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Penn State Job Catalog

Histotechnologist – Professional (PSU1304)

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:
Professional
Base Description:
– Completes activities, tasks, and/or projects of a functional nature.
Level Summary:
– Demonstrates baseline working knowledge of routine work tasks. Follows the standard principles and practices. Acts under direct and frequent supervision using established procedures with detailed instructions. Participates as a team member and actively contributes to completion of team goals. Clearly communicates information.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
– None
Fiscal Responsibilities:
– Typically none
Problem Solving:
– Encounters routine problems
– Follows recommended course of action and procedures to resolve problems
Independence of Action:
– Work is closely monitored by supervisor
– Detailed instructions and procedures are provided
– Applies standard operating procedures with limited guidelines for deviation
Communication and Collaboration:
– Typically communicates internally within working unit
– Collaborates closely with team members
– Clearly communicates information, ideas, or instructions verbally and in writing
Salary Structure
  • Comp Grade – 7
  • Minimum – $46,400.00
  • MidPoint – $56,800.00
  • Maximum – $67,300.00
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
No prior relevant work experience required
Equivalency
Previous relevant work experience accepted in lieu of education