Histology Technician III - Ophthalmology

Scheduled Hours

40

Position Summary

The Histology Technician III will provide advanced histological and microscopy support services to research laboratories within the Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences at Washington University School of Medicine. The majority of time will be devoted to preparing high-quality paraffin and frozen sections of animal and human ocular tissue for light microscopy. Working largely independently, the technician will support investigators participating in the NEI P30 Core Grant for Vision Research. The position reports to Dr. Steven Bassnett and Dr. Takeshi Yoshimatsu.

Please note: this is a basic science laboratory position, not a clinical laboratory role.

Job Description

• Prepare high-quality paraffin and frozen tissue sections for analysis by light microscopy.
• Perform routine and specialized histological procedures, including fixation, embedding, sectioning, and staining.
• Assist with or perform immunocytochemistry and in situ hybridization when required.
• Operate and maintain light microscopes and assist in imaging applications relevant to vision research.
• Learn and apply additional imaging modalities, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT), as needed.
• Allocate approximately one half-day per week for preventive maintenance of three departmental research microscopes.
• Work collaboratively with faculty, students, and trainees, providing technical guidance and support as needed.
• Maintain accurate records, organize data, and ensure compliance with laboratory safety procedures.

Working Conditions:
Job Location/Working Conditions

• Basic science laboratory environment.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.

Required Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor’s degree or combination of education and/or experience may substitute for minimum education.

Certifications/Professional Licenses:

No specific certification/professional license is required for this position.

Work Experience:

Histology (2 Years)

Skills:

Not Applicable

Driver's License:

A driver's license is not required for this position.

More About This Job

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with immunocytochemistry or in situ hybridization techniques.
• Familiarity with the operation of light microscopes is required, and a willingness to learn additional imaging modalities – such as optical coherence tomography (OCT).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential, as the successful applicant will interact directly with faculty investigators and serves as a technical resource for students and trainees.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

No additional education unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

Certifications/Professional Licenses:

Histotechnician (HT) - American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), Histotechnologist (HTL) - American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)

Work Experience:

No additional work experience unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

Skills:

Bloodborne Pathogens, Chemical Cleaning, Communication, H&E Staining, Histological Techniques, Immunohistochemistry (IHC), Laboratory Tools, Medical Laboratories, Microsoft Office, OSHA Regulations, Reagent Preparation, Taking Inventory, Tissue Processing

Grade

C10-H

Salary Range

$25.30 - $37.94 / Hourly

The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.

Questions

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

Pre-Employment Screening

All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement

Personal

• Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.

• Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.

• Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.

• WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.

Wellness

• Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!

Family

• We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We’ve got you covered.

• WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.

For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/

EEO Statement

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Washington University is dedicated to building a community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.