Pathology Laboratory Assistant II

Lab Assistant II – Anatomic Pathology

Location: South San Francisco & Redwood City, CA

Position Type: Non-Exempt

Department: Anatomic Pathology

Position Summary

Peninsula Pathologists Medical Group (PPMG) is seeking an experienced Lab Assistant II to support our pathologists and hospital-based Anatomic Pathology operations. This position provides both clinical and clerical support and plays an important role in specimen handling, accessioning, preparation, documentation, and coordination of pathology services.

This position will work at our remote hospital locations in South San Francisco (SSF) and Redwood City. Candidates must be able and willing to work at both hospital locations as operational needs require. The existing job description specifically identifies working at remote sites and supporting pathologists and acute-care facility staff as part of the role.

Key Responsibilities

• Receive, accession, label, prepare, and distribute surgical pathology, cytology, and other patient specimens.
• Prepare tissue and body fluid specimens while maintaining specimen integrity and accurate patient identification.
• Enter specimen and patient information into the Pathology Information System and utilize hospital information systems to review patient demographics, orders, and results.
• Prepare specimens for analysis, transport, or referral to reference laboratories and complete required documentation.
• Process non-gynecologic cytology and FNA specimens and perform staining according to established procedures.
• Coordinate slides, reports, and related materials for pathologists, hospital conferences, and other clinical activities.
• Maintain frozen section areas, supplies, slide files, records, and laboratory work areas.
• Communicate effectively with pathologists, hospital staff, physicians, and physician offices regarding pathology reports, slides, specimens, and departmental requests.
• Follow all laboratory quality, safety, infection control, compliance, and hazardous-material handling procedures.

Qualifications

Required:

• High school diploma or GED.
• Clinical and practical pathology experience, including experience receiving and processing surgical specimens.
• Previous pathology assistant experience sufficient to demonstrate competency in a highly technical environment.
• Working knowledge of basic pathology terminology.
• Ability to work accurately in a fast-paced, high-volume laboratory environment.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to prioritize multiple specimens and tasks.
• Ability to work with laboratory chemicals, including formalin, alcohol, and xylene.
• Flexibility to work at both South San Francisco and Redwood City hospital locations.

Preferred:

• Previous experience in an acute-care/hospital setting.
• Previous specimen-processing experience.
• Experience with PowerPath or another Anatomic Pathology information system.

What We’re Looking For

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, dependable, organized, and comfortable working independently in a hospital environment while maintaining strong communication with pathologists and hospital staff. The successful candidate will be able to shift priorities quickly, maintain accuracy under time-sensitive conditions, and contribute as a collaborative member of the pathology team.

Pay: $30.10 - $40.62 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• On-the-job training
• Paid time off
• Travel reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person