at all levels and consistently acts with high integrity.
  • Demonstrates patience, and approachability, and sets a positive tone for team behavior, work ethic, quality, and overall performance, focusing on team success over individual achievement.
  • Consistently delivers high-quality work on time and takes responsibility for outcomes.
  • Build and sustain effective relationships with team members across all organizational levels.
  • Exhibits professional communication abilities, including listening, writing, and speaking fluently and effectively in English.
  • Works effectively both collaboratively within a team and independently with minimal supervision.
  • Thrives in fast-paced, high-growth environments, managing competing priorities and frequent interruptions with ease.
  • Functions as a responsible, organized initiative-taker with excellent time management, follow-through, and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
  • Possesses strong analytical and research skills with an initiative-taking approach to identifying, assessing, and resolving complex challenges and processes.
  • Demonstrates effective facilitation, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
  • Skilled in utilizing various software applications, including MS Windows, Outlook, Word, Excel, and healthcare databases/systems.
  • Maintains regular, reliable attendance and punctuality.
  • Maintains a professional appearance, communication style, and demeanor.

WORKING CONDITIONS

  • This position operates in a fast-paced office and lab environment, requiring adherence to daily workload demands, potential exposure to chemicals, and the use of personal protective equipment and universal precautions.
  • The role involves regular use of standard office equipment, including computers, printers, phones, and mobile devices, in a work environment with noise levels ranging from moderate to loud.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • The position may require exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, 10 pounds frequently, and negligible force constantly to move objects.
  • Regular activities include talking, hearing, sitting, standing, walking, using hands to manage or feel, grasping, reaching, and performing repetitive movements with wrists, hands, and fingers.
  • Specific vision abilities include close visual acuity and the ability to adjust focus for tasks such as data analysis, reading reports, transcribing, viewing computer monitors, and legally operating a motor vehicle.
  • Avero is an equal-opportunity employer and strives to provide a workplace free of discrimination and harassment. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable laws.

The duties and responsibilities outlined in this job description are intended to provide a general overview of the primary functions, required knowledge and skills, and scope of responsibility for the role. This is not an exhaustive list of all job requirements, and employees may be asked to perform additional duties, work various shifts, or assist in other areas to cover absences, manage peak workloads, or balance staffing needs. These job details are not intended to create an employment contract and are subject to change at the employer's discretion.


Monday through Friday 5:00 AM to 1:30 PM

N

Northwest Pathology, PLLC

Avero Diagnostics is a physician-owned laboratory dedicated to providing high quality anatomic pathology, molecular pathology, and clinical laboratory testing services to physicians and their patients. Sub-specialized pathology services provide expertise in the areas of: • Breast Pathology • Dermatopathology • Gynecologic Pathology • Gastrointestinal Pathology • Molecular Pathology • Urologic Pathology Avero Diagnostics is dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of patients and the physicians who treat them. Our patient-centered approach includes every facet of Avero Diagnostics as an organization, laboratory and research facility. The cumulative effect of these factors results in unparalleled client satisfaction and improved healthcare delivery. We are committed to providing the best possible service for the benefit of the patient and working with other companies to develop novel assays and define how they should be used clinically.
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