Pathology & Diagnostic Apprentice

Pathology & Diagnostic Apprentice

Location of Position: Sausalito, California

Reports to: Necropsy Manager

Position Classification & Expected Hours of Work, and Travel:

• This is a full-time, temporary position, from approximately June 2026 - February 2027 with the possibility of extending.
• Regular onsite work is required.
• Evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.
• Occasional travel to satellite facilities and/or fieldwork within California may be expected for this position.

Compensation Range: $20.00 - $22.00 / hour.

• Holidays
• Sick Time
• Vacation
• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Life Insurance
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• 401k Retirement Plan
• Employee Assistance Program

The Pathology and Diagnostics Apprentice will perform various activities in support of the Pathology & Diagnostics team including gross necropsy, histopathology (trimming of cases), and support of the biobank archives. They will assist in the collection, analysis, storage, and shipment of samples for collaborative research projects as well as the training of pathology participants of the Teaching Hospital program and The Marine Mammal Center’s visitors.

• Assist basic necropsy laboratory procedures as described in necropsy and sampling protocols for dissection, specimen photography, specimen collection, data collection, necropsy report writing, and data entry.
• Assist basic necropsy procedures on marine mammals or sea turtles.
• Completes data entry into the Center’s in-house electronic record system (Ruby) as assigned.
• Assist in biobank maintenance, including subsampling, archiving, shipping and moving samples in freezers and refrigerators.
• Supports the maintenance of the necropsy facility, equipment, consumable supplies, PPE, signage, and hygiene following USDA GLP standards.
• Follows biosafety procedures and protocols in accordance with OSHA and internal policies.
• Sample and fulfill approved external and internal research projects through sample processing, data entry, and shipment.
• Maintain pathology digital photo archives, including taking necropsy and histopathology photos in accordance with protocols and after training.
• Assists in the disposal of carcasses and biohazard tissues.

• Perform basic histology laboratory procedures including trimming wet histopathology tissues as assigned.
• Supports the maintenance of the histopathology biobank (wet tissues, slides, paraffin blocks) including shipping and receiving samples, sample preparation, and data entry in Ruby.
• Assists in disposal of wet tissue, formalin, and decal.

• Perform special projects and research as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

None

• Must be able to work both independently and within a multi-disciplinary team.
• Must be detail-oriented and organized.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions and priorities as set by management.
• Basic knowledge of marine mammal biology, diseases, and anatomy.
• Must be able to positively interact with TMMC visitors, coworkers of all ages, different ethnic/cultural backgrounds and/or languages and individuals with special needs.
• People with varying experience and applicants from underrepresented communities are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Word) and video conference technology (Slack, Teams, Zoom).
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, which includes internal co‑workers and external partners.
• Energy and enthusiasm for working with staff and volunteers of diverse backgrounds and differing ability levels.
• Willingness to support and participate in the diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.
• Ability to practice self‑awareness and respect while engaging with people of diverse backgrounds.

• Respirator Fit Test required; will be provided upon hire and ongoing as necessary.
• Valid driver license with acceptable motor vehicle…