Grossing Technician
Actalent
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
Actalent in Modesto, CA seeks a Grossing Technician to support anatomic pathology services under a board-certified pathologist. You will gross and describe surgical specimens, prepare tissues for microscopic evaluation, and help maintain a safe, efficient lab.
This on-site role runs 4:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. on weekdays, with optional weekend shifts. The team of about 10 professionals emphasizes accuracy, HIPAA compliance, and ongoing improvement.
Qualifications
- Associate degree in Biological Sciences or related field.
- Experience with grossing and tissue preparation.
- Ability to describe gross specimens accurately.
- Familiarity with HIPAA and safety protocols.
Responsibilities
- Perform grossing, description, dictation, and dissection of tissue.
- Select tissue sections for embedding and evaluation.
- Ensure proper specimen accessioning and labeling.
- Photograph gross specimens for records.
- Coordinate with pathologists to apply special techniques.
- Maintain grossing equipment and supply levels.
- Adhere to SOPs, HIPAA, and safety guidelines.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
4 am to 12:30 am M-F
The Grossing Technician provides anatomic pathology services under the supervision of a Board Certified pathologist, focusing on the gross examination and description of surgical pathology specimens. In this role, you gross and dictate gastrointestinal biopsies, small biopsies (including cores), prostate cores, and other small tissues that do not require dissection, serving as the eyes of the pathologist and often the first person to evaluate specimens arriving from operating rooms, clinics, and physician offices. You contribute directly to the efficiency and quality of the laboratory by preparing tissue for microscopic evaluation, supporting accurate diagnoses, and maintaining a safe, organized, and compliant work environment.
- Perform preparation, gross description, dictation, and dissection of human tissue, including gastrointestinal biopsies, small biopsies, prostate cores, and small tissues not requiring complex dissection.
- Select representative tissue sections for embedding, staining, and microscopic evaluation to support accurate pathological diagnosis.
- Ensure proper specimen accessioning so that all samples are correctly labeled, tracked, and processed in accordance with laboratory protocols.
- Photograph pertinent gross specimens as needed to document key findings and support diagnostic review.
- Retrieve patient medical charts and other relevant clinical information for review with the attending pathologist.
- Confer with the attending pathologist to identify and implement any special techniques or procedures required for specific specimens.
- Maintain grossing equipment in proper working condition, including routine checks, minor troubleshooting, and coordination of service needs.
- Monitor and provision adequate laboratory supplies to ensure continuous, efficient operation of the grossing area.
- Clean and maintain grossing stations, ensuring a safe, organized, and hygienic workspace.
- Handle and dispose of biological and administrative waste in accordance with laboratory protocols and regulatory requirements.
- Identify and resolve discrepancies or issues related to specimens, documentation, or workflow, escalating concerns as appropriate.
- Prepare and maintain accurate records, reports, and documentation using laboratory information systems and electronic communication tools.
- Assist pathologists in a timely and high-quality manner, coordinating specimen handling to meet diagnostic and turnaround time expectations.
- Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs), general laboratory protocols, and safety guidelines, including HIPAA and security compliance requirements.
- Organize and prioritize workload to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
- Communicate clearly and professionally with pathologists, laboratory staff, and other healthcare professionals, demonstrating strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
- Contribute to a quality-focused laboratory culture by maintaining attention to detail, performing thorough work, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives.
- Associate of Science degree in Biological Sciences or a related field.
- Basic knowledge of human anatomy, macro surgical techniques, and general laboratory skills (preferred but strongly beneficial).
- Demonstrated ability to obtain and prepare tissue specimens for evaluation and to assist pathologists in a timely and high-quality manner.
- High degree of technical competence and knowledge of histological techniques relevant to gross examination and tissue handling.
- Proficiency in preparing and maintaining records and in using electronic communication tools and software.
- Ability to learn and use voice recognition software, internet-based tools, multiple interfaced systems, and various laboratory information systems.
- Working knowledge or ability to become proficient in Excel, MS Word, or equivalent applications for documentation and reporting.
- Experience that demonstrates strong interpersonal and customer service skills, including the ability to establish rapport with individuals from diverse educational and professional backgrounds.
- Ability to interpret and apply complex rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and guidelines in a laboratory setting.
- Proven ability to organize workload, manage multiple tasks, and work independently with minimal supervision.
- Professional demeanor with demonstrated problem-solving skills and sound judgment in a fast-paced environment.
- Detail-oriented, self-motivated, and a fast learner with excellent time management, organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to take direction while using independent judgment to coordinate tasks and meet multiple deadlines.
- Familiarity with HIPAA and security compliance requirements in handling patient information and laboratory data.
- Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively in a high-stress, time-sensitive environment.
- Attention to detail and commitment to quality-focused work.
- Knowledge of general laboratory protocols and techniques, including SOPs and aseptic technique.
- Strong interpersonal skills that support effective teamwork and collaboration.
- Grossing experience, with 12 years of experience strongly preferred.
- No formal certification required for this role.
- Interest in long-term employment in the Modesto area and commitment to building a career in anatomic pathology and laboratory science.
- Experience using voice recognition software and multiple laboratory information systems is a plus.
- Biology or related sciences, including coursework or practical experience in histology or pathology, is beneficial.
- Demonstrated quality focus and continuous improvement mindset in previous laboratory or healthcare roles.
- Ability to work occasional weekend shifts on a voluntary basis when operational needs arise.
- Comfort working within a team of approximately 10 laboratory professionals and contributing positively to team culture.
- Openness to ongoing professional development, including continuing medical education (CME) and skills training supported by the employer.
This role is based in a pathology laboratory in Modesto and operates on a Monday through Friday shift from 4:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., with occasional voluntary weekend work as needed. You work in a clinical lab environment handling human tissue specimens, following strict safety, aseptic, and general laboratory protocols. The team consists of about 10 professionals, including pathologists and technical staff, fostering a collaborative, quality-focused culture. You use laboratory information systems, voice recognition software, internet-based tools, and standard office applications such as Excel and MS Word, along with specialized grossing equipment and imaging tools for specimen photography. The environment can be high stress at times due to diagnostic timelines and specimen volume, requiring sustained attention to detail and adherence to HIPAA and security compliance. The employer offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a 401(k) plan with employer match, robust health plans with dental, vision, life, and mental health support, generous vacation and sick time, 10 paid holidays, relocation or sign-on bonuses for qualified candidates, an annual scrub allowance for lab roles, and annual reimbursement for CME and professional development. Appropriate laboratory attire and personal protective equipment are required to ensure safety and professionalism.
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Modesto, CA.
The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $35.00/hr.
Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Modesto, CA.
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 30, 2026.
This is a fully onsite position in Modesto,CA.
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
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