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Pathology Trainee Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Beverly Pathology

Hematopathologist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine is an academic department consisting of ... trainees; development of scholarly activity in an area of interest; and mission-relevant ...

Beverly Pathology

Hematopathologist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine is an academic department consisting of ... trainees; development of scholarly activity in an area of interest; and mission-relevant ...

UC Davis Health

Pathology Physician

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$210K - $409K/yr

The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the University of California, Davis is ... trainees, and others is required. The position will remain open until filled, but no later than ...

Prime Healthcare Management Inc

CDS Trainee

Ontario, CA · On-site

$26.04 - $29.69/hr

Responsibilities CDS Trainee is responsible for conducting clinically based concurrent and ... Strong broad-based clinical knowledge and understanding of pathology / physiology of disease ...

UCSF

Anatomic Pathologist

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$121K - $405K/yr

Additional interest/experience in Digital Pathology, Molecular Pathology, and/or Laboratory ... Participation in trainee teaching, research, and quality improvement activities (including ...

Prime Healthcare

CDS Trainee

Ontario, CA

$26.04 - $29.69/hr

CDS Trainee is responsible for conducting clinically based concurrent and retrospective reviews of ... Strong broad-based clinical knowledge and understanding of pathology / physiology of disease ...

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Pathology Trainee information

See California salary details

$25.2K

$43K

$62.7K

How much do pathology trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for pathology trainee in California is $42,960.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32,600.00 and $50,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a pathology trainee?

Pathology trainees are medical graduates who are undergoing specialized training in pathology, the branch of medicine that studies the causes and effects of diseases. They work under supervision in hospitals or laboratories to learn how to examine tissues, cells, and bodily fluids to help diagnose diseases. This training is a critical step toward becoming a fully qualified pathologist and involves rotations in various areas such as anatomical pathology, clinical pathology, and laboratory medicine. Pathology trainees also participate in research, case discussions, and quality assurance activities as part of their education.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a pathology trainee, and how do they interact with other healthcare professionals?

As a Pathology Trainee, your daily responsibilities often include examining laboratory specimens, assisting in autopsies, attending teaching sessions, and participating in multidisciplinary team meetings. You will regularly collaborate with laboratory staff, senior pathologists, clinicians, and sometimes surgeons to discuss diagnostic findings and contribute to patient care decisions. This role requires strong communication skills and attention to detail, as your analyses are integral to guiding treatment plans. Over time, you will gain increasing responsibility, including presenting cases and participating in clinical audits.

What is the difference between Pathology Trainee vs Pathologist?

AspectPathology TraineePathologist
CredentialsMedical degree, postgraduate training, medical licenseMedical degree, specialized pathology training, board certification
Work EnvironmentHospitals, laboratories, training hospitalsHospitals, private labs, research institutions
RoleLearning, assisting, gaining experience in pathologyDiagnosing diseases, interpreting lab results, reporting findings

The main difference is that a Pathology Trainee is in training and gaining experience, while a Pathologist is a fully qualified professional responsible for diagnosing and interpreting pathology results.

What are the most commonly searched types of Pathology jobs in California?

The most popular types of Pathology jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Pathology Trainee jobs in California?

For Pathology Trainee jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Pathology Trainee jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Pathology Trainee jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Pathology Trainee jobs?

Cities in California with the most Pathology Trainee job openings:

Pathology Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pathology Trainee job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,960 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

Pathologists' Assistant

University of California San Francisco

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

University Of California San Francisco rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

229th of 618 rated colleges and universities

Job description


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.
Responsibilities
of time
Essential Function (Yes/No)
Key Responsibilities
70Yes
Technical Responsibilities
  • Gross Sectioning: Performs routine gross sectioning of various types of specimens, with primary focus on complex cancer specimens: verifies patient information, extracts pertinent clinical history, weighs, measures, dissects, examines, evaluates, sections, inks as required for visualization or orientation, and cassettes specimens; submits specimens including "Rush" by cut-off time; dictates gross description of specimens and clinical data, and documents special instructions; procures tissue as necessary for potential special studies (snap freezing for molecular/genetic/enzymatic studies, electron microscopy, flow cytometry, cytogenetics, etc.); enters Histology data in the computer system; utilizes barcoding system to match requisitions and containers and verify cassettes; loads Histology tissue processors as needed. Standards: Maintains complete accuracy throughout. Submits clear, concise and pertinent dictations. Works proactively with Histology Lab staff to ensure optimal tissue fixation of specimens submitted by the Pathology trainees., and educates Pathology Residents, medical students and staff.

