Under the direction of the directors, serves as a technical expert in UCSF Surgical Pathology Gross Rooms, providing technical assistance and direction to trainees and pathologists’ assistants (PAs). The primary role of the incumbent is practitioner, educator and role model for trainees and staff members in grossing the most complex cancer specimens (pancreas, breast, bladder, uterus, ovary, etc.) as well as simple benign resections and biopsies. It is the role of the PA to continuously interact with the laboratory director(s), site managers, supervisors and designees. The incumbent determines the need to consult with a pathologist, makes technical grossing decisions, troubleshoots and resolves specimen receiving issues. The incumbent must have the basic knowledge of the full scope of general PA technical duties in the laboratory when required (lab preparation, receiving, accessioning, performing an intraoperative evaluation including cryostat frozen sectioning and staining, gross sectioning, dictation, photography, etc.). The incumbent must also have a thorough understanding of what and why these sections are essential, and perform duties efficiently (focusing on quality and quantity). As determined, works variable schedules and rotates at other work sites as needed. Provides technical support to the Autopsy Service and Histology Laboratory as needed. Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• A graduate from a National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) accredited pathologists’ assistant training program
• Bachelor’s Degree
• ASCP certified or certification-eligible as pathologists’ assistant
• Certification-eligible candidates must pass the certification examination within one year of hire
• Demonstrated proficiency in teaching, communication and interpersonal skills
• Flexibility to orient and work in all UCSF Medical Center locations as needed
• Knowledge of medical terminology, specifically understanding of Pathology
• Ability to organize and prioritize responsibilities and perform well under pressure to meet deadlines
• Excellent data entry, word processing, spelling, grammar, and editing skills

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s Degree
• Current Fellow member of the American Association of Pathologists’ Assistants (AAPA)
• Current Member of the American Society for Clinical Pathology
• Previous leadership experience in a hospital laboratory
• Experience working in the Pathology Department of an academic health center

REQUIRED LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS

• ASCP certified or certification-eligible as pathologists’ assistant
• Certification-eligible candidates must pass the certification examination within one year of hire
• Once achieved, American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) certification must be maintained as long as one works in this position