Scripps Health·San Diego, California
The Lead Surgical Pathology Assistant is responsible for specimen accessioning, distribution, and preparing samples for grossing while serving as a primary contact for physicians. They also oversee daily operations, train new staff, and assist pathologists with histology procedures and photography.
30pm, Monday through Friday, on the campus of Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla. Join the Scripps Health team and work alongside passionate caregivers and provide patient-centered healthcare. Receive endless appreciation while you build a rewarding career with one of the most respected healthcare organizations nationwide. Why join Scripps Health? At Scripps
Health, your ambition is empowered and your abilities are appreciated: Nearly a quarter of our employees have been with Scripps Health for over 10 years. Scripps is a Great Place to Work Certified company for 2025. Scripps Health has been consistently ranked as a top employer for women, millennials, diversity, and as an overall workplace by various national publications. Beckers Healthcare ranked Scripps Health on its 2024 list of 150 top places to work in health care. We have transitional and professional development programs to create a learning environment that enables you to thrive in your specific field as well as in your overall career. Our specialties have been nationally recognized for quality in areas such as cardiovascular care, oncology, orthopedics, geriatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, and gastroenterology. Why join this team? Our team of Surgical Pathology Assistants are the first to receive samples from across our sytsem and are responsible for accessioning and preparing them for grossing. The Lead Surgical Pathology Assistant will be the primary contact for our physicians, answering any questions and troubleshooting any issues. The Lead will also be responsible for training any new staff members. To be successful, the Lead will be knowledgeable in anatomy, have accessioning experience, and be a good teacher.
Responsibilities include: Specimen accessioning, specimen distribution, various clerical duties, problem solving, training new employees, and providing support to the manager and PA's in overseeing the daily operations in an efficient and cost effective manner. Serves as a liaison for the Anatomic Pathology laboratory and interacts with physicians, nurses and customers to provide a positive outcome. Staining, cover slipping and repair of histology slides, histology sectioning of frozen tissue, assisting Pathologists with photography, knowledge of protocols for special handling of surgical specimens, maintaining slide files and records, monitoring/ordering of supplies and maintaining work areas in a clean and orderly fashion.
· Minimum of three years Anatomic Pathology experience. · Must be able to work independently and have the ability to handle multiple tasks. · Above average organization, problem solving, communication, teamwork and customer service skills. · Ability to provide guidance in resolving day to day operation issues as well as provide support to co-workers. · Intermediate computer skills, especially data entry. · Detail oriented and with legible penmanship. · Knowledge of medical terminology.
Preferred Education/Experience/Specialized Skills/Certification: · 60 units of college courses in life science
Candidates must have a minimum of three years of Anatomic Pathology experience and possess strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills. Knowledge of medical terminology and intermediate computer skills are required, with a preference for 60 units of college courses in life science.
Market context
Lead Surgical Pathology Assistant roles in California are often competitive because hospitals and pathology groups look for experienced candidates who can manage specimen workflow, coordinate with clinical teams, and maintain accuracy under time-sensitive conditions. This posting calls for at least three years of Anatomic Pathology experience, strong organization and communication, medical terminology knowledge, and intermediate computer skills, with a preference for 60 units of college coursework in life sciences. Before applying, compare your background against the required experience and note that the job requirements and benefits here are AI-summarized from the original job description, which can save time during your search.