About the Job:
The Histotechnologist II performs routine testing in FMI’s high complexity clinical diagnostic laboratory and is responsible for receipt of patient samples as well as the preparation of samples for microscopic examination and analysis by Pathology. This role troubleshoots on-hold cases and collaborates with the wider Laboratory Operations team to move samples effectively through the workflow. The Histotechnologist II also focuses on cutting, mounting, staining, and batching slides. This position operates with minimal direction from senior staff on tasks and projects and works on more complex samples than the Histotechnologist I given deeper experience in the function.
This is a regulated position and additional information may be available from FMI Quality Assurance regarding regulatory guidelines.
Key Responsibilities:
- Answer questions, troubleshoot equipment, and facilitate interdepartmental projects.
- Troubleshoot on-hold cases and collaborate with laboratory operations team to ensure sample movement through lab facilities.
- Assist in training new employees to perform tasks relevant to their position.
- Operate a microtome to produce slides or curls from paraffin blocks.
- Automated H&E Staining and Manual Kwik-Diff Staining.
- Prepare samples for nucleic acid extraction.
- Maintains laboratory equipment and performs all routine maintenance.
- Ensure and maintain molecular safe integrity and quality of the specimens.
- Collaborate with team to maintain relevant Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and documentation to ensure regulatory compliance and reflect process improvements.
- Assist in attributing and debulking clinical and research study patient samples.
- Maintain adequate stock and efficient use of supplies necessary for performing all procedures and preparation of reagents as required.
- Maintain Good Documentation Practice (GDP) including proper specimen handling, labeling, and quality control measures.
- Participate in biohazard, chemical, and general safety and other continuing education programs.
- Work in a lab environment using chemicals and regents.
- Own aspects of projects under guidance of senior lab personnel.
- Collaborate within the department to solve problems and complete projects.
- Other duties as assigned.
- Comply with FMI's attendance policies
Qualifications:
Basic Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent (General Education Degree) and 4 years of experience in a histology laboratory
- OR Associates Degree in biological, life, or laboratory sciences and 3 years of experience in a histology laboratory
- OR Bachelor’s degree in biological or life sciences and 2 years of experience in a histology laboratory
- Familiarity with Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Science degree in a biological or life science
- Certified as a Histotechnician (HT) or a Histotechnologist (HTL) by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
- 1+ year of professional experience in a Clinical Laboratory Improvement. Amendments/College of American Pathologists certified laboratory
- Strong interpersonal skills that include excellent skills in written and oral communication, collaboration, and problem solving
- Excellent computer/data entry skills
- Demonstrated attention to detail and strong organizational skills
- Demonstrated experience handling multiple tasks at once
- Ability to work independently as well as collaborate with peers in a fast-paced and cross-functional results-oriented team environment
- Demonstrated experience working within tight timelines for successful execution of project and program goals
- Ability to work well under pressure while maintaining a professional demeanor
- Ability to prioritize and thoroughly follow up on assigned tasks
- Ability to adapt to changing procedures, policies and work environment
- Ability to perform work in a laboratory environment and in the presence of chemicals and reagents
- Understanding of HIPAA and the importance of patient data privacy
- Commitment to reflect FMI’s values: Integrity, Courage, and Passion
The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of Morrisville, NC is $48,500 - $60,700 per year. The salary range is commensurate with Foundation Medicines compensation practice and considers factors including, but not limited to, education, training, experience, external market conditions, criticality of role, and internal equity. A discretionary annual bonus may be available based on individual and Company performance. This position also qualifies for Foundation Medicine's benefits.
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About UsSkills Required
- High school diploma or equivalent plus 4 years histology lab experience OR Associates degree in biological/life/laboratory sciences plus 3 years histology lab experience OR Bachelor's degree in biological or life sciences plus 2 years histology lab experience
- Familiarity with Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
- Operate a microtome and produce slides/curls from paraffin blocks
- Perform automated H&E staining and manual Kwik-Diff staining
- Prepare samples for nucleic acid extraction
- Maintain laboratory equipment, perform routine maintenance, and ensure molecular specimen integrity
- Maintain Good Documentation Practice (GDP), proper specimen handling, labeling, and quality control
- Ability to work in a laboratory environment with chemicals and reagents
- Maintain and follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure regulatory compliance
- Bachelor of Science in biological or life science
- ASCP certification as Histotechnician (HT) or Histotechnologist (HTL)
- 1+ year professional experience in a CLIA/CAP certified clinical laboratory
- Strong interpersonal, written and oral communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills
- Excellent computer/data entry skills and attention to detail
- Understanding of HIPAA and patient data privacy
Foundation Medicine Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Foundation Medicine and has not been reviewed or approved by Foundation Medicine.
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Strong & Reliable Incentives — Bonuses and long-term incentives are described as competitive and a meaningful component of total rewards. Annual bonuses tied to personal and company outcomes feature alongside base pay.
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Healthcare Strength — Comprehensive medical and dental coverage is a core element of the package. Health plans are positioned as robust and well-rounded rather than minimal.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time-off offerings include flexible or unlimited PTO and paid parental leave, supporting work–life balance. Extra paid downtime has been referenced alongside standard PTO.
Foundation Medicine Insights
What We Do
Foundation Medicine is a molecular information company dedicated to a transformation in cancer care in which treatment is informed by a deep understanding of the genomic changes that contribute to each patient's unique cancer. The company offers a full suite of comprehensive genomic profiling assays to identify the molecular alterations in a patient’s cancer and match them with relevant targeted therapies, immunotherapies and clinical trials. Foundation Medicine’s molecular information platform aims to improve day-to-day care for patients by serving the needs of clinicians, academic researchers and drug developers to help advance the science of molecular medicine in cancer. For more information, please visit us at www.FoundationMedicine.com or follow @FoundationATCG on Twitter. Community Guidelines: bit.ly/FMICommunityGuidelines







