Pathology Assistant 4 HX

UC Davis Health; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 198,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

Education reimbursement

Paid holidays

Retirement plan options

Job summary

UC Davis Health is seeking a Pathologist's Assistant to perform autopsy and surgical pathology tasks, coordinating with Decedent Affairs and faculty. The role includes off-site autopsies at the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office with responsibilities for grossing, specimen handling, and education of residents.

Ideal candidates will hold ASCP PA certification and a NAACLS-accredited Master’s program, with at least one year of PA experience and strong attention to detail in data recording and

Qualifications

• Requires ASCP Pathology Assistant certification.
• NAACLS accredited Pathologist Assistant program completion.
• Minimum 1 year experience as Pathologist’s Assistant.
• PA (ASCP) certification current and renewed.
• Knowledge of autopsy operations and techniques.

Responsibilities

• Perform autopsy duties offsite at Sacramento County Coroner’s Office.
• Conduct Surgical Pathology grossing, accessioning, and sectioning.
• Prepare touch preps and staining for frozen sections.
• Supervise gross room staff and trainees as needed.
• Educate residents and fellows in grossing techniques.

Skills

ASCP certification prep

Autopsy operations

Grossing room operations

Documentation accuracy

Verbal and written communication

Safety protocols

Education evaluation

Team collaboration

Manual dexterity

Education

NAACLS Pathologist Assistant Master’s

Master’s in Pathology/related field

Tools

Pathology lab equipment

Job description

Job Summary

#CA-FT The incumbent will primarily perform autopsy duties in coordination with Decedent Affairs and the School of Medicine faculty and residents. Autopsies are performed offsite from the UCDH campus at the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office. The incumbent will work under the general direction of the Autopsy Medical Director, the Chair of the Department of Pathology, and in coordination with the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office with either the coroner or the Forensic Pathologist. Additionally, under the general direction of the Grossing Room Director and the 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.

Minimum Qualifications

• ASCP Board Certification as a Pathologist's Assistant, current and renewed as required.
• Master's Degree from a NAACLS accredited institution with completion of a Pathologist's Assistant Program.
• At least one year working experience as a Pathologist's Assistant.
• Must have completed an accredited training program for Pathologist Assistant and passed the American Association of Pathologists' Assistants (AAPA) examination hosted by the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP). PA (ASCP) certification must be current and renewed as required.
• Knowledge of autopsy operations, different autopsy types and handling/processing techniques for autopsy assistance.
• Knowledge of gross room operations, different specimen types and specimen handling/processing techniques in a surgical pathology lab.
• Ability to prioritize daily work and be flexible in the percent of time spent on specific job functions and duties in order to meet turnaround times and expected completion of pending work.
• Proven dexterity and attention to detail in cutting frozen and fresh 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.
• 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.
• 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 human tissue, blood and chemicals.
• Ability to establish and maintain a professional relationship with all departmental personnel and work as a team to meet patient care needs and expected turnaround times.
• Knowledge of, or ability to, prepare touch preps and staining procedures for frozen sections.
• Ability to effectively analyze situations, solve problems, and to prioritize work to effectively accomplish tasks within a directed time frame.
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Five or more years of experience working as a Pathologist's Assistant.
• Recent or relevant autopsy experience.

Key Responsibilities

• 50% - AUTOPSY PATHOLOGY
• 40% - SURGICAL PATHOLOGY
• 10% - 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 UCDHS 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 three distinct facilities: Surgery and Emergency Services Pavilion (SESP); Pathology Building; 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.

Department Specific Job Scope

Technical leader with a high degree of knowledge in the overall field of autopsy and surgical pathology, problem-solving frequently requires analysis of unique issues, problems without precedent and/or structure. Functions with a high degree of autonomy.

POSITION INFORMATION

• 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: Multiple
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100
• Shift (Work Schedule): Day
• Location: Histology Building (PATH-V ST) (HSP015)
• Union Representation: HX-Healthcare Professionals
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• 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.

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