What are the responsibilities and job description for the Necropsy and Pathology Manager (SRA 3) position at University of California Davis Health System?
Under guidance of the Research Program Manager, this position provides lead oversight of the necropsy service unit, managing health surveillance, diagnostic, and research pathology activities. The incumbent will oversee a diverse team of staff and trainees, and students, providing expert guidance in gross necropsies, sample collection, and tissue trimming procedures for diagnostic and study-related submissions, across a wide variety of laboratory species. Working closely with academic supervisors, this role will contribute to the development, optimization, and implementation of advanced necropsy and pathology techniques to support a broad range of research projects.
Apply By Date May 2, 2025 at 11:59pm
Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position
- No minimum education required.
- At least 3–5 years of direct experience performing necropsy, diagnostic and research pathology in laboratory animal species.
- Experience in comparative anatomy, health surveillance and diagnostic testing across a multitude of research species, including but not limited to rodents, companion animals, ruminants, psittacines, fish, reptiles, and amphibians.
- Experience to direct the activities of and mentor junior laboratory staff and students, with a proven ability to solve complex technical problems and contribute to experimental design and outcomes.
- Demonstrated competence in performing aspectic sample collection for microbiology, PCR, serology and parasitology samples, tissue dissection, and histologic processing of fixed tissue specimens in laboratory animal species.
- Excellent organizational and communication skills for overseeing daily operations, research documentation, and collaboration.
- Familiarity with regulatory guidelines pertaining to laboratory animal care and use, biohazardous materials, and laboratory safety.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in biological sciences, veterinary sciences, or a related field, with demonstrated commitment to continuing education.
- 5 years of direct experience performing, and instructing in necropsy, diagnostic and research pathology in laboratory animal species within an academic or research environment.
- Demonstrated ability to contribute to experimental design and implement innovative and advanced necropsy and tissue handling techniques to achieve research outcomes.
- Commitment to life-long learning through continuing education and professional development.
Key Responsibilities
- 70% - Pathology Service
- 20% - Other Laboratory Functions
- 10% - Scientific Documentation and Reporting
Department Overview
The Comparative Pathology Laboratory is a diagnostic veterinary medical diagnostic laboratory at the University of California, Davis with a $2.4 million annual budget. CPL partners with the UC system and and external research community to provide specialized pathology and clinical laboratory services critical for animal-based studies.
The Senior Research Associate for Pathology Services plays a critical role in managing health surveillance, diagnostic, and research pathology laboratory operations, playing a key role in supporting and advancing biomedical research through expert necropsy, histopathology, and tissue analysis services. Working under general guidance from academic supervisors, the incumbent will independently coordinate and perform complex necropsy procedures, contribute to pathological assessments, and develop advanced laboratory techniques to support diagnostic and research activities. This position will also oversee daily operations in the necropsy laboratory, manage departmental resources, and provide mentorship to staff, trainees, and students in a collaborative academic environment.
POSITION INFORMATION
- Salary or Pay Range: $ 5,536.45/mo. - $ 8,902.69/mo.
- Salary Frequency: Monthly
- UC Job Title: SRA 3
- UC Job Code: 009611
- Number of Positions: 1
- Appointment Type: Staff: Career
- Percentage of Time: 100 % - Fixed
- Shift (Work Schedule): M-F 8am-5pm
- Location: Davis, CA.
- Union Representation: RX-Research 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
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.
Hands-on work in laboratory and necropsy environments, including exposure to biological samples, chemicals, and laboratory animals. Requires use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to safety protocols.
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
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 our strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here.
The University of California, Davis, is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered 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 CA-JP
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