Histotechnologist 1 Per Diem

The Histology Laboratory is the receiving and processing point for tissue and cytology specimens taken from surgical and biopsy procedures. Histotechnologists are involved in every step of the specimen preparation and testing required for a pathologist’s microscopic evaluation and diagnosis of a patient sample. The Histotechnologist’s technical skills include: tissue processing and embedding, preparing tissue sections for microscope slides, routine H&E staining, and performing special stains.

Apply By Date: October 9, 2025 at 11:59pm. Selection activities may start at any time.

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

• High School diploma or equivalent work experience / training
• Previous work experience in a histology laboratory setting.
• Experience working in a hospital or medical environment
• Ability to work with hazardous materials and chemicals.
• Ability to work well under pressure and remain flexible in changing work environment.
• Knowledge and ability to operate a personal computer.
• Organizational and time management skills to independently manage and prioritize an extensive and varied workload, meet multiple deadlines, and achieve timely progress in specimen processing.
• Ability to function and work in a diverse work environment
• Ability to maintain the security of confidential information, exercise judgement, tact, and discretion in handling sensitive or confidential information and situations.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate Degree in a Science field or higher level education.
• 12 months of histology lab work experience in embedding and sectioning.
• SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES NECESSARY TO CARRY OUT ESTABLISHED DUTIES:
• Knowledge and experience in embedding fresh and fixed various tissues for microtomy sections.
• Knowledge of routine H&E stains.
• Knowledge and experience cutting high-quality paraffin embedded and fresh tissue blocks at 1-10 microns in a timely fashion.
• Experience in sectioning paraffin embedded and fresh tissues as thin as one (1) micron on a rotary and/or electric microtome.
• Experience in preparing molar solutions correcting for pH, and general laboratory maintenance.
• Knowledge of an ability to learn special histological stains including the ability to perform several stains simultaneously.
• Knowledge of the Laboratory and Hospital Information Systems (LIS/HIS) and other basic computer programs.
• Identifies self and section when answering/using the phone; deliver messages and/or refers phone calls to the appropriate person. Forwards all the information, as required. Handles telephone information/requests with courtesy, accuracy, and respect for patient confidentiality.
• Work at establishing professional working relationships with all departmental personnel. Readily assist coworkers. Maintain appropriate interdepartmental communications.
• Demonstrate good verbal and written communication skills; document and report clearly and concisely; convey instructions, directions and information appropriately.
• Ability to prioritize work based upon departmental turnaround requirements and priority requests.
• Technical and mechanical skills to operate and perform preventive maintenance on equipment in the area. 13. Ability to work well, accurately, and neatly under tight time restrictions.
• Tact and diplomacy skills to meet departmental needs.
• Ability to maintain records legibly and accurately.
• Ability to perform complex laboratory procedures following established protocols.
• Must maintain patient confidentiality before, during and after specimen test preparation and performance.
  
  

Key Responsibilities

• 90% - TISSUE PROCESSING/EMBEDDING, SECTIONING AND PREPARATION OF SURGICAL /CYTOLOGICAL/ AUTOPSY PARAFFIN-EMBEDDED AND FROZEN TISSUE BLOCKS -
• 5% - MAINTENANCE OF THE LABORATORY & GENERAL SAFETY
• 5% - PROBLEM SOLVING & SPECIAL PROCEDURES
  
  

Department Overview

In support of UCDH mission of "improving lives and transforming health care", the Department of Pathology and laboratory medicine provides high quality diagnostic and therapeutic care to patients, both UCDHS' and its affiliates, through the examination and interpretation of tissue, blood and other body fluids. Our laboratory is accredited by the College of American Pathology (CAP) and located in three distinct facilities; the Surgery and Emergency Services Pavilion (SESP), the Pathology Buildings, and the Specialty Testing Center. The Department is one of the largest ancillary services with gross annual revenues in excess of $450m, expenses of $60m, and more than 250 employees across 18 distinct units and accounts/cost centers.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $52.88-$52.88
• Salary Frequency: Hourly
• Salary Grade: 304
• UC Job Title: HISTO TCHNO 1 PD
• UC Job Code: 009433
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Per Diem
• Percentage of Time: 20
• Shift (Work Schedule): Variable
• Location: Histology Building (PATH-V ST) (HSP015)
• Union Representation: EX-Patient Care Technical
• Benefits Eligible: No
• This position is 100% on-site
• This position is not an H-1B visa opportunity
  
  

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 - Occasional Up to 3 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 - Occasional Up to 3 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 - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Occasional Up to 3 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.

Must be able to work variable shifts as needed on weekends, holidays, must be able to work occasional overtime as required and take call as needed. Must participate in mandatory annual training as required by regulatory agencies. Must adhere to no smoking, dress code, attendance, telephone and safety policies and procedures.

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 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.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks