Clinical Lab Supervisor

General Summary/Overview Statement

Responsible for the daily technical supervision of the Specialized Histopathology Services Laboratory under the guidance of the Director. Works independently, following established hospital and department guidelines.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

1. Provides daily leadership and direction for the technical operation of the Specialized Histopathology Services Laboratory to assure timely and efficient service according to established department standards. (10%)

2. Demonstrates the highest level of technical expertise. Embeds, sections, and stains the most complex tissue. (40%)

3. Provides assistance to the technical staff, efficiently handling and prioritizing the daily workload. (10%)

4. Troubleshoots and resolves all technical and employee problems with the help of the Director, when necessary. (5%)

5. Supervises the organization, scheduling and performance of work in the laboratory. (10%)

6. Reviews quality control results and all slide and block check documentation for accuracy and completeness. (5%)

7. Maintains, calibrates and troubleshoots all laboratory equipment. (5%)

8. Develops and maintains schedules and work assignments for laboratory staff. (5%)

9. Evaluates and updates laboratory procedures, revising and reviewing procedure manuals as required. (2%)

10. Responsible for training laboratory staff and fellows. Communicates department and hospital policy to the staff. (2%)

11. In collaboration with the Director, and following established laboratory and hospital guidelines, evaluates, counsels, and disciplines employees. (2%)

12. Participates in internal and external continuing education programs. Keeps current regarding developments in technical instrumentation and analytical techniques in Histology. (1%)

13. Participates in the research, development, and implementation of laboratory procedures. (1%)

14. Recommends and participates in quality improvement initiatives. (1%)

15. Performs all other duties and responsibilities as directed. (1%)

Qualifications

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency required. Associate or Bachelor's degree in a biological or chemical science and/or completion of a NAACLS accredited histology technician training program highly desired.

• 5 years of experience as a histology technician.

• HT(ASCP) or HTL(ASCP) certification required.

• Demonstrated supervisory or management experience is required.

Skills/Abilities/Competencies Required

• Must demonstrate the highest level of ability to embed, section and stain routine and complex tissue with acceptable quantity and quality.

• Must demonstrate the highest level of interpretive skills.

• Must possess manual dexterity and good visual acuity.

• Good organizational skills; detail oriented.

• Ability to methodically record data with a very high level of accuracy.

• Good interpersonal skills to interact effectively with co-workers and department staff.

• On own initiative, ability to identify potential problems and trouble-shoot problems as necessary.

• Ability to work quite independently.

Working Conditions

• Very busy research core lab with frequent deadlines and accompanying pressure to meet turnaround time standards while delivering the highest quality service.

• Potential cuts from microtome knives and other cutting implements. Also, may be exposed to chemical and other hazardous materials, all under controlled conditions. Minimal risk when proper protocols are observed and followed.

• Exposure to odors, infectious material and other hazardous materials.
• Frequent standing and occasional lifting of supplies is required.

• Demonstrates the highest level of technical and interpretive skills. Excellent visual acuity to assess validity of control reactions.

• Ability to perform the functions of a histology technician.

• Knowledge of biology, chemistry, histology, immunology (preferable for optimal function, though lab is highly specialized), mathematics.

• Excellent organizational skills to cope with an extremely busy work schedule associated with a wide variety of techniques which must be handled accurately and expeditiously.

• Must function independently in dealing with specimens and their proper handling.

• Manual dexterity in handling and preparing tissue sections (cryostat sections, paraffin sections), equipment handling, etc.

• On own initiative, ability to identify potential problems and trouble shoot problems as necessary.

• Must have aptitude for technical problem solving.

• Good interpersonal skills required for interactions with physicians and technicians from other laboratories.

• Ability to work quite independently.

Supervisory Responsibility

Directly supervises a combination of 7 FTE technicians or fellows. Responsible for the orientation of all fellows and technicians.

EEO Statement

Brigham and Women's Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, or on the basis of disability.