About City of Hope

City of Hope is an independent biomedical research and treatment organization for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases.

Founded in 1913, City of Hope is a leader in bone marrow transplantation and immunotherapy such as CAR T cell therapy. City of Hope’s translational research and personalized treatment protocols advance care throughout the world. Human synthetic insulin, monoclonal antibodies and numerous breakthrough cancer drugs are based on technology developed at the institution. AccessHope™, a subsidiary launched in 2019 serves employers and their health care partners by providing access to City of Hope’s specialized cancer expertise.

A National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center and a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, City of Hope is ranked among the nation’s “Best Hospitals” in cancer by U.S. News & World Report and received Magnet Recognition from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Its main campus is located near Los Angeles, with additional locations throughout Southern California and in Arizona.

City of Hope’s commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

We believe diversity, equity and inclusion is key in serving our mission to provide compassionate patient care, drive innovative discovery, and advance vital education focused on eliminating cancer and diabetes in all of our communities. Our commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion ensures we bring the full range of skills, perspectives, cultural backgrounds and experiences to our work -- and that our teams align with the people we serve in order to build trust and understanding. We are dedicated to fostering a community that embraces diversity - in ideas, backgrounds and perspectives; this is reflected in our work and represented in our people.

Position Summary

Working under the general direction of the Division of Anatomic Pathology Department. This position reports to the Supervisor of Digital Pathology (DP) and will possess the theoretical and practical knowledge to support the operations of Digital Pathology services. The LTA will be responsible for the digitization of the surgical pathology diagnostic microscope slides from patient cases. This includes archival, retrieval, scanning, and creating digital images for pathology review. The aim of the DP laboratory is to develop and apply digital methods for tissue imaging and analysis. Also provides support and assistance with a variety of related laboratory tasks within the specimen processing area. Works as part of the Anatomic Pathology team in fulfilling departmental objectives.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Responsible for the retrieval, archival, scanning, and creating digital images for pathology review.
• Verify that the glass slides submitted for digital scanning are properly cleaned, labeled with the department’s barcode labels.
• Relabels slides as needed.
• Uploads scans to database.
• Troubleshoots scanners and software with IT and/or scanner vendor, consulting the Clinical Laboratory Scientists as necessary.
• Examine all information on the glass slide label(s) and checks for accuracy; patient identifiers on labels must match and correspond to what's documented in the department's LIS.
• Coordinates receipt of scanning for glass microscope slides from different sources and assesses quality of slide for scanning. Works with submitting bodies or requestor as necessary.
• Manages scanning projects to meet internal and external deadlines
• Troubleshoots specimen discrepancies, communicates with providers to clarify unclear test orders.
• Ensures specimens are properly centrifuged and aliquoted (if required), in adherence to proper instructions and aseptic techniques.
• Transports specimens and supplies to the different areas of the campus, in adherence to proper instructions and protocols.
• Packs and ships specimens and supplies, in adherence to proper instructions and protocols.
• Process specimens to be sent to reference laboratories properly following all requisition, collection and handling specifications of the referral laboratory, with complete accuracy in a timely manner and demonstrates a low error rate.
• Receives, handles, and transfers phone calls and messages within the department promptly and courteously.
• Ensures assigned area is adequately stocked with supplies.
• Performs inventory, inventory control tasks, clerical duties which include maintaining, scanning and filing documents.
• Receives supplies and distributes them to the appropriate work area.
• Maintains orderliness, cleanliness and follows safety practices in work areas.
• Understands and complies with policies and procedures to perform responsibilities.
• Recognizes, troubleshoots and resolves problems/adverse situations utilizing analytical thinking skills.
• Observes best laboratory practices to ensure high quality of work with consistent accuracy and precision to promote exceptional patient care and outcomes.
• Adheres to proper safety procedures and precautions for chemical and biological hazards in compliance with College of American Pathologists (CAP) requirements, California Occupational Safety and Health Administration (CALOSHA), City of Hope and Departmental policies and procedures.
• Contributes to the productivity of the work team through adaptability and flexibility to workload and schedule changes in a way that promotes cooperation and minimizes disruption to the work environment.
• Coordinates simultaneous specimen processing
• Handles the normal workload in an organized and efficient manner and priorities and multitasks to handle heavy workload as needed.
• Cooperates with other personnel to achieve department and interdepartmental objectives and maintain good employee relations.
• Assumes responsibility for errors and failures to meet deadlines and takes and immediate and appropriate steps to correct errors and or improve time management.
• Acquires and maintains knowledge of various aspects of processing and storage.
• Attends required in-services and actively participates in self education.
• Complies with all department and organizational policies and procedures in addition to regulatory requirements, such as CALOSHA, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), The Joint Commission (TJC), etc., and participates in corporate or departmental safety and quality improvement activities.
• Performs other work assignments as required to maintain, sustain, and improve quality care and patient outcomes such as generating TIPS filing and Internal Occurrence reports.

Basic education, experience and skills required for consideration:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent
• Up to one-year experience in a hospital laboratory setting preferred, working with clinical laboratory specimens and staff
• Post High School Vocational / Specialized Training

Additional Information:

• As a condition of employment, City of Hope requires staff to comply with all state and federal vaccination mandates.