Penn State mark
All Jobs Research Group
Research Computing Research Operations Research Support
Management Professional Supervisory Support

Penn State Job Catalog

Histotechnologist – Intermediate Professional (PSU1303)

Additional Levels

Additional levels that exist for this job profile can be seen below.
Missing levels within the leveling matrix can be added based on business need.

Job Summary and Representative Duties

The Histotechnologist is responsible for preparing tissue specimens for routine and specialized procedures, performing complex histological techniques, operating laboratory instrumentation, maintaining accurate records, and analyzing data to support diagnostic and research objectives.

  • Process, embed, and label tissue specimens for microscopic examination
  • Prepare solutions required for histology procedures
  • Perform routine and special staining procedures
  • Develop, modify, and optimize special histology techniques
  • Troubleshoot technical issues in histological processing and staining
  • Operate, calibrate, and maintain laboratory instruments and imaging technology
  • Evaluate and improve test procedures; provide instruction to colleagues on equipment use
  • Record, observe, and analyze data from histology tests
  • Maintain accurate specimen tracking and documentation in compliance with laboratory protocols and regulations
  • Adhere to safety, quality control, and regulatory standards
  • Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance laboratory efficiency and accuracy

Level Matrix

Level:
Intermediate Professional
Base Description:
– Completes activities, tasks, and/or projects of a functional nature.
Level Summary:
– Demonstrates ability to perform intermediate tasks in defined skill areas. Demonstrates intermediate knowledge of internal procedures. Works under general supervision, performing assignments that may be varied and sometimes difficult. Supports team decisions and follows through with team responsibilities. Interprets and communicates information clearly and accurately. Demonstrates intermediate problem–solving skills.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
– May serve as direct supervisor for part–time, student, and/or temporary workers or volunteers
Fiscal Responsibilities:
– May validate and pay invoices
Problem Solving:
– Encounters generally routine problems; occasionally faces more complex and/or varied problems
– Typically follows recommended course of action and procedures to resolve problems
– Applies knowledge of larger unit goals, priorities, and related procedures in determining course of action
Independence of Action:
– Work is generally monitored by supervisor
– Detailed instructions and procedures are generally provided
– Uses available guidelines to make appropriate adaptations to routine situations and refers other situations to supervisor
Communication and Collaboration:
– Communicates internally within working unit and/or the University
– May communicate with external audiences
– Collaborates closely with team members
– Interprets and communicates information, ideas and instructions clearly and accurately both verbally and in written materials intended for distribution
Salary Structure
  • Comp Grade – 8
  • Minimum – $51,000.00
  • MidPoint – $62,500.00
  • Maximum – $74,000.00
Critical Skills
  • Customer Service
  • Data Analysis
  • Data Collection
  • Data entry
  • Inventory management
  • Manual Dexterity
  • Microscopy
  • Presentation Skills
  • Project Management
  • Records management
  • Research methods
  • Scheduling
  • Time Management
FLSA Exemption Status
Non-Exempt
Minimum Education
Associate Degree
Minimum Experience
2+ years of relevant experience
Equivalency
An equivalent combination of education and experience accepted