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

We are seeking an experienced Pathology Laboratory professional to support surgical pathology, specimen processing, gross examination, frozen section procedures, and post-mortem examinations. The successful candidate will apply advanced laboratory knowledge and technical expertise to ensure accurate specimen processing and high-quality support for pathologists and healthcare providers.

Key Responsibilities

• Receive, verify, accession, and process biological and pathology specimens according to laboratory policies and procedures.
• Ensure proper patient identification and specimen labeling throughout the testing and reporting process.
• Perform accurate data entry and maintain complete laboratory documentation.
• Process specimens for internal testing, interpretation, and referral to outside laboratories when required.
• Perform gross examination, description, and dissection of surgical pathology specimens of varying types and complexity.
• Select and submit representative tissue samples for microscopic evaluation.
• Perform or assist with intraoperative consultations, gross examinations, and frozen sections.
• Participate in post-mortem/autopsy examinations, including review of clinical history and required documentation.
• Perform post-mortem dissection and select appropriate tissue for microscopic examination.
• Document gross findings accurately and according to department standards.
• Perform ancillary pathology procedures including decalcification, specimen photography, and X-ray imaging.
• Maintain proper storage, retrieval, tracking, and disposal of pathology specimens and materials.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and facilities according to established procedures.
• Prepare, stock, and order laboratory supplies and reagents as needed.
• Perform quality-control activities and maintain required documentation.
• Troubleshoot laboratory and specimen-processing issues and communicate findings to laboratory leadership.
• Audit accessioning and coding processes and make corrections when necessary.
• Provide constructive feedback and guidance to accessioning staff and laboratory assistants.
• Participate in validation and implementation of new testing methodologies, equipment, and laboratory platforms.
• Support regulatory, compliance, and accreditation requirements.
• Maintain professional communication with pathologists, physicians, laboratory staff, and other healthcare professionals.
• Perform additional laboratory functions within the individual's training, competency, scope of practice, and applicable regulations.

Required Skills & Experience

• Advanced laboratory/pathology training and experience.
• Strong experience with surgical pathology specimens and gross examination.
• Experience with specimen accessioning, processing, documentation, and tracking.
• Knowledge of pathology laboratory procedures and quality-control requirements.
• Experience with frozen sections/intraoperative consultations preferred.
• Autopsy/post-mortem experience strongly preferred or required depending on department needs.
• Strong attention to detail and specimen identification accuracy.
• Ability to troubleshoot technical and specimen-processing issues.
• Ability to work collaboratively with pathologists and multidisciplinary laboratory teams.