  • Frozen Section Diagnosis: Independently obtains and communicates with clinicians/surgeons about intraoperative specimens, performs rapid preparation of H&E-stained frozen section slides for rapid diagnosis by the pathologist. Determines the need to obtain guidance from the attending pathologist regarding orientation, orients and samples the specimen, records sampling methodology, mounts, freezes and sections the specimen using a cryostat. Labels and delivers the slides to the pathologist for rapid diagnosis. As directed, places residual tissue in the appropriate fixative for subsequent processing and communicates specimen handling when handed off. Standards: Applies utmost care when handling and conserving small tissue specimens. Produces cryostat sections with minimal sectioning/staining artifact, and prepares slides demonstrating tissue areas which are representative of the specimen. Utilizes whole slide imaging system when necessary.

  • Specimen Receipt: Receives specimens from surgery, clinics and outpatient facilities, ascertains their acceptability against established criteria, investigates incomplete or unacceptable submissions, and provides timely follow-up communication with appropriate individuals/departments/offices to resolve specimen/requisition problems. Contacts clinicians and obtains additional clinical information as needed by the pathologist. Troubleshoots and ensures resolution of specimen receiving problems, including appropriate documentation and communication to pathologist and other MedicalCenter personnel.
    Standards: Follows patient safety standards requiring the use of two patient identifiers. Accessions and labels specimens with complete accuracy, assigns and delivers specimen to appropriate personnel for gross sectioning.

  • Accessioning: Initiates appropriate labeling procedures and maintains accurate and complete case and specimen identification throughout subsequent procedures. Accessions specimens into the Pathology computer system as required, using barcoding system. Ensures adequate training of staff to maintain the highest level of accessioning accuracy.
    Standards: Follows patient safety standards requiring the use of two patient identifiers. Accessions and labels specimens with complete accuracy, assigns and delivers specimen to appropriate personnel for gross sectioning.

  • Operations: Troubleshoots complex specimen receiving problems, working with pathologists and outside departments as required, including submission of deviation reports and incident reports as needed. As required, performs all operational duties to ensure smooth operations, including specimen receiving, accessioning, daily preparation of lab and assignment board, maintains rapid staining set-up, prepares cryostats and prepares fixative solutions, prepares and places excess specimens into storage/ /discard. Primary responsibility for troubleshooting or ensuring that equipment problems are resolved. Standards: Maintains strict adherence to infection control procedures in preparation and application and frequency of application of disinfectants. Follows guidelines for wearing personal protective equipment and ensures staff and trainees follow those guidelines when working in the Gross Rooms.
  • Photography: Photographs gross specimens using digital equipment, for review by the trainees/pathologists, and transfers data to database, when necessary.

  • TUG: Consistent with training, UCSF Medical Center Policies, and the TUGs Operations Manual, receives TUGs; removes, distributes and/or places contents in appropriate storage areas; cleans and disinfects TUGs; deploys TUGs; returns TUGs to appropriate holding areas.

  • Morgue: May assist with autopsies and other morgue duties.

  • Other Duties As Assigned.

10Yes
Technical EXPERT
  • Receives supervision from the Medical Directors, Anatomic Pathology faculty, Site Manager, Supervisor or designees. Works closely with laboratory and other health care personnel.
  • Under minimal direction of a supervising pathologist, routinely performs gross sectioning of the most complex surgical specimens as determined by the Medical Director.
  • Applies sound judgment during dissection of these surgical specimens according to established guidelines.
  • Prepares documentation explaining dissection and tissue selection methodology as needed for the subsequent light microscopic examination by the staff pathologist.
  • Trains staff, students and trainees in approaches to specimen dissection and handling.
  • Assists in the evaluation of grossing performance of trainees and staff members as requested.
  • Advises on grossing standards and grossing manual updates. Incorporates changes on to web Surgical Pathology Manual.
  • Standards: Performs sectioning according to methodologies outlined in the on-line dissection guide. Maintains complete accuracy throughout. Submits clear, concise dictations. Maintains high-level communications with trainees assigned to the cases.

5Yes
MORGUE TECHNICAL RESPONSIBILITIES
  • PERFORMS AUTOPSY PROCEDURES:
  • Reconciles autopsy permit information pertaining to the decedents to be autopsied.
  • Informs trainees about the legal aspects of autopsies and permit requirements associated with the autopsy. Coordinates procedure with trainees, attendings, clinicians and other hospital personnel.
  • Prepares tables and instruments for autopsy. Checks body identification to ensure proper decedent is being autopsied. Transfers the decedent from the morgue refrigerator and places the decedent on the table.
  • Performs basic and specialized autopsy procedures, such as external examination, organ evisceration, brain and spinal cord removal, organ dissection, tissue sampling, and suturing following established protocols and infection control procedures.
  • Decontaminates tables, instruments, and equipment following autopsies and conferences.
  • Notifies Patient Relations or ED Registration when autopsy is completed.
  • Accurately accessions autopsy data in CoPath.
  • Prepares fixatives and other laboratory reagents.

