Skip to main content

This job has expired

Sr Research Histology Technician-Endocrine Neoplasia & HD

Employer
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Location
Houston, Texas
Salary
Competitive
Closing date
Jun 26, 2023

View more

Discipline
Health Sciences
Organization Type
Healthcare/Hospital

Job Details

The mission of The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center is to eliminate cancer in Texas, the nation, and the world through outstanding programs that integrate patient care, research and prevention, and through education for undergraduate and graduate students, trainees, professionals, employees and the public.

SUMMARY

The primary purpose of the Senior Research Histology Technician position is to provide technical expertise, coordination, administrative support and/or supervision in histology for a research laboratory. Process and perform bone histology on rodents and human tissue samples. Prioritize technical aspects of in vivo experiments and bone histology and purchases under $1,000.

This position also operates the Bone Histomorphometry Core Laboratory (BHCL) at MDACC, including processing of core laboratory service requests, cost estimates, delivering results of analysis, and invoicing via iLab application, as well as annual review of the BHCL fees. This requires histomorphometry and histology proficiency to perform staining and bone histomorphometric analysis of decalcified and non-decalcified bone specimens, including static and dynamic histomorphometric analyses of bone specimens.
ed in terms of extensive training and experience. Presents findings of the research project(s) to professional groups. Prepares scientific documents for publication in peer-reviewed literature.

JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES

I. Histology and Histomorphometry (55%)

1. Histology

a. Perform histology of bone and soft tissue specimens, including:

• Tissue fixation and preparation for processing.
• Decalcification of bone samples.
• Tissue embedding in paraffin or plastic blocks, trimming
• Tissue sectioning and staining using various staining protocols.
• Assess staining quality and will do staining troubleshooting.
• Electronic data acquisition of digital microscope images of slides.
• Using non-routine bone staining i.e. Sudan III for adipocytes, Picrosirius red for collage.

b. Research reports and analyses:
• Prepare a detailed report weekly to be discussed with faculty on histology work progress in terms of workload, work priority, and a more cost-effective way for directing resources in the histology core.
• Prepare biweekly report for the data analysis performed by histomorphometry with a detailed description of the method of analysis used.

2. Histomorphometry

a. Operate the Bone Histomorphometry Core Lab for MDA

Includes processing of core laboratory service requests, cost estimates, delivering results of analysis, and invoicing via iLab application, as well as assisting with annual review of the BHCL fees.

Perform bone histomorphometric analysis on bone tissue requested by investigators through iLab from the BHCL.
• Perform static analysis including, but not limited to, bone volume, osteoblasts and osteoclasts.
• Measuring dynamic bone histomorphometry through mineral apposition rate and bone formation rate.
• Measuring tumor burden.
• Capture high-quality images for publications, website, and training purposes using various magnifications including oil emersion objective lens.

b. Provide high quality bone histomorphometry analysis of the skeleton of genetically modified mice and tumor-bearing bones

Experimental procedures include:
• Differential and enzymatic staining
Toluidine blue
Tartrate resistant acid phosphatase TRAP
Goldner's Trichrome
H&E stain
Alkaline Phosphatase
von Kossa silver stain
• -custom stain design
• -consultation on small animal manipulation
• -consultation on experimental design

c. Other Histomorphometry Duties:
• Communicate results and understand requests from faculty.
• Proficient use of excel formulas to perform custom measurements if requested.
• Acquire and develop new techniques.
• Manage inventory.
• Utilize specialized software for data acquisition, analysis and presentation.
• Serve as liaison between the BHCL and the Research Histology Core Laboratory.
h a detailed description of the method of analysis used.

