Surgical Pathology Technician

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Join the team at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital as a full-time Surgical Pathology Technician and play a vital, hands-on role in supporting patient care behind the scenes. This daylight shift position runs Monday through Friday with 8-hour shifts starting between 6:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. and ending between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., plus rotating weekend coverage (on-site Saturdays and on-call Sundays) with no holiday requirement. Coverage rotates across UPMC’s urban campuses, including UPMC Shadyside, Magee-Womens Hospital, and UPMC Mercy.

In this unique role, you’ll work closely with pathologists and Pathologists’ Assistants in the anatomic pathology lab and autopsy suite—performing OR specimen pick-ups, managing cases in the laboratory information system, transferring and preparing tissue/biopsy specimens, and assisting with adult autopsies. Responsibilities also include diener coverage, supporting autopsy procedures, coordinating with funeral homes and decedents’ families, maintaining the morgue, and helping train pathology residents and Pathologists’ Assistant students. You’ll join a collaborative team of 10 Surgical Pathology Technicians in a supportive department culture ideal for compassionate individuals who are eager to learn and contribute meaningfully in a non-patient-facing clinical environment.

Documents to Upload at Time of Application

Resume
Transcripts

Non-editable official/unofficial transcripts including university name & student name

Responsibilities:

Examine and prepare surgical biopsy specimens for microscopic evaluation by providing gross description of each case as defined by the Surgical Pathology Manual while maintaining accurate records of all activities.
Consistently provide an accurate gross description of surgical specimens as recorded in case report for pathologist.
Perform additional special specimen handling radiography, photography, special fixation, etc.
File and retrieve surgical and autopsy materials and maintain accurate records of all such activities.
Maintain record logs for the equipment.
Replenish supplies for physicians' offices.
Ensure proper operation, repair and replacement, and preventative maintenance of area equipment and tools.
Verify complete and accurate patient identification on specimen requisition and container and reject specimens with conflicting/inadequate patient identifiers.
Correlate patient history with specimen type and consult admitting clinician with conflicts.
Utilize voice recognition software during documentation of specimen gross appearance.
Receive, sort, and verify patient identifiers as cases are accessioned with bar coded labels.
Perform proper handling, storage and disposition of all surgical and autopsy tissue while adhering to the regulatory and compliance standards regarding biohazard and safety.
Document discrepancy and resolution in APLIS.
Perform clerical/computer entry functions including ordering departmental supplies and maintaining adequate stock.
Attend in-services, lectures, and training classes, as required.
Receive and accession specimens in LIS.

Associate's degree in a laboratory science AND 2 years of hospital laboratory experience; OR
Bachelor's degree in biology or related health sciences required AND 1 year of hospital laboratory experience preferred.
Knowledge of medical terminology and laboratory information system experience preferred.
Ability to communicate effectively with all age groups and populations of external and internal customers as well as co-workers both by telephone and in-person.
This position requires regular movement throughout the facility, including walking, standing, and lifting materials or equipment weighing up to 50 lbs.

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:
Act 34

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran

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Here are 5 questions we think you could ask during your interview. Use them as a guide to help you write your own questions.

Remember: Always have at least 5 questions prepared for the interview. If you do not, you run the risk of looking unprepared.

What does success look like in this role, and how is it measured?

Why ask this? You want to ensure you have a clear understanding of expectations before accepting the role. Knowing how success is measured helps you hit the ground running and avoid surprises about performance evaluations. It also signals to the employer that you're results-driven.

Can you describe the team dynamic and the company culture?

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What are the biggest challenges facing the person in this role right now?

Why ask this? Every job has challenges, and it’s better to know them upfront. This helps you assess whether the role is a good fit for your strengths and whether the company is realistic about its expectations. If they hesitate to answer, it could be a red flag.

How does the company support work-life balance and employee well-being??

Why ask this? Burnout is real, and some companies expect employees to sacrifice personal time for the job. By asking this, you’ll get a sense of how they value work-life balance, flexibility, and well-being—things that are crucial for job satisfaction and long-term success.

These questions help you make an informed decision while also showing your professionalism and strategic thinking!

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