About the Job:

The Histology Lead performs multifaceted testing in a high complexity clinical diagnostic laboratory. This position is a senior member of the Laboratory Operations Team and supports the area Supervisor with daily schedule planning, asset management, staff development and engagement, and SOP development. The incumbent trains and develops team members and collaborates with the wider Laboratory Operations Team to move samples effectively through the workflow. This role also completes cutting, mounting, staining, and batching slides. This position leads initiatives and works independently given deep experience in the function. 

This is a regulated position and additional information may be available from FMI Quality Assurance regarding regulatory guidelines.

Key Responsibilities:

• Schedule and manage workflow processes ensuring accuracy, improvement on Turn Around Time (TAT), and compliance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). 
• Assist in capturing performance metrics of department and team personnel. 
• Operate a microtome to produce slides or curls from paraffin blocks. 
• Automated H&E Staining and Manual Kwik-Diff Staining. 
• Prepare samples for nucleic acid extraction. 
• Manage sample movement through lab facilities. 
• Maintains laboratory equipment and tracks all routine maintenance and quality controls performed. 
• Ensure and maintain molecular safe integrity and quality of the specimens. 
• Author and lead team collaboration to maintain relevant Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) or Work Instructions (WI) to ensure regulatory compliance and to reflect process improvements. 
• Interview-and train incoming laboratory team members to perform tasks relevant to their position and maintain availability to answer questions or otherwise support less experienced staff members. 
• Represent the Histology team in meetings. 
• Functions as System Matter Expert (SME) for laboratory processes, equipment troubleshooting and facilitates interdepartmental projects. 
• Owns departmental and interdepartmental projects. 
• Perform data entry with onsite pathologists, including sample quality assessments and measurements. 
• Assist in attributing and debulking clinical and research study patient samples. 
• Maintain adequate stock and efficient use of supplies necessary for performing all procedures and preparation of reagents as required. 
• Maintain Good Documentation Practices (GDP) including proper specimen handling, labeling, and quality control measures. 
• Perform quality control testing where required. 
• Participate in biohazard, chemical, and general safety and other continuing education programs. 
• Collaborate with other departments and colleagues to solve problems and complete projects. 
• Perform other duties as assigned. 
• Comply with FMI's attendance policies

Qualifications:

Basic Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent (General Education Degree) and 6 years of experience in a histology laboratory
• OR Associates Degree in biological, life, or laboratory sciences and 5 years of experience in a histology laboratory
• OR Bachelor's degree in biological or life sciences and 4 years of experience in a histology laboratory
• Proficient with Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
• Previous experience leading project related work including but not limited to process improvements and enhancements

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science Degree in a Biological or Life Science
• Certified as a Histotechnologist (HTL) by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) and at least 4 years of relevant histology laboratory experience
• 3+ year of professional experience in a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments/College of American Pathologists certified laboratory
• Strong interpersonal skills that include excellent skills in written and oral communication, collaboration, and problem solving
• Excellent computer/data entry skills
• Demonstrated attention to detail and strong organizational skills
• Demonstrated experience handling multiple tasks at once
• Ability to work independently as well as collaborate with peers in a fast-paced and cross-functional results-oriented team environment
• Demonstrated experience working within tight timelines for successful execution of project and program goals
• Demonstrated history of working well under pressure while maintaining a professional demeanor
• Demonstrated history of prioritizing and thoroughly following up on assigned tasks 
• Demonstrated history of working in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated history of adapting to changing procedures, policies and work environment
• Ability to perform work in a laboratory environment and in the presence of chemicals and reagents
• Understanding of HIPAA and the importance of patient data privacy
• Commitment to reflect FMI’s values: Integrity, Courage, and Passion

The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of Boston, MA is $62,700 - $78,300 per year. The salary range is commensurate with Foundation Medicines compensation practice and considers factors including, but not limited to, education, training, experience, external market conditions, criticality of role, and internal equity. A discretionary annual bonus may be available based on individual and Company performance. This position also qualifies for Foundation Medicine's benefits.

#LI-Onsite