Microbiology Tech
Portland, OR
Prime Staffing
5x8 hrs, Days

Electron Microscopy Technologist

Position Overview

The Electron Microscopy Technologist is responsible for preparing, processing, and analyzing tissue specimens using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and/or Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to support diagnostic pathology services. The role performs specialized specimen preparation, operates and maintains microscopy equipment, captures diagnostic-quality images, and collaborates with pathologists and laboratory personnel to ensure accurate and timely results.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare tissue specimens for electron microscopy, including fixation, processing, embedding, ultrathin sectioning, staining, and mounting.
• Perform embedding and microtomy, including precision sectioning and ultramicrotomy.
• Operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and perform quality checks on TEM and/or SEM instrumentation.
• Capture, process, and archive high-quality digital microscopy images for diagnostic review.
• Perform routine quality control, equipment maintenance, and troubleshooting of laboratory instrumentation.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and documentation in accordance with regulatory and quality standards.
• Collaborate with pathologists, physicians, and laboratory personnel to support diagnostic testing and patient care.
• Follow laboratory safety, infection prevention, quality assurance, and regulatory policies.
• Assist with laboratory inventory management and supply ordering as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a chemical, biological, or related scientific field.
• Minimum 2 years of recent Electron Microscopy experience in a clinical, pathology, academic, or research laboratory.
• Demonstrated experience with:
  • Electron microscopy specimen preparation
  • Ultramicrotomy
  • Tissue processing
  • Embedding and sectioning
  • TEM and/or SEM operation
  • Digital imaging
  • Laboratory quality control
• Strong understanding of laboratory quality assurance and regulatory requirements.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced laboratory environment.
• Travel experience required.

Preferred Qualifications

• CEMT certification
• ASCP-HTL certification
• Experience in a hospital-based pathology laboratory
• Experience with renal pathology, neuropathology, or diagnostic electron microscopy
• Teaching hospital experience
• Epic experience

Schedule

• Shift: Day
• Schedule: 5x8 hours
• Hours: 7:00 AM–3:00 PM

Certifications

• ASCP-HT — Required/considered
• ASCP-HTL — Preferred

Required & Preferred Technical Skills

Mounting & Coverslipping

• Mounting procedures
• Aqueous
• Coverslip
• Refractive index
• Resinous

Embedding & Microtomy

• Embedding and microtomy
• Automated/manual microtome
• Cutting tissue sections using microtome and cryostat
• Cutting blocks
• Embedding GI specimens
• Embedding large specimens
• Embedding molds
• Embedding skin techniques
• Embedding small and large specimens
• Gelatin/adhesive media — Preferred
• Histology cassettes
• Microtomy of fatty tissue
• Microtomy of frozen sections — Preferred
• Microtomy of hard tissue
• Paraffin wax sections
• Precision microtomy

Tissue Processing

• Tissue processing
• Automatic tissue processor
• Calcified/decalcified tissue
• Clearing and types of clearing agents
• Dehydration and types of dehydration agents
• GI processing schedules
• Microwave processing

Staining & Histology

• Basic dye stains — Preferred
• Carbohydrates and amyloid — Preferred
• Connective and muscle stains — Preferred
• Cytoplasmic stains — Preferred
• Differentiation — Preferred
• Giemsa and formulations — Preferred
• Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E)
• IHC staining — Preferred
• Nuclear stains — Preferred
• Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS) stain — Preferred
• Special stains
• Preparation of slides for staining
• Preparation of frozen sections and mounting sections on glass slides — Preferred
• Identifying artifacts

Microscopy

• Brightfield microscopy — Preferred
• Dark field microscopy — Preferred
• Nomarski microscopy — Preferred
• Phase contrast microscopy — Preferred
• Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
• Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)

Work Settings

• Commercial or reference laboratories — Preferred
• Hospital clinical laboratory — Preferred
• Pathology laboratory
• Academic/research laboratory

Additional Systems

• LabWriter / Beaker AP — Preferred

Core Skills

Electron Microscopy | TEM/SEM | Ultramicrotomy | Tissue Processing | Histology | Embedding | Microtomy | Digital Imaging | Quality Control | Laboratory Equipment Maintenance | Pathology Laboratory Operations | Diagnostic Microscopy