What are the responsibilities and job description for the Anatomic Pathology Quality Assurance Specialist position at UC DAVIS?
Anatomic Pathology Quality Assurance Specialist
Job ID83377
Location
Sacramento
Full/Part TimeFull Time
Job Summary
#CA-FT
This Anatomic Pathology (AP) Quality Assurance (QA) position works under the direction of the department’s Quality Assurance Supervisor to support the Department of Pathology. The AP QA position provides analysis, integration and coordination of internal and external quality data and regularly performs data and process quality audits to ensure improvements in error prevention and laboratory operations. Duties include developing, monitoring, and evaluating quality management reports and metrics; performing statics and analysis of data; write and revise SOP’s; regularly creating and distributing data reports to department and hospital quality committees; and accreditation requirement compliance. The AP QA is also responsible for review, investigation and timely resolution of Anatomic Pathology errors and incident reporting, ensuring documentation of errors and resolution outcomes in the hospital incident reporting system.
Apply By Date: January 15, 2026 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
Bachelor of Science in a chemical or biological science or related field.
Minimum of 5 years of direct work experience in an Anatomic Pathology Laboratory.
Ability to perform statistics and analysis of data including interpretation and correlation.
Ability to prepare reports using applicable software applications (e.g. Word, Excel, Power Point, Visio), and to present reports to various departmental and hospital committees.
Possess technical knowledge of Anatomic Laboratory testing and processes.
Knowledge of state, federal, hospital and departmental regulations and requirements.
Knowledge of regulatory requirements pertaining to the laboratory.
Knowledge of quality assurance, quality system essentials, quality improvement, benchmarking, metrics, data analysis, and audit processes.
Ability to collect data using Laboratory Information Systems (LIS), EPIC EMR, RL Solutions
Preferred Qualifications
ASCP certification as a Histotechnologist (HT)/Histotechnician (HTL), Cytotechnologist (CT), or Pathologists’ Assistant (PA) or possess sufficient demonstrated knowledge of these disciplines
Experience working in a quality assurance position in an Anatomic Pathology lab
Possess outstanding written and oral communication skills including the ability to lead discussions and deliver group presentations and prepare concise reports and action memos.
Demonstrated effective listening and questioning techniques.
Ability to recognize aberrant processes that could lead to failures.
Possess excellent strategic thinking, problem solving and decision-making skills.
Possess the ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships and to collaborate on interdepartmental projects.
Excellent project management skills with proven ability to effectively perform and timely manage quality improvement projects.
Ability to produce high quality deliverables within established timelines.
Ability to recognize the need to keep confidential information secure, while exercising judgment, tact and discretion in handling sensitive or confidential information or situations.
Ability to demonstrate consistent level of high performance.
Key Responsibilities
45% - QUALITY IMPROVEMENT
50% - DATA ANALYSIS and REPORTING
5% - EDUCATION
Department Overview
The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine is a large, diverse multi-site department whose mission is to create a healthier world through bold innovation in population health, education, technology and research. UC Davis is leading the way in diagnosing, treating, and reducing the burden of disease. This position sets the highest standards for professionalism and competency in providing high quality patient centered diagnostic and therapeutic care, customer service, and education to patients within UCDHS and its affiliates. Our laboratories are licensed by the State of California, certified by CLIA, accredited by College of American Pathologists (CAP) and AABB and located in four distinct facilities: Surgery and Emergency Services Pavilion (SESP); Pathology Building; Cancer Center and the Specialty Testing Center (STC). The department is one of UCDMC's largest ancillary services with annual gross revenues of over $415M, expenses of approximately $65M, and more than 350 overall employees in the department's clinical and academic sections. The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine's mission is to provide high quality patient/physician services, to maintain the excellence of the educational programs, and to perform scholarly research and development. These objectives are to be met within the limits of resources available with emphasis on cost effectiveness and innovation.
POSITION INFORMATION
Salary or Pay Range: $3,628.35-$6,793.10
Salary Frequency: Biweekly
Salary Grade: 229
UC Job Title: QLTY IMPV HC SPEC 3 HX
UC Job Code: 005182
Number of Positions: 1
Appointment Type: Staff: Career
Percentage of Time: 100
Shift (Work Schedule): Day
Location: Histology Building (PATH-V ST) (HSP015)
Union Representation: HX-Healthcare Professionals
Benefits Eligible: Yes
This position is 100% on-site
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.
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