Pathology Lab Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Under supervision incumbents perform one or more standard repetitive laboratory and/or field experimental procedures that require technical scientific knowledge and skills which might be expected from incumbents at the college "lower division" level or from incumbents who have acquired equivalent knowledge and skills through experience.
Technical assignments at this level typically include duties such as: preparing samples for radiochemical analyses, preparing complex reagents and media using basic ingredients, processing serum or plasma for downstream analysis, preparing components required for media making, preparing specimens for examination by professional and/or academic personnel, preparing concentration specimens, removing fluids and preservatives by pipetting and using solvents, processing and sectioning tissues, preparing and staining slides.
Incumbents may, when in charge of laboratory equipment and supplies, keep records; maintain, order, store and dispense a limited variety of standard supplies for a complex of student laboratories; assure availability of materials used by students in laboratory classes such as chemical compounds, unknowns, microscopes, culture media and models; set up and maintain equipment such as fume hoods, fans, emergency lights, water drains and
special fixtures; and assist in the assembly, testing and operation of complex laboratory equipment.

Apply By Date: 08/09/2026 at 11:59PM.

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• Bachelor of Science degree or equivalent combination of education and experience and the ability to apply and translate this knowledge to biological research.
• Experience in handling human or animal tissue.
• Excellent written and interpersonal verbal communication skills are required.
• Experience in consistently following Standard Operating Procedures.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with histology techniques, including sectioning, special stains, and/or immunostaining
• Research and Lab testing experience
• Consistent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Experience with Office applications, including spreadsheet data using Excel.
• Demonstrated ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven ability to work in a high project volume work environment.
• Ability to effectively prioritize projects to meet deadlines consistently.

Key Responsibilities

• 30% - Assists in the execution of research projects
• 20% - Documents projects, procedures and protocols
• 15% - Performs Procedures in the fields of histology
• 10% - Responsible for laboratory functioning and order
• 10% - Represents Core to clientele
• 10% - Participates in routine laboratory safety and maintenance of equipment
• 5% - Maintain and grow job skills

Department Overview

The mission of the Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine is to be scientific leaders who promote excellence through clinical diagnostics, next generation innovation, collaborative discovery and world class education in service to all communities. Our vision is transformation through diagnostic excellence, research, education and service. Departmental values are honesty, integrity, and kindness.
The department has over $12 million in external research funding which supports multi-disciplinary research in neuroscience, cancer, computational pathology, and healthcare delivery science, and co-leads the Center for Diagnostic Innovation. Education is provided at many different levels, including highly ranked required courses and electives for medical students, 16-person residency program, and 7 fellowships, and participation in graduate programs. Departmental academic operations are conducted at the Medical Center in Sacramento and in research space on both the Sacramento and Davis campuses.

Department Specific Job Scope

Incumbent will conduct experimental pathology procedures and techniques that are centered on functions in the Histology Research Laboratory, a research core facility in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. This position will assist with histology tasks as needed under the direction of the facility supervisor and director. Responsibilities include interfacing with clients, tissue processing and embedding, microtomy, special staining, database entry, organization of tissue repository, cross training, and general laboratory support under the direction of the facility supervisor.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $27.10 - $32.65
• Salary Frequency: Hourly
• Salary Grade: 194
• UC Job Title: LAB AST 2
• UC Job Code: 009603
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift (Work Schedule): 8 hours, M-F
• Location: Oak Park Research Building (HSP047)
• Union Representation: TX-Technical Professionals
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is 100% on-site

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.
If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html

• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
• Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
• Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
• Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here

Physical Demands

• Standing - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Walking - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Environmental Demands

• Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Loud noise levels - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Microwave/Radiation - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Extreme Temperatures - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Communication skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment
• This is a position with direct access to or responsibility for controlled substances, high risk hazardous chemicals, biological or radioactive/nuclear materials
• This position is designated as a mandated reporter under CANRA and UC policy, and employment is contingent on compliance with applicable policies, procedures and training requirements

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.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.