Histotechnologist - Pathology Lab - 139650

UC San Diego; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 89,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

UC San Diego is seeking a Histotechnologist to perform a broad range of histological procedures, including microtomy, special stains, IHC, IF, ICE, and EM, ensuring specimen integrity from pre-analytic to post-analytic stages. The role collaborates with the lead histotechnologist and supervisor to deliver timely, high-quality slides.

Eligible candidates may be hired at Histology Tech II or Tech III levels based on experience and licensure, with duties expanding to QA, policy updates, and

Qualifications

• Two years of experience as a histotechnologist.
• HTL certification with 3 years in a Histology AP lab for Tech III, or HT certification with 5 years, or 10 years without certification.
• Ability to communicate effectively with pathologists, staff, clinicians, vendors, and stakeholders.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume laboratory environment.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail; maintain specimen integrity and documentation.
• Ability to prioritize workload and meet turnaround times while ensuring quality.
• Knowledge of CLIA, CAP standards; LIS familiarity.
• Basic computer skills and LIS experience.

Responsibilities

• Prepare tissue specimens for microscopic diagnosis.
• Perform microtomy (rotary and cryostate), special stains, IHC, IF, ICE, and EM to prepare slides.
• Gross biopsy specimens and loading of blocks.
• Prepare high-quality slides in collaboration with lead histotechnologist and supervisor.
• Conduct preventive maintenance, inventory management, data collection and reporting.
• Communicate effectively with co-workers, customers, staff, vendors; act as technical resource.
• Mentor and train junior staff; participate in policy/procedure reviews and updates.

Skills

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Turnaround time management

LIS experience

Safety and regulatory knowledge

Education

Histotechnologist certification (HTL)

Histotechnician certification (HT)

Tools

Laboratory Information Systems (LIS)

Microtomy equipment

Job description

This posting will remain open until a successful candidate has been identified.

DESCRIPTION

Under general supervision, the Histotechnologist performs histological procedures in accordance with Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA), College of American Pathologists (CAP), and Journal of Clinical Oncology (JCO) requirements.

This position utilizes a wide range of skillsets encompassing manual, semi-automated, and advanced techniques (e.g., microtomy with rotary and cryostate microtomes, special stains, IHC, IF, ICE, and EM), to prepare tissue specimens for microscopic diagnosis. Throughout the entire process, from pre-analytic to post-analytic phases, the incumbent is expected to maintain the integrity of the samples. Additional responsibilities include grossing of biopsy specimens and loading of blocks. Prepares high-quality slides in an efficient and timely manner in close collaboration with the lead histotechnologist and supervisor. Othertasks include, but are not limited to, preventive maintenance, inventory management, data collection and reporting, and effective communication with different stakeholders.

Communicates effectively with co-workers, customers, staff, vendors, and others. Serves as a technical resource. Assists in the review, writing, and updating of policies and procedures. Provides mentorship and training to junior staff.

Depending on the selected candidate's experience and licensure/certification, this position may be hired at the Histology Tech II or Histology Tech III level.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum qualifications for the Histotechnologist II level is two (2) years of experience as a histotechnologist.
• Minimum qualifications for the Histotechnologist III level may be met in 1 of 3 ways: 1) Three (3) years of experience in a Histology Anatomic Pathology (AP) laboratory with an HTL certification; OR 2) Five (5) years of experience in a Histology Anatomic Pathology (AP) laboratory with an HT certification, OR 3) ten (10) years of experience in Histology Anatomic Pathology (AP) laboratory without certification.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with pathologists, laboratory staff, clinicians, vendors, and other stakeholders.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, high-volume laboratory environment.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail with the ability to maintain specimen integrity and accurate documentation.
• Ability to prioritize workload and meet turnaround time expectations while maintaining quality standards.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety, quality assurance, and regulatory requirements including CLIA and CAP standards.
• Basic computer skills and experience working with laboratory information systems (LIS).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Histotechnologist certification (HTL).
• Histotechnician certification (HT).

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Must be able to work various hours and locations based on business needs.
• Employment is subject to a criminal background check and pre-employment physical.
• Histo Tech level II pay range $40.12-$49.86. Histo Tech level III pay range $44.49-$55.30.

Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range: $88,844 - $110,393 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: $42.55 - $52.87

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).