Histologist Specialist, Mohs

The University of Rochester is a prestigious institution committed to the principle of Meliora, meaning Ever Better. This ideal reflects the university's dedication to continuous improvement and excellence in all aspects of its community life and work. Among the core values embedded within the university culture are equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. These values guide the university in fostering an environment where all members of the community feel welcomed and have the opportunity to thrive both personally and professionally. As a respected university in Rochester, New York, the University of Rochester is known for its high standards in education, research, healthcare, and community service, making it a distinguished employer within the region.

The role offered is a full-time position within the Department of Dermatology in Ambulatory Nursing at the university's Mohs Surgery histology lab. This position entails working 40 hours per week, primarily during day shifts at the university’s facilities located at 40 Celebration Drive, Rochester, NY. The compensation range for this role is set between $31.82 and $42.96 per hour, with individual salary determined by the applicant’s experience, education, abilities, and internal equity considerations. As part of the Mohs Histology team, the selected candidate will undertake specialized responsibilities that support histological diagnosis through expert processing of tissue samples from Mohs surgery patients.

The histology technician role is critical to the accurate and efficient processing of tissue samples, crucial for diagnosing skin conditions and cancers. Responsibilities include grossing, embedding, microtomy, and applying special stains to the tissue specimens, which requires technical skill and attention to detail. Additionally, the technician will handle immunohistochemistry slides, helping to support advanced diagnostic techniques. Maintenance of lab equipment—including preventive, routine, and troubleshooting tasks—is also an important component of this function, ensuring continuous operational efficiency and high-quality output.

Daily duties include processing tissue samples at multiple Mohs histology locations within the dermatology department, logging patient information accurately, embedding samples, sectioning tissues, staining slides, and ensuring quality control through testing and reviewing final prepared slides before presentation to physicians. The role also includes training and supervising junior technicians, managing lab safety protocols, performing maintenance on essential lab equipment such as cryostats and microscopes, inventory management, and ordering supplies to ensure the lab is well-stocked.

Quality assurance practices are integral to this position. The histology technician must routinely conduct peer reviews, equipment quality checks, and stain consistency verification according to approved policies. The technician supports laboratory leadership by maintaining lab licenses, managing compliance audits by New York State, and assisting with the orientation and continued education of newer employees. Other duties may be assigned based on operational needs.

This position requires an associate’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience, with prior experience as a histology technician preferred. Certifications required at hire include ASCP Histotechnologist (HT), Histotechnologist (HTL), Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) with New York State licensure, or Medical/Clinical Laboratory Technologist (MT) with New York State licensure. The University of Rochester emphasizes an inclusive, diverse, and welcoming workplace culture, committed to equal opportunity in employment without discrimination based on any protected characteristic under federal, state, or local laws.