Histology Assistant I

Help us change lives

At Exact Sciences, we’re helping change how the world prevents, detects and guides treatment for cancer. We give patients and clinicians the clarity needed to make confident decisions when they matter most. Join our team to find a purpose-driven career, an inclusive culture, and robust benefits to support your life while you’re working to help others.

Position Overview

The Histology Assistant I ( Sat. - Tues. 7:00am - 5:30pm) is responsible for receiving the FFPE samples into the histology laboratory for preparation of DNA extraction, Immunohistochemistry (IHC), and H&E staining. This position will adhere to all safety, quality controls and procedures, while learning and performing all functions of histology, pathology, and molecular aspects needed in the laboratory. 

Essential Duties

Include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assist in the general upkeep of the laboratory; including, but not limited to, maintaining sufficient inventory of material, supplies, equipment, cleaning glassware, and racks.
• Perform laboratory decontamination using the appropriate materials.
• Perform basic preventative maintenance on equipment according to the manufacture specifications.
• Dispose of non-biohazard and biohazard waste.
• Re-stock laboratory and distribute supplies to work areas.
• Track samples using laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and excel spreadsheets by following standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Scan H&E slides into the slide scanning system for pathologist review.
• File and store slides and FFPE tissue blocks.
• Assist with the initial quality review of incoming specimens.
• Label FFPE blocks, slides, and DNA tubes by following SOPs.
• Perform order entry from requisition form into staining platform software.
• Prepare cases for microtomy, selecting appropriate control slides for cases.
• Record all required temperatures in the lab and take corrective actions, as needed.
• Maintain all histology equipment and corresponding documentation; including but not limited to, QC worksheets, preventive maintenance records, and day to day maintenance.
• Apply and integrate feedback in a professional manner.
• Provide and receive open and regular feedback and adjust accordingly.
• Prioritize and drive results with a high emphasis on quality.
• Display ability to work as part of a team.
• Adapt to a fast-paced environment.
• Apply strong communication skills with ability to maintain open communication with internal employees and management.
• Display high attention to detail with strong quality orientation.
• Uphold company mission and values through accountability, innovation, integrity, quality, and teamwork.
• Support and comply with the company’s Quality Management System policies and procedures.
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance.
• Ability to act with an inclusion mindset and model these behaviors for the organization.
• Ability to work nights and/or weekends, as needed.
• Ability to work seated for approximately 20% of a typical working day. Ability to work standing for approximately 80% of a typical working day.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds for approximately 5% of a typical working day.
• Ability to grasp with both hands; pinch with thumb and forefinger; turn with hand/arm; reach above shoulder height.
• Ability to comply with any applicable personal protective equipment requirements.
• Ability to use various types of laboratory equipment; including H&E and IHC stainers, microtomes, tissue water bath, embedding station, and coverslipper.
• May perform repetitious actions using lab tools.
• Ability to use near vision to view samples at close range.
• May be exposed to hazardous materials, tissue specimens, and instruments with moving parts, lasers, heating and freezing elements, and high-speed centrifugation.
• May use various chemicals to perform duties.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED).
• Basic computer skills to include internet navigation and email usage.
• Demonstrated ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation.
• Authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship.