Diagnostic Pathology Fellowship
 

Location of Program: Marin Headlands, Sausalito, California 

Reports to: Associate Pathologist, Dr. Maggie Martinez

Program Dates: January 5, 2026 – December 31, 2026, with potential to extend into a second year.

Position Classification: This is a fixed-term, full-time position.

Compensation: $81,120 - 90,000 annual

Benefits:

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

 

Program Overview

The Diagnostic Pathology Fellowship at The Marine Mammal Center will begin January 5, 2026, and is a 1-year, full-time fellowship open to veterinary anatomic pathologists, ACVP or ECVP board-certified or boards eligible, interested in gaining diagnostic experience in marine mammal pathology. Application period is open through November 10, 2025. The selection process will occur in November 2025, with notification to applicants to follow by end of November 2025 with anticipated fellowship start date on January 5, 2026.

 

The Diagnostic Pathology Fellow at The Marine Mammal Center is primarily service-oriented, with an emphasis on diagnostic casework, necropsy, histopathology, cytology, and data quality. This role will perform necropsies, trim formalin-fixed specimens, interpret histopathology, gain experience with cytology and clinical laboratory techniques and interpretation, and participate in necropsy reporting, database entry, and quality control. The anatomic pathology service provides training under the supervision of board-certified pathologists, with the goal of developing independent diagnostic skills while contributing to the Center’s pathology case load.

 

While the primary focus is on service responsibilities, the Diagnostic Pathology Fellow may have opportunities to present case reports or series at conferences, conduct a small independent research project, or contribute to ongoing collaborative studies. This role will work closely with veterinary staff, researchers, and training participants, and may assist in mentorship of externs or visitors throughout the year.

 

The majority of postmortem cases at the Center include pinnipeds (phocids and otariids), with occasional large and small cetaceans and sea otters. This fellowship is designed to strengthen diagnostic expertise in marine mammal pathology while advancing the mission of The Marine Mammal Center.

 

Essential Functions:

 

Necropsy: 40%

• Perform basic necropsy laboratory procedures as described in agreed necropsy and sampling protocols for dissection, specimen photography, specimen collection, data collection, necropsy report writing, and data entry.
• Perform basic necropsy procedures (basic dissection, tissue collection/preservation, tissue trimming, sample collection, etc.) on marine mammals.
• Ensures data entered into Center’s in-house electronic animal record system (Ruby) and record keeping is reflected timely and accurately. Performs quality control on internal data entry for cases, samples, and various research projects for accuracy within Ruby.
• Perform field necropsy of large whales while acting as a liaison with partner agencies such as California Academy of Sciences (CAS), including processing samples and assembly of paperwork including necropsy reports.
• Prepares and interprets cytology and other clinical pathology techniques and tests. May shadow or assist in clinical laboratory.
• May assist in maintaining pathology digital photo archive, including taking necropsy and histopathology photos in accordance with protocols and after training.
• May assist in review of necropsy protocols and sampling requirements on an annual basis or more frequently as required (e.g. Dependent on disease outbreaks or other unforeseen events).

Histology: 40%

• Perform basic histology laboratory procedures (trimming wet histopathology tissues) as per protocols.
• Interpret histopathology and other advanced techniques (e.g. transmission electron microscopy) under supervision and guidance of board-certified pathologists with goal of independent interpretation.

 

Training & Educational Outreach: 10%

• Trains and assists with training Teaching Hospital Program participants and pathology visitors in gross necropsy skills, anatomy and when appropriate in histopathology.
• Assists with maintaining Teaching Hospital Program materials regarding pathology.
• May train or assist in training external partners through various teaching opportunities (e.g. guest lectures, wetlabs).
• May train other staff, volunteers, or technicians on necropsy and/or histopathology.
• May present to donors or other behind-the-scenes visitors as needed.
• May present at internal forums or venues or speak with media as needed.

 

Research: 5%

• Assists in collecting specimens for collaborative (internal and external) research projects that require pathology specimens or results.
• May conduct small independent research project, case report or case series.
• May present research project, case report or case series at a conference (e.g. ACVP, IAAAM, WDA, SMM, AAZV).

 

Other Duties as Assigned: 5%

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

 

Qualifications and Experience

• DVM or equivalent degree from AVMA-accredited veterinary college is required.
• Minimum of two years of formal pathology residency training from a qualified program.
• Phase 2 boards eligibility is a minimum requirement; ACVP/ECVP diplomate status is desired.
• CA Veterinary License preferred, once accepted into fellowship. License to be obtained within the first 6 months of employment.
• Respirator Fit Test required which will be provided upon hire and ongoing as necessary.
• Valid driver license with acceptable motor vehicle record to maintain standards of insurability. (Must be 21+ years old as frequently driving company vehicles is required for this position.)
   

Physical Requirements 

• Ability to stand, walk, climb stairs and frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds throughout the primarily outdoor hospital for extended periods of time in variable weather conditions.
• Ability to perform physical work requiring manual dexterity, agility, strength and coordination.
• Ability to remain in a stationary position and move in an office environment for extended periods of time.
• Routinely uses standard office equipment requiring repetitive motion
• Ability to work at a desk for extended periods of time using a computer.
• Ability to walk/cover up to 5 miles during a shift on a frequent basis.
• Ability to drive/operate a vehicle for extensive periods of time, including operating large trucks to assist with transporting animals between sites.
• Ability to participate in cetacean mortality investigations, requiring training and use of sharp instruments.
   

Work Environment 

• Working in outdoor weather conditions and elements daily.
• Exposure to sharp instruments and needles.
• Risks associated with animal handling such as animal bites or scratches.
• Potential exposure to formalin.
• Potential exposure to allergens and zoonotic diseases.
• Involves strong smells associated with deceased animals and the care of animals.

 

ABOUT THE MARINE MAMMAL CENTER

The Marine Mammal Center is leading the field in ocean conservation through marine mammal rescue, veterinary medicine, science, and education. The Center is the largest marine mammal Teaching Hospital in the world and a critical training ground for veterinary professionals, combining high-quality animal care with hands-on learning experiences.

 

OUR MISSION

The Marine Mammal Center advances ocean health through marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation, research, and education.

 

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY

The Marine Mammal Center actively engages individuals from all backgrounds. We are committed to embracing diversity within our organization because we firmly believe that diverse employee teams help us to achieve our best organizational outcomes and provide the most effective support to the communities we serve. We are deeply dedicated to creating and maintaining an inclusive, equitable and supportive work environment. We strongly encourage people of color, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and non-binary people, veterans, parents, and individuals with disabilities to apply. The Center is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team. The Marine Mammal Center believes in growth and supporting our employees as best we can so they can become their best selves in and outside of work. We believe that a healthy work environment means building an inclusive culture where people can thrive together and feel supported and empowered. We believe in stretch versus constraint.

 

For more information, please visit our “About Us” page at www.marinemammalcenter.org

To Apply: Applicants must submit all the following materials to be considered for this program: incomplete applications will not be reviewed

1. Letter of intent that addresses the following prompts:
   1. What are your professional goals and how will a fellowship at the Center contribute to achieving them? 
   2. What are your experiences in teaching and mentoring others as well as your approach to working collaboratively in a team? 
   3. In what ways can the study of disease and pathology in marine mammals help us better understand and protect ocean health?
2. Current Curriculum Vitae (CV)
3. Name, email address, and phone number of three professionals familiar with the applicant’s academic and/or clinical performance. The Marine Mammal Center will initiate the Recommendation Form with your references upon submission of your application. This will come from hr@tmmc.org directly to your references.