Histology Technical Specialist

Discover Vanderbilt Health: With eight hospitals and over 180 clinics, we are the region’s largest comprehensive academic health system. Vanderbilt Health has a long tradition of providing world-class care to the people of the Mid-South, living out our mission of moving medicine forward through preeminent programs in patient care, education and research. Here you’ll find a spirit of collaboration and a supportive community where your expertise is valued, your knowledge expanded and your uniqueness celebrated. We are committed to fostering an environment where talented, compassionate people are united in bringing the most advanced care to our neighbors throughout the region.

Organization:

Histopathology

Job Summary:

First shift position
Cutting edge Technology Lab
Floor to ceiling windows

The primary functions of the Technical Specialist in the lab are to independently perform a wide variety of duties within their area of specialty, in close collaboration with the team leader, manager and laboratory section medical director. These duties include investigation/development of new/modified test procedures, verification and validation of testing, technical review and monitoring of existing procedures. Coordination of quality control, quality assurance, and proficiency testing activities are performed in collaboration with laboratory quality coordinator. Responsibilities may include identification of staff training needs and evaluating the competency of testing personnel. Act as technical consultant and resource for other team members.

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Key Responsibilities:

• Verify the test procedures performed and establish the laboratory's test performance characteristics, including the precision and accuracy of each test and test system.

  · Evaluate test kits and/or equipment which may have application in the routine laboratory.

  · Collect and analyze data, providing appropriate written information for protocol evaluation and test interpretation.

  · Compare present methodology to new or modified test methods to determine if the latter may be more appropriate for use in routine testing.

  · Together with the Medical Director, recommend and develop new test procedures or modify existing procedures for implementation in the routine laboratory.

  · Develop, review, and update written protocols, as needed, in the approved VUMC laboratory procedure format.

  · Assist operations of department when needed by troubleshooting instruments, performing bench assignments, and being a resource to the team.

  · Ensure QC is performed and reviewed per policy. Assists in troubleshooting of out of range QC.

Technical Capabilities:

• TECHNICAL CAPABILITY ONE (Intermediate): Ensure that patient test results are not reported unless the test systems are functioning properly.

• TECHNICAL CAPABILITY TWO (Intermediate): Suggest, develop, and implement quality assurance projects and prepare reports as required.

• TECHNICAL CAPABILITY THREE (Intermediate): Establish a quality control program appropriate for the testing performed in cooperation with the section quality coordinator, team leader and medical director.

• TECHNICAL CAPABILITY FOUR (Intermediate): Establish the parameters for acceptable levels of analytic performance and ensure that these levels are maintained throughout the entire testing process from the initial receipt of the specimen, through sample analysis and reporting of test results.

• TECHNICAL CAPABILITY FIVE (Intermediate): Review quality control procedures and investigate problems and alternative methods when necessary.

Allied health is among the fastest growing occupations in healthcare today. This area can be defined as credentialed professionals who perform supportive, diagnostic, and therapeutic health care services to promote health and prevent disease in a variety of settings.

These areas are crucial to Vanderbilt Health’s reputation for excellence in these areas that has made us a major center for patient referrals from throughout the Mid-South.

Each year, people throughout Tennessee and the southeast choose Vanderbilt Health for their health care because of our leadership in medical science and our dedication to treating patients with dignity and compassion.

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Core Accountabilities:

Organizational Impact: Independently delivers on objectives with understanding of how they impact the results of own area/team and other related teams. Problem Solving/ Complexity of work: Utilizes multiple sources of data to analyze and resolve complex problems; may take a new perspective on existing solution. Breadth of Knowledge: Has advanced knowledge within a professional area and basic knowledge across related areas. Team Interaction: Acts as a "go-to" resource for colleagues with less experience; may lead small project teams.

Core Capabilities :

Supporting Colleagues: - Develops Self and Others: Invests time, energy, and enthusiasm in developing self/others to help improve performance e and gain knowledge in new areas. - Builds and Maintains Relationships: Maintains regular contact with key colleagues and stakeholders using formal and informal opportunities to expand and strengthen relationships. - Communicates Effectively: Recognizes group interactions and modifies one's own communication style to suit different situations and audiences. Delivering Excellent Services: - Serves Others with Compassion: Seeks to understand current and future needs of relevant stakeholders and customizes services to better address them. - Solves Complex Problems: Approaches problems from different angles; Identifies new possibilities to interpret opportunities and develop concrete solutions. - Offers Meaningful Advice and Support: Provides ongoing support and coaching in a constructive manner to increase employees' effectiveness. Ensuring High Quality: - Performs Excellent Work: Engages regularly in formal and informal dialogue about quality; directly addresses quality issues promptly. - Ensures Continuous Improvement: Applies various learning experiences by looking beyond symptoms to uncover underlying causes of problems and identifies ways to resolve them. - Fulfills Safety and Regulatory Requirements: Understands all aspects of providing a safe environment and performs routine safety checks to prevent safety hazards from occurring. Managing Resources Effectively: - Demonstrates Accountability: Demonstrates a sense of ownership, focusing on and driving critical issues to closure. - Stewards Organizational Resources: Applies understanding of the departmental work to effectively manage resources for a department/area. - Makes Data Driven Decisions: Demonstrates strong understanding of the information or data to identify and elevate opportunities. Fostering Innovation: - Generates New Ideas: Proactively identifies new ideas/opportunities from multiple sources or methods to improve processes beyond conventional approaches. - Applies Technology: Demonstrates an enthusiasm for learning new technologies, tools, and procedures to address short-term challenges. - Adapts to Change: Views difficult situations and/or problems as opportunities for improvement; actively embraces change instead of emphasizing negative elements.

Position Qualifications:

Responsibilities:

Certifications:

Work Experience:

Relevant Work Experience

Experience Level :

5 years

Education:

Bachelor's (Required)

This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within Vanderbilt Health, supported by a comprehensive benefits package which may include health, disability, retirement and/or wellness offerings to enhance your well-being and professional growth.

Vanderbilt Health is committed to fostering an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and is committed to the principles of equal opportunity.  EOE/Vets/Disabled.