The Histology Specialist II reports to the Laboratory Supervisor. Under the supervision of the Laboratory Supervisor or Senior Histology Specialist, this role performs routine laboratory functions to produce histologic preparations for examination by residents and staff pathologists.
Job Duties:
Fix tissues in appropriate fixatives, dehydrate with graded alcohols, clear with xylene, and impregnate with paraffin wax using an automated tissue processor. Embed specimens ensuring proper orientation. Produce 4-micron sections using a microtome and appropriate knives; float sections on a water bath; collect sections on a glass slide; dry in a slide dryer for the specified time. Stain slides with routine and special stains according to approved procedures to enhance tissue elements required for diagnosis. Coverslip and label stained slides. Examine slides with a microscope to ensure satisfactory results. Ensure all blocks and slides are clerically correct. Assemble and collate slides, distributing them to residents and staff pathologists. Determine when prescribed techniques and apparatus should be modified to meet required quality standards. Prepare specimens for rapid frozen section diagnosis using liquid nitrogen and a cryostat microtome. Cut and stain frozen sections using various stains, including H&E, toluidine blue, Oil Red O, and others. Share responsibility for preparation of solutions and reagents in accordance with approved procedures. Maintain quality control records and accurate records of blocks and slides produced. File tissue blocks, ensuring proper labeling. Learn to use the LIS system to perform daily lab operations. Perform other duties as assigned. Be responsible for off-hours pager coverage on a rotating basis.
Key Skills and Competencies:
Ability to accurately and efficiently embed a wide variety of tissues. Meet national cutting standards of 50 blocks per hour embedding and 30 slides per hour cutting. Ability to cut artifact-free four-micrometer sections. Perform high-quality manual H&E stains. Perform special stains (e.g., AFB, Alcian blue, Brown-Hopps, Congo red, Elastic, Iron, LHE, Mucicarmine, PAS with/without diastase, GMS, Thiazine, Trichrome). Ability to follow established technical, safety, and clerical procedures. Manual dexterity and motor coordination with an attention to detail and precision in performing technical tasks. Fundamental knowledge of basic histotechniques, including fixation, decalcification, processing, embedding, microtomy, routine and special stains, and frozen sections. Sound understanding of laboratory instrumentation (e.g., pH meter, balances, hydrometers, microtomes, cryostats, coverslippers, tissue processors). Ability to prepare percent, molar, and normal solutions and stains.
Qualifications:
Minimum of a high school degree (required). Associates degree preferred. 2 years of histology experience in a research setting, or Histology Specialist A (required). Graduate of an NCCLS-approved school of Histotechnology (preferred).
Additional Job Description
The General Hospital Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.
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Massachusetts General Hospital
Nov 07, 2025