2. Equipment Maintenance and Sample Inventory (25%)

1. Equipment maintenance for histology.
• Develop new programs for automated tissue processing.
• Assessing the quality of chemicals used in tissue processing and changing solutions for tissue processing accordingly.
• Laboratory safety and maintenance of equipment:
• Will oversee equipment maintenance including
 An automated microtome (for cutting tissue sections)
 Cryostat (for citing frozen tissue)
 An automated tissue processor (for tissue preparation for sectioning)
 Embedding center (for tissue embedding)

2. Preparation and maintenance of storage and access systems for archiving of samples.

3. Training Others and Develop New Techniques (15%)
1. Training of students, fellows, and visitors in techniques of histopathology
• Supervising other lab members:
o Will supervise students and postdoc. In the lab for performing routine histology work.
o Will supervise other technicians who will do routine histology staining.
o Will be assessing the work of the students and technician for assurance, compliance, and quality control.

2. New techniques in the lab
• Learn and develop new techniques in laser capture microscopy.
• Learn and develop new techniques in laser confocal microscopy.
• Protocol development and modifications
• Modification of routine histology staining including TRAP stain and H&E.
numbers in scientific protocols currently used, and instructs in the use of equipment required to perform these protocols.

4. Other Duties (5%)

1. Assist other laboratory faculty and staff with various work assignments when help is requested or as schedule permits.

2. Conduct Library Work:
• Reads and understands articles related to ongoing research.
3. Shipments:
• Must be able to assemble samples, reagents, dry or wet ice, data and packaging materials.
• Draft a cover letter, accurately and legibly fill out shipping labels
• Carry package to receiving area on ground floor prior to carrier pickup.
• Keep accurate and legible logs of outgoing and incoming packages.
• For incoming packages: ascertain contents, store at appropriate location, file information sheets and notify principal investigator.
• Update pertinent inventory logs.

4. Other duties as assigned

Other duties as assigned

WORKING CONDITIONS

Frequency

Exposure to animals
Exposure to blood, bodily fluids, and/or tissue
Hazardous Chemicals and Materials
Exposure to Radiation
Deadlines
Operating Equipment
Traveling
Wearing Protective Equipment
Physical Proximity
Sedentary Environment

Frequent 34-66%
Constant 67-100%
Frequent 34-66%
Frequent 34-66%

Frequent 34-66%
Occasionally 11-33%
Frequent 34-66%
Occasionally 11-33%
Occasionally 11-33%

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Frequency

Weight

Standing
Walking
Sitting
Reaching
Lifting
Keyboarding
Pushing/Pulling
Wrist Motion
Neck Movements
Hearing Sensitivity
Visual Acuity

Frequent 34-66%
Frequent 34-66%
Frequent 34-66%
Frequent 34-66%
Frequent 34-66%
Frequent 34-66%
Frequent 34-66%
Frequent 34-66%
Frequent 34-66%
Frequent 34-66%
Frequent 34-66%

--
--
--
--
5-10 lbs
--
5-10 lbs
--
--
--
--

COGNITIVE DEMANDS

Oral Communication
Comprehending
Giving and Receiving Constructive Feedback
Problem Solving
Written Communication
Mathematical Skills/Reasoning
Comprehending
Appropriate Behavior
Attention to detail
Interpersonal Skills
Organizing
Performing in a Leadership Role
Reading Skills/Comprehension
Analytical Ability
Creativity
Critical Thinking

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Manager

not acknowledged

not acknowledged

Employee

not acknowledged

not acknowledged

EDUCATION: High school diploma or equivalent. With required education, five years of Histology Technician experience.

With Associate's degree, three years experience in histopathology within the last ten years under the supervision of a pathologist (certified by the American Board of Pathology in Anatomic Pathology, or eligible) or an appropriately certified medical scientist.

LICENSURE: With successful completion of a National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS) accredited Histotechnician program, one year of required experience. Histology Technician (HT) certification with the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP). It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html

Company

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston is one of the world's most respected centers focused on cancer patient care, research, education and prevention. It was named the nation's No. 1 hospital for cancer care in U.S. News & World Report's 2023 rankings. It is one of the nation's original three comprehensive cancer centers designated by the National Cancer Institute.

Get job alerts

Create a job alert and receive personalized job recommendations straight to your inbox.

Create alert