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Cytology Lab Assistant Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Histotechnologist

Irvine, CA · On-site

$50.09/hr

Responsibilities include supporting lab functions, contributing to strategic planning, fostering a ... Ability to embed and section biopsy, bone marrow, cytology, and routine surgical cases. * Assist ...

Responsibilities include supporting lab functions, contributing to strategic planning, fostering a ... Ability to embed and section biopsy, bone marrow, cytology, and routine surgical cases. * Assist ...

Cytology Lab Assistant information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$10

$21

$31

How much do cytology lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for cytology lab assistant in Riverside, CA is $21.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $24.09 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Cytology Lab Assistant do?

A Cytology Lab Assistant supports cytotechnologists and pathologists by preparing and processing biological samples, such as cells from body fluids, for microscopic examination. They are responsible for labeling specimens, maintaining laboratory equipment, and ensuring that all samples are handled and stored properly. Additionally, they may assist with record keeping, data entry, and maintaining a clean and safe laboratory environment. This role is essential for helping pathologists diagnose diseases like cancer by providing high-quality samples for analysis.

What is the difference between Cytology Lab Assistant vs Histology Lab Technician?

AspectCytology Lab AssistantHistology Lab Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certification preferredHigh school diploma; additional histology certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentLaboratory settings focused on cell analysis, often in hospitals or clinicsLaboratories performing tissue processing and slide preparation, typically in hospitals or research labs
Job DutiesAssist in preparing cytology specimens, label slides, and maintain lab equipmentProcess tissue samples, embed, section, and prepare slides for microscopic examination

Both roles support laboratory operations in healthcare settings, with Cytology Lab Assistants focusing on cell samples and Histology Lab Technicians handling tissue specimens. While their tasks differ, they share similar credentials and work environments, making them closely related roles in pathology labs.

What are some common challenges faced by Cytology Lab Assistants, and how can they be managed?

Cytology Lab Assistants often encounter challenges such as maintaining accuracy while handling high specimen volumes and adhering to strict turnaround times. Managing these challenges involves staying organized, double-checking specimen labeling, and following established laboratory protocols meticulously. Effective communication with cytotechnologists and pathologists is also essential to ensure that any discrepancies or urgent cases are addressed promptly. Continuous learning about new laboratory technologies and procedures can further enhance efficiency and reduce errors.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cytology Lab Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cytology Lab Assistant, you need a solid understanding of laboratory procedures, specimen handling, and a high school diploma or associate’s degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), microscopes, and specimen staining techniques is typically expected. Attention to detail, organizational skills, and effective communication are standout soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure accurate sample processing, minimize errors, and support efficient lab operations crucial for reliable diagnostic results.
What are popular job titles related to Cytology Lab Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA? For Cytology Lab Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cytology Lab Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Cytology Lab Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Cytology Lab Assistant jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Cytology Lab Assistant job openings:
Hospital Lab Technician II- Surgical Pathology Orange- FT Day Shift

Hospital Lab Technician II- Surgical Pathology Orange- FT Day Shift

University of California - Irvine Health

Orange, CA • On-site

$20.25 - $27/hr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


University Of California Irvine rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 41 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

45th of 560 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Who We Are

UCI Healthis one of California's largest academic health systems and the clinical enterprise of the University of California, Irvine. Established on July 1, 1976, UCI Health has grown into a 1,461-bed health system that includesUCI Health - Orange,UCI Health - Irvine, four Community Network hospitals and a growing network of ambulatory care centers across Orange and Los Angeles counties.

As Orange County's only academic health systems, UCI Health is home to the onlyNational Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centerbased in the county, the region's only American College of Surgeons-verifiedLevel I adult and Level II pediatric trauma center, American College of Emergency Physicians Gold Level 1 GeriatricEmergency Departmentand a nationally recognizedregional burn centerverified by the American Burn Association. Powered byUC Irvine, UCI Health serves 5.6 million people across Orange County, western Riverside County and southeast Los Angeles County through excellence in patient care, research and medical education.


Your Role on the Team
Position Summary:

Reporting to the Clinical Laboratory Supervisor 2, incumbent will pick up specimens, log in specimen, load processors, sorts multiple specimens, change the processors, and organize supplies. Incumbent will print labels and worksheets, Washes plastic supplies, glassware, and metal mold for blocks. Assists with equipment maintenance, inventory control, filing, answering phones. Process cytology specimens including GYN, Non-GYN, FNA or Histology samples Appropriately stains Cytology or Histology samples, maintains stainers. May assist with transcription or other office tasks as needed. May assist with Gross Area tasks as needed.


What It Takes to be Successful
Required Qualifications:
  • Two years of applicable experience
  • Minimum 16 units of applicable Science (such as Chemistry, Biology) and Algebra at the college level

  • Preferred Qualifications:
  • Knowledge of medical computer software systems

  • Total Rewards

    We offer a wealth of benefits to make working at UCI even more rewarding. These benefits may include medical insurance, sick and vacation time, retirement savings plans, and access to a number of discounts and perks. Please utilize the links listed here to learn more about our compensation practices and benefits.

    Conditions of Employment:

    The University of California, Irvine (UCI) seeks to provide a safe and healthy environment for the entire UCI community. As part of this commitment, all applicants who accept an offer of employment must comply with the following conditions of employment:

    • Background Check and Live Scan
    • Employment Misconduct*
    • Legal Right to Work in the United States
    • Vaccination Policies
    • Smoking and Tobacco Policy
    • Drug Free Environment

    *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.

    The following additional conditions may apply, some of which are dependent upon business unit or job specific requirements.

    • California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act
    • E-Verify
    • Pre-Placement Health Evaluation

    Details of each policy may be reviewed by visiting the following page: https://hr.uci.edu/new-hire/conditions-of-employment.php


    Closing Statement:

    The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.
    We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce along with honoring unique experiences, perspectives, and identities. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.
    UCI provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request. For more information, please contact UCI's Employee Experience Center (EEC) at eec@uci.edu or at (949) 824-0500, Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.


    Consideration for Work Authorization Sponsorship
    Must be able to provide proof of work authorization

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