Job Summary:
The LAB ASSISTANT is responsible for performing various lab duties, including processing specimens, organizing workload, staining slides, cutting frozen sections, and assisting in other areas inside and outside of the histology lab as needed. Is responsible for producing quality patient care through Laboratory Services to patients of all age groups.
Under general supervision performs work following established standards, practices and procedures of gross room operations.

Key Responsibilities:
1. Performs specimen triage handling procedures, and gross room examinations, and may assist in the embedding and cutting processes as demonstrated with competencies.
2. Performs routine tissue processing functions, frozen sections, cytology preparation, staining techniques.
3. Performs routine maintenance on gross room area instrumentation, including, but not limited to cryostats, processors, recycler, gross dissection tables.
4. Practices safety, chemical hygiene, and biohazard procedures.
5. Performs all clerical functions within the Pathology Department.
6. Recycles and neutralizes waste chemical solutions per departmental procedures.
7. Proactively records all variations in instrumentation in the corrective action logs, reports timely and appropriately any deviation in acceptable specimen submission.

Qualifications:
High School diploma/GED preferred or equivalent experience required.
Skills: Ability to read, communicate, and document effectively through oral, written, or electronic means. Medical terminology is a plus, computer experience, and excellent service skills. Demonstrates the constant ability to prioritize and respond promptly to a changing workload.

Lifting Requirements:
Medium-generally not lifting more than 50 lbs. maximum with frequent and / or carrying of object weighing up to 45 lbs.