Research Technician II (Pathology)

Boston Medical Center (BMC) is more than a hospital. Its a network of support and care that touches the lives of hundreds of thousands of people in need each year. It is the largest and busiest provider of trauma and emergency services in New England. Emphasizing community-based care, BMC is committed to providing consistently excellent and accessible health services to all-and is the largest safety-net hospital in New England. The hospital is also the primary teaching affiliate of the nationally ranked Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) and a founding partner of Boston HealthNet - an integrated health care delivery systems that includes many community health centers. Join BMC today and help us achieve our Vision 2030 which is a long-term goal to make Boston the healthiest urban population in the world.

Position: Research Technician II

Department: Pathology

Schedule: Full time (Days)

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the general direction of the Special Procedures Manager, provides ancillary support for clinical activities by performance and appropriate interpretation of high complexity testing. Applicant must meet CAP personnel requirements for performing high complexity testing and have a minimum of three years of lab experience.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES / DUTIES:

• Learn to digitize slides using the Leica AT2 and Versa Imaging System.

• Help maintain equipment and reagent/material supplies.
• After specialized training and required experience, performs moderate and high complexity tests and interpret them.
• Performs routine experiments and techniques such as histology, immunohistochemistry and special stains according to established protocols.
• Develops new tests and new testing specialty by consulting and working with physician directors of lab sections.
• Acts as a resource and interprets tests for laboratory users in a manner consistent with level of training and knowledge.
• Reports results and issues encountered to the Manager in a timely manner.
• Implements a best workflow or practice model for the area of technical specialty.
• Performs research literature searches as needed.
• Ensures proper handling and storing of specimens and supplies, dispose of waste according to policy and ensure proper use of equipment and facilities.
• Maintains appropriate laboratory inventory and orders related supplies as needed.
• Performs instrument and equipment maintenance as defined by each instrument manufacturer. Recognizes instrument, equipment or methodology problems and/or discrepancies and brings them to the attention of the Special Procedures Manager.
• Performs QC procedures and assesses Quality Control data according to Section Policy and Procedures.
• Provides training and technical supervision to students and visiting researchers. Provides assistance when needed.
• Maintains proficiency for all designated LIS functions as outlined in section specific policies and procedures.
• Participates in Quality Advancement/Quality Improvement activities according to Departmental policies and procedures.
• Maintains initial and annual competency documentation as outlined in section policies and procedures.
• Attends all scheduled lab meetings, departmental continuing education classes and participates in scientific or service related continuing education classes.
• Works cooperatively with other laboratory staff members and takes initiative to determine where assistance is needed and renders assistance.
• Communicates all important information regarding the laboratory (ie. Inventory, testing status and instrument status) to fellow staff members.
• Answers the telephone according to departmental policy; responds to inquiries/requests.
• Attends mandatory safety education sessions to keep informed of changes regarding safety issues.
• Reports all incidents, safety hazards or accidents to appropriate personnel.
• Attends mandatory safety education sessions to keep informed of changes regarding safety issues.
• Keeps equipment and work area neat, orderly and well stocked; puts supplies away when received.
• Plans and prioritizes tasks and adjusts to variable workloads.
• Assists other laboratory sections when needed or directed.
• Utilizes hospital's cultural beliefs as the basis for decision making and to support the hospital's mission and goals.
• Performs other duties as needed.
• Follows established hospital infection control and safety procedures. Reports all incidents, safety hazards or accidents to appropriate personnel.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent combination of formal education and experience) required. Master's degree preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

• Must have a least three years of research experience. Histology experience desirable. IHC and digital imaging experience desirable but not required.
• Histology and IHC experience desirable but not required

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Knowledge of clinical laboratory science and standards necessary to perform high complexity tests as defined by CLIA.
• Analytic abilities to perform highly complex testing as defined under CLIA 88 to interpret findings, perform calculations, calibrate instruments as defined by CLIA guidelines and so forth.
• Ability to maintain compliance with all regulatory agency (e.g. JCAHO, CAP) requirements.
• Ability to learn and integrate procedures and knowledge relating to clinical research, and data management techniques under the supervision of the Supervisor/Manager.
• Good computer skills, including data entry and use of spreadsheet and database (MS Excel & Access preferred).
• Ability to organize and prioritize tasks as dictated by the senior personnel and/or Manager.
• Excellent interpersonal and English verbal and written language skills sufficient to exchange information with staff, interact with other technicians and prepare written reports.
• Requires safe handling of potentially infectious materials or noxious chemicals, using appropriate hospital, laboratory, and bio-safety precautions.
• Requires the manual/visual dexterity necessary to prepare specimens, prepare solutions, screen specimens and operate a computer software system.