Travel Pathology Assistant
San Francisco, CA
Prime Staffing
5x8 hrs, Days

Laboratory Professional – Pathology

Job Profile Summary

The Laboratory Professional applies advanced knowledge, theory, and clinical laboratory practices to perform pre-analytic, analytic, and post-analytic procedures on biological specimens. The role supports healthcare providers in the diagnosis, treatment, monitoring, and prevention of disease.

Responsibilities include specimen processing, pathology procedures, validation testing, troubleshooting, quality control, and management of pathology materials. The position requires strong technical expertise, attention to detail, professionalism, and the ability to work collaboratively with physicians, clients, and laboratory staff to support high-quality patient care.

Key Responsibilities

Specimen Processing & Laboratory Operations

• Receive, verify, and accession specimens according to department policies and procedures.
• Process specimens for testing, interpretation, and referral to outside laboratories as required.
• Perform accurate data entry throughout testing, interpretation, and reporting processes.
• Follow established procedures for positive patient identification throughout all testing and reporting activities.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and facilities in accordance with department standards.
• Prepare, maintain, stock, and order laboratory supplies and reagents as needed.

Pathology & Gross Examination

• Perform gross dissection and description of pathology specimens across a variety of specimen types and complexity levels.
• Perform or assist with intra-procedural consultations, including gross examinations and frozen sections.
• Perform all aspects of post-mortem examinations, including:
  • Verifying required documentation
  • Reviewing and summarizing clinical history
  • Performing dissection
  • Selecting and submitting tissue for microscopic evaluation
  • Documenting gross findings
• Perform ancillary procedures associated with gross and post-mortem examinations, including:
  • Decalcification
  • Pathology photography
  • X-ray imaging

Pathology Material Management

• Manage pathology materials, including storage, retrieval, and disposal of tissue specimens and chemical waste.
• Ensure appropriate handling and documentation of pathology materials in accordance with regulatory and departmental requirements.

Quality, Compliance & Process Improvement

• Serve as a subject matter expert for accessioning and coding processes.
• Audit accessioning and coding activities, make corrections as needed, and provide constructive feedback to accessioners and laboratory assistants.
• Troubleshoot laboratory and specimen-related issues and communicate findings to laboratory leadership.
• Participate in regulatory compliance activities and complete required documentation.
• Participate in the validation and implementation of new testing methods, methodologies, and laboratory platforms.
• Complete required quality control processes and maintain appropriate documentation.

Additional Responsibilities

• Support other laboratory functions as needed, provided they fall within the individual's regulatory scope, training, and demonstrated competency.
• Maintain a professional and collaborative working relationship with physicians, clients, laboratory staff, and other healthcare professionals.
• Represent the laboratory with courtesy, dignity, respect, and professionalism at all times.