Hospital Lab Tech - Pathology Lab - 141107

UC San Diego Health; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 68,000 - 84,000; Full time

Job summary

UC San Diego Health is seeking a Hospital Lab Tech in the Pathology Lab at La Jolla. The role performs technical tasks, handles specimens, and supports lab operations under supervision.

The position requires experience in a clinical laboratory and the ability to manage specimens, orders, and equipment in a fast-paced setting. Responsibilities include accessioning in the LIS, processing for send-out testing, and maintaining tissue tracking.

Qualifications

• Graduation from college with a major in an applicable natural science; or two years of college courses in natural sciences plus two years of applicable experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Two years of college in natural sciences plus two years of applicable experience.
• Previous experience in a clinical laboratory setting.
• Incumbent must be able to sit and stand for extended periods, lift up to 20 pounds, and have sufficient fine motor skills to perform technical tasks (pipetting, keyboarding, culture inoculation, etc.).
• Associate of Science degree in a medical-related subject.

Responsibilities

• Receive and process orders for slides and blocks for send-out testing and second opinion consultations.
• Receive specimens from couriers and accession them in the laboratory information system.
• Process specimens for send-out testing and archival tissue retrieval.
• Track slides and blocks and return materials to outside facilities.
• Supply/inventory management and lab-related clerical support.
• Communicate with laboratory customers and other duties as assigned.

Skills

Clinical laboratory experience

Fine motor skills

Physical stamina

Education

Natural science degree or equivalent

Associate of Science in medical-related subject

Job description

Payroll Title

HOSP LAB TCHN 1

Department

PATHOLOGY LAB

Hiring Pay Scale

$32.45 - $40.32 / Hour

Worksite

La Jolla

Appointment Type

Career

Appointment Percent

100%

Union

EX Contract

Total Openings

1

Work Schedule

Variable, 8-Hour Shifts, Monday-Friday

#141107 Hospital Lab Tech - Pathology Lab

Filing Deadline

Fri 9/11/2026

UC San Diego values and welcomes people from all backgrounds.

UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment: Apply by 09/02/2026 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.

Reassignment Applicants: Eligible Reassignment clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.

Description

Under the direction of the supervisor, the incumbent performs technical tasks associated with the area to which he/she is assigned in accordance with all applicable policies and procedures. Specific duties in the Pathology Laboratory will include receipt and processing of orders associated with slides and blocks for send-out testing and second opinion consultations. Tasks will include receiving specimens from couriers, accessioning specimens in the laboratory information system, processing specimens for send-out testing, archival tissue retrieval and tracking of slides and blocks, and return of materials to outside facilities. Additional duties may include supply/inventory management, lab-related clerical support, communications with laboratory customers, and other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from college with a major in an applicable natural science; or two (2) years of college courses in the natural sciences plus two (2) years of applicable experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Previous experience in a clinical laboratory setting.
• Incumbent must be able to sit and stand for extended periods, lift up to 20 pounds, and have sufficient fine motor skills to perform technical tasks associated with the position (pipetting, keyboarding, culture inoculation, etc.).

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate of Science degree in a medical-related subject.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Must be able to work all shifts, weekends, overtime, and at various locations as necessary in accordance with operational needs.
• Employment is subject to a criminal background check and a pre-employment physical.

Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range: $67,756 - $84,188 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: $32.45 - $40.32

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).

Vaccination Policy

If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

Certification Requirements

If applicable, life-support certifications (BLS, NRP, ACLS, etc.) must include hands‑on practice and in‑person skills assessment; online‑only certification is not acceptable.

Applications/Resumes are accepted for current job openings only. For full consideration on any job, applications must be received prior to the initial closing date. If a job has an extended deadline, applications/resumes will be considered during the extension period; however, a job may be filled before the extended date is reached.

To foster the best possible working and learning environment, UC San Diego strives to cultivate a rich and diverse environment, inclusive and supportive of all students, faculty, staff and visitors. For more information, please visit UC San Diego Principles of Community.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit smokefree.ucsd.edu for more information.

UC San Diego Health maintains a marijuana and drug free environment. Employees may be subject to drug screening.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an 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; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC’s policies addressing some forms of misconduct:
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
• Abusive Conduct in the Workplace