#CA-FT
Under the general direction of the Grossing Room Supervisor and the Medical Director of Surgical Pathology, and supervision of the Anatomic Pathology Manager, the incumbent will perform Surgical Pathology Grossing Room and Frozen Section Room duties, including accessioning, gross examinations, photographing specimens and performing special procedures. The incumbent provides technical oversight of gross room techs, Residents and Fellows when they are present in the grossing room.
Apply By Date: September 13, 2026 at 11:59pm. Selection activities may start at any time.
Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position
- Must complete an accredited training program for Pathologists' Assistants and pass the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) certification examination within 6 months of hire.
- Required to hold a valid California driver license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program
- Bachelor's Degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training
- Prior completion of a 2-year NAACLS accredited Pathologists' Assistant Program or completion within 6 months of hire
- Knowledge of gross room operations, different specimen types and specimen handling/processing techniques in a surgical pathology lab.
- Proven dexterity and attention to details when cutting frozen and fresh or fixed sections/tissues.
- Ability to follow and communicate grossing templates and procedures to effectively teach Pathology Residents and gross room employees the skills, techniques and processes needed to perform accurate gross examination and dissection of surgical tissue specimens.
- Ability to evaluate progress of Pathology Residents and communicate same to appropriate Pathologist(s); ability to evaluate skills and educate to improve Resident Pathologists’ performance.
- Demonstrated accuracy at all times in the recording of data. information and the maintenance of records, files, and requisitions.
- Knowledge of required safety protocols when working with fresh and fixed human tissue, blood and chemicals.
- Knowledge of. or ability to prepare touch preps and staining procedures for frozen sections.
- Knowledge in the use of and maintenance of laboratory equipment and camera equipment to maintain their proper operation.
- Must possess legible handwriting.
- Ability to differentiate routine from special study requisitions (ER/PR, HLA lab, other send outs).
- Ability to understand and accurately follow research protocols and bone marrow protocols as directed.
- Must possess verbal and written communication skills to clearly, diplomatically, and effectively interact with individuals of varying perspectives and backgrounds to work collaboratively to foster an environment of high-quality patient care.
Preferred Qualifications
- Worked as a Pathologists' Assistant in an AP Lab Setting.
Key Responsibilities
- 60% - SURGICAL PATHOLOGY
- 40% - EDUCATION
Department Overview
The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine is a large, diverse multi-site department whose mission is to create a healthier world through bold innovation in population health, education, technology and research. UC Davis is leading the way in diagnosing, treating, and reducing the burden of disease. This position sets the highest standards for professionalism and competency in providing high quality patient centered diagnostic and therapeutic care, customer service, and education to patients within UCDH and its affiliates. Our laboratories are licensed by the State of California, certified by CLIA, accredited by College of American Pathologists (CAP), AABB, and Foundation for Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT), and located in four distinct facilities: Surgery and Emergency Services Pavilion (SESP); Pathology Building; 48X Complex and the Specialty Testing Center (STC). The department is one of UCDMC's largest ancillary services with annual gross revenues of over $415M, expenses of approximately $65M, and more than 350 overall employees in the department's clinical and academic sections. The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine's mission is to provide high quality patient/physician services, to maintain the excellence of the educational programs, and to perform scholarly research and development . These objectives are to be met within the limits of resources available with emphasis on cost effectiveness and innovation.
POSITION INFORMATION
- This position is a limited appointment and is intended to be used to cover sick calls, vacation or as needed.
- Salary or Pay Range: $8,959,26-$17,709.72
- Salary Frequency: Monthly
- Salary Grade: 220
- UC Job Title: PATHOLOGY AST 4 HX
- UC Job Code: 004906
- Number of Positions: 1
- Appointment Type: Staff: Limited
- Percentage of Time: 20
- Shift (Work Schedule): Variable
- Location: Histology Building (PATH-V ST) (HSP015)
- Union Representation: YES, HX- Healthcare Professional
- Benefits Eligible: No
- This position is 100% on-site
Benefits
Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.
If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html
• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family’s needs
• UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
• Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
• Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
• Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here
Physical Demands
- Standing - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Walking - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Sitting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
Environmental Demands
- Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Loud noise levels - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Microwave/Radiation - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Extreme Temperatures - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Mental Demands
- Sustained attention and concentration - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Complex problem solving/reasoning - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Ability to organize & prioritize - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Communication skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Customer/Patient Contact - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
Work Environment
UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.
Must be able to work variable shifts as needed on weekends and holidays, must be able to work occasional overtime as required, must respond to "on-call" requirements, and must be flexible to meet patient workload. Must adhere to all Departmental and Health System policies and procedures, including mandated annual training and Laboratory Safety Training.
Special Requirements – Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position
- This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment
- This is a position with direct access to or responsibility for controlled substances, high risk hazardous chemicals, biological or radioactive/nuclear materials
- This position is designated as a mandated reporter under CANRA and UC policy, and employment is contingent on compliance with applicable policies, procedures and training requirements
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.
A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging
At UC Davis, we’re committed to solving life’s most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.
As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.
To view the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination
Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere
To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks
