Surgical Pathology Technologist

University Hospitals; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 52,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

University Hospitals is seeking a Surgical Pathology Technologist I to handle specimen triage, grossing, and preparation for microscopic analysis in a high‑throughput clinical lab. The role supports pathologists, maintains PHI integrity, and ensures tissue quality and accurate documentation.

The position requires a bachelor's degree in a lab science and at least 1 year of dissection experience, with strong computer skills and familiarity with lab equipment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science or medical technology (CLIA high complexity testing) required.
• 1+ years experience in dissection and processing of surgical specimens (preferred).
• Proficient computer skills and strong knowledge of lab equipment.

Responsibilities

• Triages, accesses, and registers cases in the LIS.
• Labels and documents specimens for traceability.
• Performs gross examination and documents gross descriptions.
• Assists pathologists in dissection and preparation for microscopy.
• Maintains clean, organized work environment and compliant safety standards.
• Operates and maintains laboratory equipment per manufacturer instructions.

Skills

Computer skills

Anatomy & physiology knowledge

Laboratory equipment knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in lab science

Tools

Cassette printers

Grossing benches

Scales

Bone saws

Job description

Job Description - Surgical Pathology Technologist (260005Y1)

Surgical Pathology Technologist - ( 260005Y1 )

A Brief Overview

The Surgical Pathology Technologist I is responsible for accurate specimen handling, documentation, and preparation for microscopic analysis. This position will triage and register cases in the LIS, perform gross examinations, assist pathologists, and maintain compliance with safety and quality standards. The Surgical Pathology Technologist I operates and maintains laboratory equipment, participates in quality control processes, and ensures a clean, organized work environment.

What You Will Do

• Triages, accessions, and registers cases in the Laboratory Information System (LIS), ensuring accuracy and completeness of case details.
• Labels and documents all specimens properly to ensure accurate identification and traceability.
• Performs gross examination of surgical specimens and creates gross descriptions that document relevant findings and measurements.
• Adheres to organizational policies and established procedures when handling and submitting specimens to maintain tissue integrity.
• Assists pathologists in the dissection and preparation of specimens for microscopic analysis.
• Ensures a clean, well-stocked and organized work environment in compliance with safety and quality standards.
• Operates and maintains laboratory equipment in accordance to manufacturer's instructions, including cassette printers, grossing benches, scales, and bone saws.
• Participates in quality control processes by entering Q/A flags, as appropriate, and maintaining accurate records and logs.
• Documents and reports quality or safety concerns and instrument malfunctions through the appropriate channels.
• Completes all assigned mandatory assignments within allowed timelines.
• Maintains and demonstrates competency assessment in assigned area; maintains current knowledge of best practices and emerging techniques in gross pathology.
• Fosters a collaborative environment that promotes teamwork and effective communication.

Additional Responsibilities

• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Complies with all policies and standards.
• For specific duties and responsibilities, refer to documentation provided by the department during orientation.
• Must abide by all requirements to safely and securely maintain Protected Health Information (PHI) for our patients. Annual training, the UH Code of Conduct and UH policies and procedures are in place to address appropriate use of PHI in the workplace.

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in a chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science or medical technology from an accredited institution (Requirement specific in CLIA '88 to perform high complexity testing) (Required)

Work Experience

• 1+ years experience in dissection and processing of surgical specimens (Preferred)

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Good computer skills (Required proficiency)
• Good knowledge of anatomy and physiology (Required proficiency)
• Good knowledge of lab equipment (Required proficiency)

Physical Demands

• Standing Frequently
• Walking Frequently
• Sitting Rarely
• Lifting Frequently up to 50 lbs
• Carrying Frequently up to 50 lbs
• Pushing Frequently up to 50 lbs
• Pulling Frequently up to 50 lbs
• Climbing Occasionally up to 50 lbs
• Balancing Occasionally
• Stooping Frequently
• Kneeling Frequently
• Crouching Frequently
• Crawling Occasionally
• Reaching Frequently
• Handling Frequently
• Grasping Frequently
• Feeling Constantly
• Talking Constantly
• Hearing Constantly
• Repetitive Motions Constantly
• Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination Constantly

Travel Requirements

• 5%