Histo Tech II

Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state's flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University's main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

The University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, founded in 1946, is dedicated to training future veterinarians, providing services to animal owners and veterinarians, and conducting investigations to improve the health of animals as well as people. The college benefits pets and their owners, food-producing animals, and wildlife by offering the highest quality hospital and diagnostic laboratory services. Equipped with the most technologically advanced facilities located on a university campus, the college is dedicated to safeguarding public health by studying emerging infectious diseases that affect both animal and human health.

The College of Veterinary Medicine values all members of the university community, recognizing that differences in experience and culture can only lead to a more well-rounded, accepting academic environment as embodied in our Principles of Community.

Typical Hours are Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

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The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

This position will be based in the Histology Lab of the Department of Pathology in the College of Veterinary Medicine. The main responsibilities will include routine histology to include trimming diagnostic lab biopsy cases. In addition, this position will serve as a backup for the Necropsy Lab in the Athens Veterinary Diagnostic Lab.

Performs a variety of advanced technical procedures and limited supervisory work that results in the creation of microscopic slide preparations for pathological examination.

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Routine Histology:
Performs standard operating procedures for tissue processing, embedding, microtomy, routine staining and frozen sections. This includes checking for sample accuracy, completing assigned work in VetView, using embedding centers to embed tissue, printing slides, using a microtome to produce 4 micron tissue sections, staining H&E slides, coverslipping said slides, filing completed work, performing decalifications, all while following laboratory quality control procedures set according to AAVLD guidelines.

Special Stain Techniques:
Prepares solutions and reagents in accordance with the standard formula for special stains. Stains tissues, places coverslip on slide, dries tissue on dryer.

Laboratory Upkeep:
General upkeep and organization of the grossing room. Track, rotate, and properly dispose of tissues according to standard operating procedures. Vacuum sealing of tissues for long term storage. Cleaning of utensils, equipment, tools, containers daily and as needed. Monitors supplies and lets supervisor know what orders are needed. When ordered supplies are received, labels and stores items appropriately. Works with other techs to keep lab clean and organized.

Trimming Biopsy Samples:
Cutting in representative sections of formalin fixed tissues and submitting these tissues to the histology lab for further processing. Recording appropriate case information. Taking images of samples before and after trimming. Decalcification of mineralized tissues as needed. Entering case information into VetView as needed.

Equipment Management:
Keeps equipment in working order in accordance with operation manuals and attached documents. This inludes, but is not limited to, tissue processors, embedding centers, microtomes, cryostat, automated stainer and coverslippper, automated slide and cassette labelers, refrigerators and freezers. Displays knowledge of routine operation of equipment and performs scheduled preventative maintenance and associated documentation as needed. Displays ability to troubleshoot and correct minor equipment problems, and make decision to contact service representative for major equipment needs.

Necropsy Backup:
Function as backup for necropsy techs in the event that help is needed. This includes, but is not limited to: operation of the incinerator and tissue digestor, setting up before and cleaning up after necropsies are performed, restocking of supplies, receiving necropsy cases.

Hazardous Material Handling:
Follows guidelines and procedures set by the university, for handling and storage of hazardous materials and waste, using UGA's online Chematix program, as well as completing required Hazardous Waste and Right to Know training modules annually.