The Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC) is located 12 miles west of the OHSU main campus, and sits on 162 acres of land featuring forested areas, research and administration buildings, indoor and outdoor animal housing, and, and 2-mile perimeter walking path. Our mission is to improve human health and the quality of life through the support of nonhuman primate research programs that advance our knowledge of the causes, preventions, treatments, and cures of debilitating diseases.

The ONPRC Integrated Pathology Core (IPC) provides high-quality, state-of-the-art conventional and advanced histology, research pathology, microscopy, and image analysis services. The IPC works with researchers at the institutional, regional, and national level in support of research using NHP models in studies relevant to human health and disease. The IPC offers expertise to investigators in neuroscience, reproductive and developmental biology, cardiometabolic health, immunology, and infectious disease in nonhuman primate models as well as the histology needs of the Pathology Service Unit (PSU) in diagnostic support of the ONPRC NHP colony. Due to significant increases in the demands for our services, the IPC is inviting qualified applicants to join the lab at the Histotechnologist level.

The Histotechnologist will perform various histological lab duties and techniques such as microtomy, routine H&E and special staining, coverslipping, making solutions, routine equipment maintenance, and processing and embedding tissues from nonhuman primates and other laboratory animal species. The Histotechnolgist will consult with research and pathology staff to perform requests that meet the specific aims of each project, plan experiments independently or under the direction of the core associate director. The successful applicant will be provided with the necessary training in the operations of the lab, plus advance training in chromogenic and fluorescent immunohistochemistry (IHC), next generation in-situ hybridization (ISH) and quantitative tissue analysis for IHC and ISH. The position requires general knowledge of universal precautions and willingness to work with Biosafety Level-2 agents and potentially hazardous chemical agents. The successful applicant may also take on some administrative, training, and supervisory responsibilities in the lab.

 

Key Responsibilities & Performance Standards

Receiving and tracking samples

• Receive samples from research and pathology staff
• Examine requests, communicate with customer to ensure existing protocol is followed or develop new protocol when needed
• Track samples, communicate with research and pathology staff regarding timelines, completion of work, and sample pick up
• Document all work at each stage of the process

Tissue Preparation and Microtomy

• Prepare samples for tissue processing
• Maintain automated tissue processor, including reagent changes
• Routine paraffin embedding
• Section tissues from either paraffin embedded or fresh frozen samples for slide preparation
• Training/mentoring junior staff on the above tasks

Slide Preparation

• Run routine H&E and specials stains on manual and automated platform
• Coverslip using automated platform
• Run quality control for automated stains, work with pathologist to evaluate quality of work
• Training/mentoring junior staff on the above tasks

IHC/ISH/data analysis

• Perform chromogenic IHC/ISH assays both manually and on the automated IHC staining platform
• Perform multiplex immunofluorescence staining
• Quantitative tissue analysis

 

Other duties as assigned, to meet the goals of the lab.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical or Biological science and one year of experience in a histology laboratory and HT/HTL (ASCP) certification within 90 days of hire; OR
• 2 years of experience performing embedding, microtomy and histologic staining; preparing reagents, and stains, and performing other related tasks, and HT/HTL (ASCP) certification within 90 days; OR
• Completion of a certified histotechnology training program and one year of training and experience in a clinical histology laboratory and HT/HTL (ASCP) certification within 90 days.

Experience:

• At least one-year relevant histological laboratory experience
• Direct experience and knowledge of histological techniques and procedures

Job Related Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Competencies):

• Manual dexterity, strength and fine motor skills to accurately perform pathology associated techniques
• Strong interpersonal skills, ability to interact in a positive and productive manner and to work efficiently and skillfully with a variety of diverse staff
• Strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail
• Ability to communicate effectively in written, email and oral formats
• Ability to work independently, in a small group setting, and one-on-one with collaborators and clients
• Ability to prioritize work demands
• Must think strategically and work efficiently to produce effective results within the time constrains of the position

Registrations, Certifications and/or Licenses:

• HT or HTL (ASCP)

• Current HT/HTL certification
• More than one year of histological laboratory experience
• Supervisory experience in a lab

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The work involves regular and returning risks and discomforts associated with working in a histology laboratory; e.g., working with hazardous chemicals and hazardous biological substances. The work involves regular and recurring exposure to infectious agents such as tuberculosis, macacine herpesvirus 1 (B virus), simian immunodeficiency virus, and other pathogens; handling and exposure to extremely sharp cutting instruments; and caustic, flammable, noxious, toxic and/or carcinogenic chemical reagents and solutions. Protective clothing such as coats, eye protection, and gloves and uses safety precautions such as universal precautions and hoods may be required for some activities. Work area includes solvents (degreasing agents) and working around machinery with moving parts.

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & EQUIPMENT USAGE: 

The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion such as use of microtome or cryostat and standing for long periods of time. Lifting five-gallon reagent containers is required. Moderate lifting and carrying (15-44 lbs.), reaching above shoulder, use of fingers and both hands, cannot be colorblind, ability to distinguish basic colors and shades of colors.

Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or aaeo@ohsu.edu.