  • MORGUE OPERATIONS:
  • Responsible for maintaining protocol in the receipt and release of decedents from the morgue, including reviewing release documents for completeness and validity.
  • As required, harvests tissue for research projects following protocols, as directed.
  • Prepares tissue and organs for conferences, and sets up instruments, including dissecting microscope.
  • Maintains pathology specimen filing system. Rinses and bags tissue for disposal under direction of medical director. Labels organs saved at autopsy. Retains and disposes of specimens in the morgue storage room following Dept./Medical Center requirements.
  • Prepares decedents for viewing by family members as arranged by Patient Relations or Nursing Services.
  • Assists with radiography and photography of specimens, including special diagnostic procedures, and managing digital gross photography archive system.
  • Maintains departmental log books.
  • Submits census statistics (Daily Morgue Report) of decedents in morgue to Patient Relations and/or ED Registration. Opens morgue at 7:30 a.m., as required.
  • Generates (in Excel) and distributes Late List and autopsy On-Call schedule.
  • Creates Flowsheet folder and Progress Form for trainees.
  • As requested, arranges autopsy reports to be mailed to legal next-of-kin, and clinicians.
  • Registers outside cases/specimens, and assigns Insurance Plan Code upon completion of Basic Insurance Concepts, Insurance Master File and Visit Management training.
  • Maintains flowsheet filing.
  • Assists in reviewing, revising, copying, distributing and editing Autopsy Manual.

  • OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED: (including, but not limited to)
  • Incumbent performs other duties as assigned by supervisor and/or medical director.
  • Incumbent maintains laboratory standards and Medical Center standards.
  • Incumbent must be able to work some holidays and work overtime to complete cases, if required.

5Yes
HISTOLOGY LAB TECHNICAL RESPONSIBILITIES
  • ROUTINE HISTOLOGY:
    Provides direction to staff regarding daily workflow. Demonstrates expert technical skill embedding, sectioning, routine and special staining at the expert level, following all technical standards. Completes workload within time deadlines. Meets highest levels of productivity and quality.

  • SECTIONING:
    Performs or directs other staff in preparation of the most difficult specimens presenting sectioning problems. Difficult types of specimens may include anything from insufficiently processed specimens to nearly invisible biopsy specimens. Routinely sections specimens following the most difficult sectioning specifications regarding thickness, orientation, serial sectioning, sectioning for PCR and in situ work-up. Maintains the highest level of productivity (20-25 blocks/hour) while preparing superior quality slides.

  • CONTROL SPECIMENS:
    Oversight of inventory of control blocks used for special stains. Anticipates needs and requests control specimens from the pathologists, as needed.

  • OTHER TECHNICAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
    Proactively troubleshoots and resolves technical problems, communicating with supervisor regarding resolution. In addition to operations oversight of staining and processing areas, manages specific assignments within the lab, e.g. department files, coordination of lab in-services, performance improvement projects, etc.

  • LABORATORY OPERATION:
    Maintains QC documentation files. Assists manager as designated in completion of annual safety requirements, which may include annual safety training schedule, air monitoring, respirator testing. Assists in assuring compliance with technical and general policies and procedures. Determines need, advises manager and oversees repair of equipment for the area of responsibility. Provides general oversight of the physical facilities and environment regarding cleanliness, safety and need for repairs, including resolution in the supervisor's absence. Assists manager in completion of competency assessment.

5Yes
CYTOLOGY LAB TECHNICAL RESPONSIBILITIES
  • ROUTINE CYTOLOGY:
    Provides technical support to the cytology laboratory by forwarding specimens to the cytology laboratory. Technical functions encompass specimen preparation using a wide variety of technical procedures. Preparatory techniques require a high level of accuracy, independent judgment and the ability to produce high volumes of specimens.

  • TECHNICAL: Receives a wide variety of fresh and fixed specimens for cytopreparation. Preparation protocols include direct smears for fixation and air-drying, centrifugation, cytocentrifugation, and T2 ThinPrep processing. Prepared slides are stained using specific programs, coverslipped, labeled, and triaged for evaluation by faculty and staff. Gynecological material is accessioned, bar-coded and prepared on a multiload T3 processor. Slides are stained and loaded into an Imager for pre-evaluation. Prepares urinary sample as requested for ImmunoCyt fluorescent testing. Prepares and documents research cases, as requested. Prepares samples for cell blocks, special stains, and flow cytometry.

  • MAINTENANCE: Provides basic maintenance and troubleshooting for automation in the lab, including the cassette printer, automatic stainer, coverslipper, ThinPrep processor, mult

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